Semicolon When the Verb Is Omitted in the Second Clause
The Semicolon
Rulebase Summary
Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses when the verb in the second clause is omitted because it is understood from context. A comma takes the place of the missing verb within the second clause. This construction is common in parallel or comparative statements.
Morson's Rule 26 · p.19
Examples
✗
A. Mr. Torres handled the civil cases, Ms. Garza, the criminal matters.
✓
A. Mr. Torres handled the civil cases; Ms. Garza, the criminal matters.
Semicolon separates clauses; comma replaces the omitted verb 'handled.'
✗
A. The first accident occurred on Monday, the second, on Thursday.
✓
A. The first accident occurred on Monday; the second, on Thursday.
Verb 'occurred' is implied — semicolon between clauses.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's
Rule 26
Page 19