A plea on behalf of the semicolon.

[RJM Corbet]

Originally Posted by HareBrain

Unless you're introducing a list or an explanation/definition, I don't think there are many instances where you should use a colon rather than a semi. I use semi-colons a lot; I think I picked it up from Lord of the Rings as a child.

Oh, I really like that 24k gold ring; wonder if it works? (not the one in my skimlink, the one in HB's skimlink).

[Ursa major]

Originally Posted by Vertigo

...they do lead you in with a feeling of expectancy!

Does that mean the pause associated with this punctiation mark is a pregnant one...?

[Vertigo]

I came across this today:

Rule 5:
Use the semicolon between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.
Examples:
When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her.

I have to say this is a use of the semicolon that I was unaware of and I don't think I've seen it used. I think I would have noticed.

[Kaldaur]

Just saw that today as well. I just look at this revelation as further proof of the semicolon's dormant but wonderful talents.

[Vertigo]

Yeah I'm still not convinced by that one. I would have just used a comma in their examples (maybe not the first one but I might have used a period there).