This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Grammar in the News ¶
Journalists, as professionals in the English language, are expected to master its nuances. However, a regular reader of this column recently pointed out the misuse of semi-colons and full colons before reported speech in news articles.
According to the reader, some articles use a full colon before a quote, while others use a semi-colon. The correct punctuation mark to use depends on the structure of the sentence and the relationship between the clauses.
When two or more similar clauses are used to form compound sentences, a comma is the proper punctuation mark to use. For example, 'He walked in, she walked out.'
However, when independent clauses are joined without a conjunction, a semi-colon is used. For instance, 'The Senate and National Assembly never cease to amaze; they are always at each other's throat.'
On the other hand, if a conjunction is used to join two independent clauses, a comma is employed. For example, 'Listening to Sonko speak in public functions is exhilarating, for he is full of surprises.'
A full colon is typically used at the end of a clause to indicate that what follows is related to the preceding clause. For example, 'True journalists require four attributes: honesty, courage, patience, and drive.'
It is essential to use the correct punctuation mark to avoid confusing the reader. By mastering the art of punctuation, journalists can effectively communicate their message and engage their audience.
Mr. Chagema is a correspondent for The Standard.
