Semi Colon Rules Only 4 rules to remember

Semi Colon Rules (Only 4 rules to remember)

Semi Colon Rule 1 Use a semicolon between two independent clauses (sentences) to make a compound sentence. He stopped at the farm. I continued into the city. He stopped at the farm; I continued into the city. A compound sentence also can be made with a comma and conjunction. He stopped at the farm, and I continued into the city. My workload continues to increase; my paycheck continues to decrease. My workload continues to increase, but my paycheck continues to decrease.

Semi colon Rule 2 When a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase begins the second sentence of a compound sentence, place a semicolon after the first sentence. Conjunctive adverbs: nevertheless, however, consequently, thus, therefore, etc. T. J. is an excellent ball player; however, he does not play for our team. Transitional phrases: after all, even so, in fact, etc. Character education in our schools is an opportunity; in fact, it is a necessity.

Semi Colon Rule 3 Place semicolons to separate items in a series if commas within the series are confusing. Place the semicolons to separate into readable and understandable sections. Unclear commas: We are going to New Haven, Ohio, Millersburg, Indiana, Clifton, Missouri, and Claflin, Iowa. Semicolons: We are going to New Haven, Ohio; Millersburg, Indiana; Clifton, Missouri; and Claflin, Iowa. Unclear commas: His doctor appointments are scheduled for Friday, March 2, Tuesday, April 3, Wednesday, May 5, and Monday, June 1. Semicolons: His doctor appointments are scheduled for Friday, March 2; Tuesday, April 3; Wednesday, May 5; and Monday, June 1.

Semi colon Rule 4 If a compound or compound/complex sentence contains confusing commas, place a semicolon with a conjunction. Compound: For the test, you need pens, paper, pencils, and a ruler; and it helps to sleep well the night before. Compound/complex: She smiled when she received the title, crown, and bouquet; but the audience noticed her disapproval of the kiss. Semicolon rule 4 is often bypassed by placing a period after the first independent clause and beginning a new sentence with the second independent clause. For the test, you need pens, paper, pencils, and a ruler. It helps to sleep well the night before.