Transcript Using Semicolons

Using Semicolons
Why are semicolons important?
Semicolons between independent clauses
Semicolons between items in a series
Review A
Review B
Why are semicolons important?
A semicolon marks a pause in a
sentence. It is not quite as strong as
a period, but it is stronger than a
comma.
;
Slight
pause
(comma)
Medium
pause
(semicolon)
Strong
pause
(period)
some
The
some
The rain
rain finally
finally stopped
stopped;,. and
Some
sunlight
sunlight broke
broke through
through the
the clouds.
clouds.
Why are semicolons important?
Like other punctuation marks, semicolons help
readers follow your writing.
Confusing
In South America we visited
Santiago, Chile, Bogotá,
Columbia, and Lima, Peru.
Clear
In South America we visited
Santiago, Chile; Bogotá,
Columbia; and Lima, Peru.
[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, or, so, or
yet
Independent clause
Independent clause
Kim is a talented artist; she has even sold a few works.
Semicolons between independent clauses
Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent
clauses only if the clauses are closely related.
Incorrect
Thad likes Japanese food; his sister
has always been a picky eater.
These two clauses aren’t closely related.
Correct
sister
Thad likes Japanese food;. His
his sister
has always
been
picky
eater.
prefers
Indian
or aThai
dishes.
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. Lyle had practiced every night he was prepared
for the concert.
2. I really enjoyed that book you would probably like
it too.
3. Three candidates are running for mayor they all
have experience in public office.
4. Nina has many hobbies drawing and making
jewelry are two of them.
[End of Section]
Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses
joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional
expression.
It snowed all night; consequently, the roads
were hazardous the next morning.
The trip went well; in fact, it turned out to be
a great vacation.
Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the
transitional expression are each followed by a
comma.
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
Jamal plays basketball, hockey, and
baseball, and softball, of course, is his
sister’s favorite sport.
Jamal plays basketball, hockey, and
baseball; and softball, of course, is his
sister’s favorite sport.
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 Looking everywhere, we could not find
the mitt, the ball, or the bat, and Mom,
who had paid for them, was not pleased.
Clear
Looking everywhere, we could not find
the mitt, the ball, or the bat; and Mom,
who had paid for them, was not pleased.
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. Hank will not play basketball next year instead, he is
going to try out for soccer.
2. Michelle trims the bushes, pulls the weeds, and sweeps
the sidewalk, and the lawn is my responsibility.
3. The snow does not bother me, on the contrary, I love to
go walking right after a big snowfall.
4. The car, Alan, needs some repairs, and you will have to
pay for them.
[End of Section]
Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the
items contain commas.
Winners in the competition were Alisa Murphy,
first place; Jeff Bates, second place; and Eduardo
Davis, third place.
Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the
items contain commas.
My grandparents have called many different cities
home, including Seattle, Washington; Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania; and Atlanta, Georgia.
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 photography club will meet on Tuesday,
April 3, Friday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 10.
2. At the mall I bought several items I needed, such
as socks, a pair of jeans, and a belt.
3. The ushers will be Jared Green, brother of the
bride, Hershel Kemp, friend of the groom, and
Fred Keller, cousin of the groom .
[End of Section]
Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace
commas with semicolons where needed.
1. The two sides could not reach an agreement, however,
they were willing to meet again.
2. Mr. Harrell, the cook, Mrs. Chang, the gardener, and Ms.
Klein, the electrician, were all suspects.
3. We bring our own rackets, shoes, and bottled water, and
the balls, I believe, are provided at the gym.
4. The elevator is broken we will have to take the stairs.
[End of Section]
Review B
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace
commas with semicolons where needed.
1. My uncle has traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, London,
England, and Madrid, Spain.
2. The spring rains have begun soon the hillside will be
covered with wildflowers.
3. Close the lid tightly otherwise, the paint will dry out.
4. I missed several days of school because of illness, as a
result, I am behind on my work.
[End of Section]
The End