<p>I was hoping to get someone's opinion on whether or not I should use periods instead of semicolons in my writing. I use a lot of semicolons when I write, but I'm not sure if colleges will like it. </p>
<p>Here's an example: Im no longer held in bondage by the desire of selfish gain; I have a newfound peace that is both pure and genuine; Ive even developed a wonderful lifelong friendship.</p>
<p>Would it be better to just use periods?</p>
<p>While you used it correctly, the semi-colon should only be used when the ideas between two sentences are extremely close together. In other words, semi-colons are special and should avoid being overused. Additionally, it is a wise idea to only put one in between the beginning of a sentence and a period. Putting more the way you have written it makes it look like you are listing ideas, which chops up the flow of your ideas.</p>
<p>1st & 2nd clause, neither, connect with wording precision not punctuation.
3rd. clause. (use period) new thought, new sentence. </p>
<p>GL, BTW- a good essay will have at least a half dozen rewrites.</p>
<p>Thank you both! </p>
<p>@Sosomenza That is the absolute truth! I’ve written countless versions for my Common App.</p>
<p>Periods would make your sentences too staccato in this case, but personally I like to use coordinating conjunctions and (occasionally) em dashes rather than semicolons.</p>
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<p>This. It looks pretentious if you have too many.</p>
<p>Also consider an em-dash (the longer one) for a pause when the ideas are connected.</p>
<p>“I am enjoying my newfound peace—in fact, I now turn off my phone all day on Sundays.”</p>
<p>The answer to your question is yes, overuse of semicolons will annoy not help. You almost answered your own question when you say you use a lot of semicolons, recognizing perhaps that nothing you have read by any good author does so. You should cease doing so because the period is usually the correct choice, and would be with the example you give.</p>
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<p>As an example, I might do something like this:</p>
<p>I’m no longer held in bondage by the desire for selfish gain—I have a newfound peace that is both pure and genuine, and I’ve even developed a wonderful lifelong friendship.</p>
<p>Would the be a good place for the em dash?
My hesitancy to become Nathaniel’s driver revealed to me that although I had always enjoyed helping people, I only did so when it was convenient for me–I was never truly sacrificial in my service to others.</p>
<p>Yes. I think so.</p>