SemicolonsZAC MORRIS & MIKAYLA HANSEN

Why Do We Use Semicolons?

To connect two independent clauses.

Wait.. What is an Independent Clause?

A clause contains a subject and a verb. It either stands alone or could stand alone.

Examples of Independent Clauses:

The cow is brown.My roommate is funny.

How to Use a Semicolon:

It is okay to use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that could otherwise stand as two single sentences.

Example of Using a Semicolon

My dog likes to bark; she has a shock collar.

This is an example of an independent clause that could stand alone.

This is also an independent clause that could stand alone without the clause before it.

What are three basic tips of using

Semicolons?

#1 Use a semicolon between items in a list or

series if any of the items contain commas.

Example:

There are two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is cheap and easy to access; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

#2 When using an adverbial conjunction, place a semicolon in front.

Adverbial conjunctions- these are word that are placed after the semicolon. Example:

I had never won before; therefore, I was delighted to win the pageant.

#3 When in doubt, don’t use a semicolon! You can get around

using a semicolon by separating the two independent clauses into two separate sentences.

Quiz Time!

Which of these is the proper use of a

Semicolon?

Which of these is the proper use of a

Semicolon?A. The cat is black, and; it is also old.

B. The cat is black; it is also old.

C. The cat is black and; it is also old.

Which of these is the proper use of a

Semicolon?A. The cat is black, and; it is also old.

B. The cat is black; it is also old.

C. The cat is black and; it is also old.