How do semicolons create tension?

1 Answer
Aug 27, 2016


They signal a mid-sentence shift in direction.


Unlike the colon (which is followed by a clarifiacation or reinforcement of what was said prior to it) and the comma (which is a brief pause for effect or breath), the semicolon heralds a sharp shift in tine and direction in the middle of a sentence. This could certainly cause tension.