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The pen is on the table. Next to the phone. vs The pen is on the table; next to the phone.

Both phrases are correct, but they serve different purposes. The first phrase uses a period to separate two independent sentences, while the second phrase uses a semicolon to connect two related independent clauses. The choice between a period and a semicolon depends on the level of connection you want to convey between the two statements.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 2220 views

The pen is on the table. Next to the phone.

This phrase is correct as it separates two independent sentences with a period.

Use a period to separate two independent sentences that are not closely related.

Examples:

  • She went to the store. She bought some milk.
  • He finished his homework. Then he went to bed.
  • ...on the table. next to the fruit.
  • ...on the table. next to the fruit.
  • So, his new medication is on the table.
  • Everything you want from me tonight is on the table.
  • Look, our baby monitor is on the table.
  • So partnership is on the table.
  • Servants' lunch is on the table.
  • The moral imperative is on the table.
  • My recorder is on the table.
  • Jeremy, your food is on the table.
  • Okay. This is on the table.
  • Your dinner is on the table.
  • Your mail is on the table.
  • Your breakfast is on the table.
  • Jackson, breakfast is on the table.
  • All food is on the table.
  • Your breakfast is on the table.
  • The Jarlsberg is on the table.
  • Leadership is required at both the national and European levels to implement the solution which is on the table.
  • Servants' lunch is on the table.

The pen is on the table; next to the phone.

This phrase is correct as it connects two related independent clauses with a semicolon.

Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses.

Examples:

  • She sings beautifully; her voice is captivating.
  • The team worked hard; they won the championship.
  • The EU put a good deal on the table; we were waiting for serious counter-offers and were sadly disappointed by what came back.
  • But not as the guy on the table; the guy doing open-heart surgery.
  • We have them on the table; we are going to have to give more.
  • Mr President-in-Office of the Council, all the factors for resolving this problem are on the table; the ball is in your court.
  • That issue is now on the table; it is serious, it is unresolved.
  • Mr President, I should like to thank the MEPs - the rapporteurs - who have done so much work in order to put a coherent package on the table; because that is what the finished product is.
  • The V.P. slot is on the table because Russo tanked.
  • The VP slot is on the table because Russo tanked.
  • Everything that we have is on the table now...
  • So, his new medication is on the table.
  • Everything you want from me tonight is on the table.
  • Look, our baby monitor is on the table.
  • So partnership is on the table.
  • Our offer is on the table for... 30 minutes.
  • Servants' lunch is on the table.
  • The moral imperative is on the table.
  • My recorder is on the table.
  • A range of measures is on the table which ought to be used.
  • Jeremy, your food is on the table.
  • Okay. This is on the table.

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