One of the advantages of the semicolon is that almost nobody understands it (Marked decline in semicolons in English books, study suggests, 18 May). When I taught preparation classes for the TOEFL and IELTS English exams, I used to tell students that if they couldn’t decide between a full stop and a comma while writing essays, they should use a semicolon because the person grading their essay probably wouldn’t know if it was right either.
Brent Furnas
London
• Much of the description “an elderly, egotistical president cocooned from reality seeking re-election in 2024 despite significant concerns about his declining health and cognitive abilities” could apply to the other candidate (Original Sin: book on Biden’s health decline reopens Democratic party’s wounds, 18 May). I’d have gone with the one who wasn’t a venal megalomaniac.
Richard O’Brien
Highbridge, Somerset
• Jennifer Henley’s flatmate missed a trick (Letters, 18 May). Crushed crisps mixed with breadcrumbs and grated cheese is the best topping for fish in a cheesy sauce. Include some prawns and hard-boiled eggs with the fish and you have the perfect fish pie.
Pat Stevenson
Holywell, Northumberland
• Won’t get fooled again (The Who fire drummer Zak Starkey for second time in a month, 19 May).
Pete Dorey
Bath
• Re the photo on page 17 of the print edition on 21 May, you should perhaps point out that laburnum is poisonous.
Steve Lupton
Prestwich, Greater Manchester
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
