a
conjunctive adverb in short sentences where the break in the thought is
not formal or emphatic. For instance, when the conjunctive adverb _so_
is used as a formal or emphatic connective, a semicolon is desirable (I
won't go; so that's settled). But in the sentence, "I was excited, so I
missed the target", a comma is sufficient. For the use of _so_ is here
informal, and probably expresses degree as well as result. (Compare "I
was so excited that I missed the target").

=d. The semicolon is not used before quotations, or after the "Dear Sir"
in letters. Use a comma or a colon.= (See 91h, 93a, and 87b.)

Wrong: Mother said; "Let me get my needle."

Right: Mother said, "Let me get my needle."

Exercise:

1. The eggs tasted musty, they were cold storage eggs.

2. You should have seen that old, formally kept house, you
should have sat in that stuffy and immaculate parlor.

3. I objected to the plan however since he insisted upon it I
yielded.

4. I suppose I must go if I don't he will be anxious.

5. Although the note is due on March 19, you have three days of
grace, consequently you may pay it on March 22.

=The Colon=

=93a. The colon is used to introduce formally a word, a list, a statement
or question, a series of statements or questions, or a long quotation.=

Right: Only one man stood between Burr and the presidency:
Jefferson.

Right: My favorite novels are the following: _Ivanhoe_, _Henry
Esmond_, and _The Mill on the Floss_.

Right: The difficulty is this: Where is the money to come from?

Right: The measure must be considered from several standpoints:
Is it timely? Is it expedient? Is it just? Is it superior to
the other measures proposed?

Right: I shall do three things next year: study hard, take care
of my health, and enter into various student activities.

Right: Webster concluded with the following peroration: "When
my eyes shall be turned for the last time to behold the sun in
heaven," etc., etc.

=b. The colon may be used before concrete illustrations of a general
statement.=

Right: The colors were various: blue, purple, emerald, and
orange.

Right: The day was propitious: the sun shone, the birds sang,
the flowers sent forth their fragrance.

Exercise:

1. The city must have these improvements paved streets more
schools b