grammar: semicolons

Grammar

Semicolons

the SemicolonLike commas, semicolons indicate an

audible pause in the sentence. Some writers seem to think that semicolons are fancy commas that create longer pauses that

commas. This is not true. The most common use for a semicolon is to connect two short

sentences together:

I love semicolons; they make my writing seem smarter.

the SemicolonIn 2013 a girl named Amy

Bleuel lost her father to suicide. She began to fight for the prevention of suicide. She tattooed a semicolon on her body with a simple concept:

“A semicolon is used when an author could have ended a sentence, but chose not to.”

Rule #1Use semicolons to link two independent clauses when they are closely related.

Independent clause: Expresses a complete thought (could stand alone as a complete sentence).

BAD: I have one goal; to be an astronaut.

GOOD: I want to be an astronaut; my goal is to reach the stars.

EXAMPLE:

BAD: I had a great weekend; visiting with friends, playing golf, and eating at a nice restaurant.

GOOD: I had a great weekend; I visited with friends, played golf, and ate at a nice restaurant. BAD: Next weekend, I plan to go hiking; which is one of my favorite activities.

GOOD: Next weekend, I plan to go hiking; hiking is one of my favorite activities. BAD: It might rain next weekend, though; so I might have to stay inside.

GOOD: It might rain next weekend, though, so I might have to stay inside.

BAD: I like to spend time outdoors; and I can't stand to stay inside.

GOOD: I like to spend time outdoors; I can't stand to stay inside.

More EXAMPLES:

Practice 1 Directions:

Mark each sentence as “C” correct, or “I” incorrect. Change all incorrect sentences to make them accurate.

1. Mars is the next destination for space travel; NASA has future plans to build a station there.

2. Scientists are looking for water there; but they have not found any in liquid form.

3. The landscape of Mars is red, it is also rocky and arid.

Rule #1: Use semicolons to link two independent clauses when

they are closely related.

Rule #2

These are transition words. They show relationships between ideas.

Some conjunctive adverbs are: also, moreover, nevertheless, thus, hence, yet, however, otherwise,

therefore, then, finally, likewise and consequently. For a full list, see the next slide.

“Conjunctive Adverb”

Also use semicolons to link two independent clauses when there is a conjunctive adverb

connecting them.

Conjunctive Adverbs

Rule #2

BAD: I need to participate in astronaut training, also, I need to

alter my diet. GOOD:

I need to participate in astronaut training; also, I need to alter my diet.

EXAMPLE:

Also use semicolons to link two independent clauses when there is a conjunctive adverb

connecting them.

Practice 2 Directions:

Mark each sentence as “C” correct, or “I” incorrect. Change all incorrect sentences to make them accurate.

1. We must train astronauts for at least six years, otherwise, they might fail a mission.

2. There are giant craters on Mars; therefore, we should send a rover to explore them.

3. Some people want to explore Pluto, instead, we should be exploring Mars.

Rule #2: Also use semicolons to link two independent clauses when there is a conjunctive adverb connecting them.

Rule #3

BAD: The conference has people from Greenwich, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and

other places as well. GOOD: The conference has people from

Greenwich, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well.

EXAMPLE:

Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when one or more of the items contain commas.

Here, the semicolon functions as a “super comma”!

Practice 3 Directions:

Mark each sentence as “C” correct, or “I” incorrect. Change all incorrect sentences to make them accurate.

1. You can write with a pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible, by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat, or by pen, which is permanent!

2. You should choose ham, chicken, or char-grilled vegetable sandwiches, green, jasmine, or chamomile tea, or one of our many types of soup.

Rule #3: Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when one or more of

the items contain commas.

Good Luck!