Semicolon

While many people use the semicolon as an emoticon, writers use it between two independent clauses that are NOT joined with a conjunction to show a more intimate relationship between ideas than a period would suggest. The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition, removes the mystery from the semicolon, allowing people to get beyond the emoticon and into effective prose. - Rule 6.54

Semicolons with “however,” “therefore,” “indeed,” and the like.

When joining two independent clauses, certain adverbs should be preceded by a semicolon instead of a comma. These transitional adverbs are thus, indeed, accordingly, however, hence, therefore, besides, and, occasionally, then. While a comma typically follows an adverb, it can be omitted entirely if the sentence seems strong without it. - Rule 6.55

Example

The accuracy of Sam’s oboe is never an issue; besides, it is the musician who makes the music, not the instrument.

Semicolons in a complex series.

Separating items in a series that have internal punctuation with semicolons aids clarity. If ambiguity is not an issue, commas can be used instead. - Rule 6.58

Example

The sales for the middle school band fundraiser were as follows: Flutes, $80; Saxophones, $45; Trumpets, $72; Percussion, $102.

The student, with hopes of raising her plummeting grades, complained that she had, on coach's orders, skipped the exam in favor of getting more sleep; that her performance —which had also been abysmal on the field —was due to lack of sleep; and that she had not slept in days.

Semicolons with “that is,” “for example,” “namely,” and the like.

Semicolons may precede expressions such as that is, for example, or namely when they introduce an independent clause. - Rule 6.56

Example

Sean wanted to play the wii U; that is, he wanted to beat the next level in Super Mario 3D.

Patrick didn't like her attitude; for example, she was abrasive and condescending.

Semicolons before a conjunction.

Independent clauses are normally introduced by conjunctions preceded by commas. However, to effect stronger, more dramatic separations between clauses, a semicolon can be used. A semicolon can also be used when the second independent clause contains internal punctuation. - Rule 6.57

Example

Keira wanted to be an alien for Halloween; yet the ninja costume turned out to be just what she wanted.

Laura really wanted to knit the sweater herself; but the time constraints, together with the cost of the wool, convinced her to wait until her schedule was less demanding.

The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2010.

For a PDF of this post, please visit the Grammar PDF page.

Cartoonist: Lauren Fishman

To hyphenate... Or not to hyphenate... That is the question.

By far, the most common spelling quandary for writers and editors concerns compound terms. Should we hyphenate, combine into one term, or keep them separated? A dictionary can help with most compound spelling conundrums, and so can these few simple rules from The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition.

Some definitions.
An Open Compound is spelled as two or more words. (Ex. high school and leap year)
A Hyphenated Compound is spelled with one or more hyphens. (Ex. mother-in-law and one-half)
A Closed Compound is spelled as a single word. (Ex. shipbuilder and copyeditor)
A Permanent Compound is a single word that has been accepted through general use and can be found in the dictionary. (Ex. website and worldwide)

Adverbs ending in “ly.”
Compounds formed by an adverb ending in ly plus an adjective or participle (such as funkily dressed and barely composed) are not hyphenated either before or after a noun, since ambiguity is virtually impossible. The ly ending with adverb signals to the reader that the next word will be another modifier, not a noun.

Compound modifiers before or after a noun
When compound modifiers precede a noun, hyphenation usually lends clarity. It is never incorrect to hyphenate adjectival compounds before a noun, exceptions being proper nouns (such as United States) and compounds formed by an adverb ending in ly plus and adjective. When ly compounds follow the noun they modify, hyphenation is usually unnecessary, even for adjectival compounds that are hyphenated in Webster’s (such as well-read or ill- humored).

Multiple hyphens.
Multiple hyphens are usually appropriate for such phrases as an over-the-counter drug and winner- takes-all contest. If, however, the compound modifier consists of an adjective that itself modifies a compound, additional hyphens may not be necessary. The expression late nineteenth-century literature is clear without a second hyphen.

Omission of part of a hyphenated expression.
When the second part of a hyphenated expression is omitted, the hyphen is retained, followed by a space. Ex. eight- and twenty-year loans (multiple entities) but
Ex. a eight-by-ten-foot rug (a single entity) Omission of the second part of a solid compound
follows the same pattern.
Ex. both over- and underfed sharks
but

Ex. overfed and overworked squirrels (not overfed and -worked squirrels)

New Yorker cartoon by Jack Ziegler

Chicago Manual of Style 16th ed., p 372-384. 

Hyphenation Guide for Commonly Misunderstood Words

Category/specific term                          Example                                               Summary of Rule
age terms	a two-year-old a twenty-four-year-old man a group of five- to six-year-olds but ten years old forty years of age	Hyphenated in both noun and adjective forms (except as in the last two examples); note the space after the first hyphen in the third example. The examples apply equally to ages expressed as numerals.
colors	grayish-brown log blue-green water black-and-white photo but his shirt was grayish brown the water was blue green the situation is not black and white	Hyphenated before but not after a noun.
compass points and directions	northwest southeast west-northwest a east-west street the tracks run east-west	Closed in noun, adjective, and adverb forms unless three directions are combined, in which case a hyphen is used after the first.
fractions, compounds  formed with	a half hour a half-hour class a quarter mile a quarter-mile run an eighth rest	Nouns are open; adjective form hyphenated.
time	a four thirty the four-thirty bus a five o’clock call the 6:00 p.m. show	Usually open; forms such as “Three thirty.” “four fifty,” etc., are hyphenated before a noun.
combining forms	electrocardiogram socioeconomic politico-scientific research the practico-inert	Usually closed if permanent, hyphenated if temporary.
phrases, adjectival	an over-the counter medicine a matter-of-fact rebuke sold over the counter her tone was matter of fact	Hyphenated before a noun; usually open after a noun.

Chicago Manual of Style 16th ed., p 372-384.