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 • 2319 views

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

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

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

...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.

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

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

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

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

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