Why are semicolons important?

Semicolons between independent clauses

Semicolons between items in a series

Review A

Review B

Using Semicolons

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.

;

The rain finally stopped. Some sunlight broke through the clouds.The rain finally stopped, and some sunlight broke through the clouds.

Slight pause (comma)

The rain finally stopped; some sunlight broke through the clouds.

Medium pause (semicolon)Strong pause (period)

Why are semicolons important?

In South America we visited Santiago, Chile, Bogotá, Columbia, and Lima, Peru.

Like other punctuation marks, semicolons help readers follow your writing.

Confusing

In South America we visited Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Columbia; and Lima, Peru.

Clear

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Semicolons between independent clauses

Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses

Kim is a talented artist; she has even sold a few works.

• are closely related in meaning and

• are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet

Independent clause Independent clause

A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related.

Semicolons between independent clauses

Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related.

Thad likes Japanese food; his sister has always been a picky eater.

Incorrect

Thad likes Japanese food; his sister prefers Indian or Thai dishes.

These two clauses aren’t closely related.

These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

Correct Thad likes Japanese food. His sister has always been a picky eater.

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.

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Semicolons between independent clauses

On Your Own

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.

consequently,

The trip went well; in fact, it turned out to be a great vacation.

in fact,

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.

Jamal plays basketball, hockey, and baseball, and softball, of course, is his sister’s favorite sport.

Confusing

ClearJamal 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.

Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat, and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased.

Confusing

Clear Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat; and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased.

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.

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Semicolons between independent clauses

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.

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.

On Your Own

Semicolons between items in a series

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 .

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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.

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Review B

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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.

The End