[Grammar] Is this a sentence?

[mollymetz]

"Some philosophers maintain that language is essential to formulating certain thoughts; others, that even the most complex thoughts are independent of words."

It seems like it is missing a verb in the 2nd half, but it was in a book as a correct. Any thoughts would be a great help.

Thanks

 

[Rover_KE]

Welcome to the forums, Molly.:-D

It looks good to me. The verb ('maintain') is understood in the second half.

 

[mollymetz]

Welcome to the forums, Molly.:-D

It looks good to me. The verb (maintain) is understood in the second half.

Thanks Rover! Just to clarify, I thought that semicolons can only be used when there are two independent clause. The later part of this sentence is not an independent clause.

 

[Barb_D]

It is, but the verb has been omitted. I know this doesn't make sense to people who try to follow simple rules. But a native speaker reading this would automatically provide the verb from the first clause.

I fed the cat. Jim, the dog. = Jim fed the dog.

It's a style choice and should not be used frequently. It avoids repeating the verb.

 

[mollymetz]

Thank you Barb. Your explanation makes sense; I get it now.

 

[Rover_KE]

Your appreciation is welcome but there is no need to write a new post to say Thank you. Simply click the Thank button on any posts you find helpful. It means that we don't have to open the thread again to read your new post and then find that it doesn't include any new information or an additional question.​