Keyboard Mystery
 

Whilst reading some of the remembrance notices in the old newspaper, I've notice the following twiddley bit use many times ; what is it called, and what exactly is it used for, can't make any sense of its usage from the Observer.
Also whilst on the subject of thingy's on keyboards, whats the diferrence between the usage of and, and & when is it appropriate to use the later.

Retlaw.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

This explains the use of the semicolon ; as clearly as mud The Semicolon

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Retlaw, it is a semi colon....and this explains its use.

How to use a semicolon - The Oatmeal

I know this is an American site, but I liked the way it explains it.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Neil, I think mine is better. :D

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Semi colon ; and Ampersand &. You're probably best looking at some kind of writers/writing site for an explanation of uses Retlaw. :)

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Still as clear as mud.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

I know you don't like me cutting and pasting Retlaw but this is as good a description of the use of the semi colon ; as you'll get:

Semicolon (;) - Oxford Dictionaries Online

As for the ampersand, it's not usual to use it in a sentence instead of "and". Its main use is in things like company names (Marks & Spencer) or pairs like Mr & Mrs or rhythm & blues, and book or movie titles such as Thelma & Louise.

Hope this helps.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

The other twiddly bit is an Ampersand......used for the word 'and'........but personally I wouldn't use it other than in something like Marks & Spencers.
Again here is something about it.

Grammar Girl : Ampersand :: Quick and Dirty Tips

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Sue...you beat me to it. :D

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

I thought your link was going to be a bit more interesting than it was. I was looking forward to Grammer Girl's dirty tips :rolleyes:

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

I think this is aimed at children...and so I thought it would be as clear as it could be.......I understood it.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Yes Neil.....I thought you might...what a good reason for posting the link......to lead a moderator on.
That's the naughtiest thing I have done all day...but it isn't bedtime yet:D.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

You are a terribly naughty girl, from the bedtime comment I assume you will be sneaking choccy biccies into bed later for a midnight snack :rolleyes:

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

no nothing like that....what I meant was....I still have time to be naughty....but I'm not saying how naughty:D

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Thanks Margaret.
This bit explains it more or less exactly as I need to use in in my files. I've been using that other dooffer as in Howard & Bullough's, so I got that bit right.
So whats this thingy used for :

Retlaw

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

That is a colon.
Here is some information on the use of the colon.

Colons | Punctuation Rules

I hope this helps.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

I'll make do with commas and fullstops:D

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

The thing at the end of your sentence is a smiley,

A fullstop is slightly different.

:)

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Na its sometimes these as well:eek:;):rolleyes::cool::confused::thefinger

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Tha missed one, thowt this wur thi favwrit full stop :tongueout

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

I did try to find one like the'oatmeal' site...but didn't succeed.

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Only where your concerned Retlaw:tongueout

Re: Keyboard Mystery
 

Blame the keyboard Less.:D