Know what? I really, honestly, truly dislike colons and semicolons. Never knew how to use them properly, probably never will. I should just stop trying and leave them to the professionals.
I like semcolons; I used to use them too much. Now I try to use them only when no other punctuation will do: when I want a shorter pause than a full stop, but a comma would create a run-on (although asyndeton is fun and very British), and a dash would seem -- I don't know -- too cutesy/breathless. As for ellipses, well...
As long as you never say that about ellipses then I'll be fine. If you can't stand those... then well... I'm screwed.
ReplyDeleteI find your...blog...so appealing largely because of your...elipses.
ReplyDeleteI like semcolons; I used to use them too much. Now I try to use them only when no other punctuation will do: when I want a shorter pause than a full stop, but a comma would create a run-on (although asyndeton is fun and very British), and a dash would seem -- I don't know -- too cutesy/breathless. As for ellipses, well...
ReplyDeleteRichard: you handle your punctuation like Mifune handled a sword. (heart pitter patter)
ReplyDeleteRichard... Is; Such, A: Showoff!
ReplyDeleteMeade: That's just beautiful. I'm nominating you for the e e cummings punctuation award.
ReplyDelete