Using Semicolons Why are semicolons important Semicolons between

Using Semicolons Why are semicolons important? Semicolons between independent clauses Semicolons between items in a series Review A Review B

Why are semicolons important? ; Notice that a semicolon contains both a period and a comma. You can think of it as a blend of the two. A semicolon marks a pause in a sentence. It is not quite as strong as a period, but it is stronger than a comma. Strongpause Slight Medium pause (period) (comma) (semicolon) Patty likes to act; her act. Her act, but sister gets stage fright.

Why are semicolons important? Semicolons are just the right punctuation mark to signal a medium pause and to help readers follow your writing. Confusing Rain soaked the earth plants became green fragrant flowers bloomed. Clear Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed. [End of Section]

Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses • are closely related in meaning and • are not joined by and, but, for, nor, so, or yet Independent clause Ted noticed the weather; he put on his raincoat.

Semicolons between independent clauses Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related. Incorrect Josh wants to go to Spain; she wants to go swimming. These two clauses aren’t closely related. Correct Josh wants to go to Spain. ; She she wants to. France. go swimming. to go to A period is clauses used since two related. clauses A These two are the closely are not closely related. semicolon can be used to join them.

Semicolons between independent clauses On Your Own Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. 1. Maria is the faster sprinter Angie is the best longdistance runner. 2. Roger might enjoy that movie Faye would also probably like it. 3. This book has great photos I love this shot of a mother giraffe with her baby. 4. The recreation center offers many activities gymnastics and basketball are two of them.

Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. Emma felt shy; however, she soon made some friends. for example, he rings a My bird does tricks; for bell with his beak. Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are followed by commas.

Semicolons between independent clauses You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. Confusing Clear June sat with Tony, Pat, and me, and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli. June sat with Tony, Pat, and me; and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli.

Semicolons between independent clauses You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. Confusing Clear Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen, and John, my brother, found his lost watch. Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen; and John, my brother, found his lost watch.

Semicolons between independent clauses On Your Own In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1. Lara’s father is a successful poet in fact, he has published three books of poetry. 2. Denny, Scott, and Teresa went to the movies, and Heidi, Colleen, and I went to the park. 3. Grandma usually goes to Maine in the summer, however, last year she went in September. 4. Matty, this book is overdue, and you need to return it. [End of Section]

Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. Three of the largest cities in the United States were New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; and Chicago, Illinois.

Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. It is a pleasure to introduce Mrs. Boyce, our mayor ; Ms. Lincoln, the editor of Newport Daily News; and Mr. Quinn, our guest of honor.

Semicolons between items in a series On Your Own Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1. The film club met on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 23. 2. I bought my sister several gifts, including a book, a skirt, and a tennis racket. 3. Contact the following committee chairpersons: Anna Chen, fundraising, Ben Cohen, volunteer services, and Donna Massad, event planning. [End of Section]

Review A In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1. The game began on time unfortunately, it was stopped because of rain. 2. Mr. Pope, a graphic designer, Mrs. Hill, an illustrator, and Ms. Chen, a writer, all helped with the project. 3. Our dog likes to hide things he once hid my gym uniform under my bed. 4. My grandparents will arrive on Tuesday, June 8, and the next day, if everyone is rested, we will leave for Florida. [End of Section]

Review B In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1. Rita e-mails friends in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Lima, Peru. 2. The moon is rising over the mountains it is full and bright in the twilight. 3. Artists find inspiration in everyday life, for example, nature can be a rich source of ideas. 4. Kim, my cousin, and Gary, her friend, came by to see me, and Hank, my brother, fixed us all lunch. [End of Section]

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