THE SEMICOLON Taking your writing from DRAB to

THE SEMICOLON ; -) Taking your writing from DRAB to FAB!!

WHAT IS IT? Like commas, semicolons separate elements in a sentence. The semicolon, however, signals a more emphatic break than a comma. A Semi-colon is a comma on STEROIDS! ; =

SEMICOLON RULE #1 Use a semi-colon to join TWO, RELATED independent clauses. An independent clause contains a subject & a verb and can stand alone as a sentence. Good Example: Abigail Williams was orphaned when Indians killed her parents in front of her; she uses this as proof that she could kill her friends. NOT GOOD: Abigail Williams was orphaned when Indians killed her parents; she likes cupcakes.

SEMICOLON RULE #2 Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that joins two independent clauses Conjunctive adverbs: therefore, however, otherwise, consequently, besides, nevertheless, and moreover. Ex. Miller used Abigail Williams to symbolize corruption; however, Judge Danforth’s corruption is more severe. >

YOUR GOAL • In your final draft (DUE WED!), you must use 3 sentences using semi-colons. They must be properly punctuated! • Here’s a student example: • Original: • The main purpose of Miller's The Crucible is to show us the corruption of people with power. Miller shows this through the actions of three characters, Judge Danforth, Abigail Williams, & Rev. Parris. • Improved with a semi-colon & omitting needless words: • Miller’s purpose in The Crucible is to demonstrate the dangers of corruption of people in power; Miller shows