What is This Symbol Used For (;)? Unlocking the Mystery of the Semicolon!

The Semicolon: What’s the Big Deal?

Well, if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen this little symbol (;) all over the place and thought, "What exactly is this for?" I mean, it’s not quite a period, not quite a comma—what’s its purpose? Honestly, when I first started using it, I wasn’t really sure either. I used it because it felt right sometimes, but I never understood it fully. But guess what? The semicolon is a powerful punctuation mark, and I’m here to break it down for you.

The semicolon (;) is a bit of a punctuation mystery, often misunderstood or neglected in writing. However, when used correctly, it can make your writing sharper and clearer. It’s like a little secret weapon for writers.

What is the Semicolon Really For?

Connecting Related Independent Clauses

Okay, so one of the main uses of the semicolon is to join two closely related independent clauses. Sounds fancy, right? Let me give you a quick example:

• "I went to the store; I forgot to buy milk."

Here, you could technically use a period, but the semicolon tells the reader that the two thoughts are tightly connected. It’s smoother than splitting them up with a period. When I was in school, I remember my English teacher saying, "A semicolon is like a soft period, linking thoughts." Pretty spot on, don’t you think?

When to Skip the Comma and Use a Semicolon

Now, there’s another scenario where semicolons shine. If you have a list of items that already contain commas, you can use semicolons to avoid confusion. Trust me, this is a real lifesaver.

For example:

• "On my trip, I visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Barcelona, Spain."

Without semicolons, this list would be all over the place. Imagine the confusion! This little punctuation mark helps maintain clarity when you’re dealing with complex lists. It’s like the punctuation version of a traffic cop, keeping everything in order.

How to Avoid Misusing the Semicolon

Don’t Overuse It

Honestly, I used to overdo it with semicolons when I first started writing. I thought they made me look smart or more formal, but that wasn’t the case. Too many semicolons can make your writing sound overly complicated or stilted. It’s all about balance.

Remember, semicolons are for situations where a period feels too abrupt, but a comma feels too weak. So, if you're on the fence about using one, ask yourself, "Do I really need to link these two clauses closely?" If not, just go with a period or comma instead.

When Not to Use a Semicolon

You don’t want to use a semicolon where you should be using a colon or a comma. This is a mistake I’ve seen a lot in articles or social media posts, and it can make your writing look a bit messy. For instance:

• Incorrect: "He loves three things; soccer, music, and pizza."
• Correct: "He loves three things: soccer, music, and pizza."

A semicolon isn’t meant to introduce lists—use a colon for that! I used to mix up colons and semicolons all the time, which, well, wasn’t great for my writing.

The Semicolon in Creative Writing: A Secret Weapon?

Giving Your Writing a More Fluid Tone

I have to admit, there’s something cool about using semicolons in creative writing. It gives your sentences a certain fluidity. Think of it as a way to combine the structure of a period with the flexibility of a comma. You can create long, flowing sentences that don’t feel too choppy. Take this, for example:

• "She loved to write; it was her escape from the world; she wrote every day, no matter how tired she was."

See how the semicolons connect the ideas smoothly? They help convey a sense of rhythm in writing. I started using them more often after talking with a writer friend, and I noticed my style felt a bit more polished.

How I Was First Introduced to the Semicolon

I remember the first time I really paid attention to the semicolon. It was during a conversation with a colleague, who’s a grammar geek (and I mean that in the best way). We were discussing how semicolons can elevate writing, and she dropped a classic example: "I have a dream; I have a vision." That simple sentence stuck with me. It felt powerful, yet effortless, and the semicolon was key to making it work.

Conclusion: Should You Embrace the Semicolon?

Honestly, the semicolon is a fantastic tool to have in your punctuation toolkit. It’s versatile and can make your writing more concise and connected. But like any tool, you need to use it wisely. Don’t go overboard, and make sure you understand when it’s the right choice—because misusing it can totally throw off your sentence flow.

So, next time you’re writing, take a moment to think about whether a semicolon can help make your point clearer or smoother. It might just become your new best friend.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.