Expectancy Quote by Lewis Thomas
“It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a period. The period tells you that that is that; if you didn't get all the meaning you wanted or expected, anyway you got all the writer intended to parcel out and now you have to move along. But with a semicolon there you get a pleasant little feeling of expectancy; there is more to come; read on; it will get clearer.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Medusa and the Snail, 1970
Semicolons create anticipation and depth, inviting readers to continue and discover more meaning, unlike periods that end thoughts abruptly.
In simple terms: Semicolons keep readers engaged and expecting more.
Key Takeaway
Use semicolons to add nuance and flow.
Themes
writing
punctuation
anticipation
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- academic papers
- blog posts
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
syntax
reader engagement
narrative pacing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does punctuation affect your reading experience?
- When might a period be more effective?
A Different Perspective
Overuse can confuse or disrupt rhythm.
![“the American essayist Lewis Thomas on the semicolon: The semicolon tells you that there is still some question about the preceding full sentence; something needs to be added [ . . .] The period [or full stop] tells you that that is that; if you didn’t get all the meaning you wanted or expected…” quote by Lynne Truss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4b9/lynne-truss-4153_quote_the-american-essayist-lewis-thomas-on-th_2003613.jpg)
![“Positive self-expectancy is the first, most outwardly identifiable quality of a top-achieving, winning human being. Positive self-expectancy is pure and simple optimism: real enthusiasm for everything you do... [while] expecting the most favorable result from your own actions. There never was a…” quote by Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a38/denis-waitley-977_achieve_positive-self-expectancy-is-the-first-mo_171130.jpg)
