Re: Avoid the Semicolon in Tech Writing?

[dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com]

>
> Most users won't know what to do with a semicolon.

Respectfully...horsefeathers.

If the semicolon is used correctly, the reader won't even notice it.

The only problem is if the *writer* doesn't know what to do with a 
semicolon.  In that case, it's probably best to prohibit its use.

In my own style guides, there are even constructions that *require* a 
semicolon, particularly preceding "otherwise" and its variants:

  *  Blah blah; otherwise, blah blah blah.

  *  Blah blah; if not, blah blah blah.

You couldn't change any of those to periods and still have good English 
sentences.

Semicolons are also required in lists in which any element comprises 
another list:

  *  Your choices are A; B, C, and D; or E.

(Other legitimate uses of semicolons seem more a matter of style and 
preference.)

As with any tool, the value of the semicolon lies in its proper use. 
The policy stated in the style guide may simply reflect the abilities of 
the writersfor whom it was written.

--David

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