Parallel Structure

[Jennifer Nevsky]

How does the principle of parallel structure inform the usage of a semicolon construction? Do both sides of the semicolon need to have the same construction? For example, can one use a simple sentence on one side of the semicolon and a compound sentence on the other?

[5jj]

You posted this question at 17.56. Please don't clog up the system with multiple postings.

[2006]

[QUOTE=Jennifer Nevsky;706494]How does the principle of parallel structure inform the usage of a semicolon construction? Do both sides of the semicolon need to have the same construction? no
For example, can one use a simple sentence on one side of the semicolon and a compound sentence on the other? Yes you can. But those are components, not sentences, when they are separated by a semicolon. The whole thing is a sentence.
But I know what you mean.

Sara will leave on Tuesday; I will leave on Wednesday, and the others will leave on Thursday or Friday.

But if the components on either side of the semicolon are too complicated, it would probably be better to have two sentences.

/QUOTE]
2006

[Jennifer Nevsky]

I am not sure I understand components, a term you used in your explanation. Could you explain, please?

[jlinger]

components = parts, sections, phrases, elements
Each side of the semicolon is one component. And a component may be further divided into sub-components.

See - English is just as easy as splitting the atom!