Semicolons Examples from Frederick Douglass You have seen

Semicolons ;

Examples from Frederick Douglass “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465).

When to use semicolons Use semicolons between complete sentences (independent clauses) that are closely related in thought. “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465).

When to use semicolons Normally, do not use a semicolon if the two complete sentences are joined by the conjunctions and, but, for, nor, so or yet. Instead, use a comma before the conjunction. “You have seen how a man was made a slave, and you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465).

Another example from Douglass “I was made exceedingly feeble by the kicks and blows which I had received; however, I watched my chance, while Covey was looking in the other direction, and started for St. Michael’s” (465).

When to use semicolons Use a semicolon between complete thoughts (independent clauses) joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. “I was made exceedingly feeble by the kicks and blows which I had received; however, I watched my chance, while Covey was looking in the other direction, and started for St. Michael’s” (465).

Some other times to use semicolons You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas (see slide 4). “The work was simple, requiring strength rather than intellect; yet, to one entirely unused to such work, it came very hard” (465).

Some other times to use semicolons You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas. “While I was in the act of throwing down some blades from the loft, Mr. Covey entered the stable with a long rope; and just as I was half out of the loft, he caught hold of my legs, and was about tying me” (468).

Some other times to use semicolons Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. UNCLEAR: I have visited Rome, Georgia, Cairo, Illinois, and Paris, Texas.

Some other times to use semicolons • • Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. CLEAR: I have visited Rome, Georgia; Cairo, Illinois; and Paris, Texas.