How to parse. ...

192

HINTS ON'

[Par. 310-312.

that has a complete sense by itself. The Colon is
therefore used to shew some close relation between
two or more sentences by combining them in one.
The relation indicated may be consequence, cause,
antithesis, similarity, &c.: -
"How the door was opened no one knew: on the
evening of the robbery it had been locked as
usual."
3IO The Semi-colon (" half-member") is used between
co-ordinate statements where a shorter pause is
desired than that marked by the Colon. Generally,
where there are more than two co-ordinate statements
in a graphic description, the Semi-colon would be
preferred to the colon:"After a terrific struggle, the infantry were forced
back into the gates; the combined fleet and
army opened fire upon the city; and preparations were made for an immediate assault."
311 If the Co-ordinate Conjunction is inserted, the
Semi-colon is generally preferred to the Colon: -
"Trial by jury is popularly attributed to Alfied the
Great; but this is only an instance of the common tendency to associate popular institutions
witl popular names."
The Full-Stop requires no comment.
3I2 The Note of Interrogation is used, not only
after questions asked for information, but also after