semi-colons
DESCRIPTION
Semi-colons. Dr. Karen Petit. A Definition of a Semi-colon. ;. A semi-colon can join separate—but similar—ideas into a single sentence. idea. independent clause subject + verb. ;. idea. independent clause subject + verb. An Independent Clause. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Semi-colons
Dr. Karen Petit
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A Definition of a Semi-colon
A semi-colon can join separate—but similar—ideas into a single sentence.
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An Independent Clause
An independent clause conveys one idea that can stand by itself as a complete sentence:
Clouds formed. All independent clauses must include:
a subject (who or what the sentence is about)
a verb (action or state of being)
Most independent clauses also have other items, such as adjectives and prepositional phrases:
Giant clouds formed in the sky.
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Semi-colon Placement
Correct placement of a semi-colon between two clauses will show readers the ending of one clause and the beginning of a second one; the result will be a clearer sentence.
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Semi-colon Uses
A semi-colon can connect:
Two independent clauses
Two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase
Word groupings containing internal commas
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Two Independent Clauses
A semi-colon can join two independent clauses into one sentence.
The wet leaves on the plants were a deep green color; the vegetables were shiny.
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Two Clauses with a Conjunctive Adverb or Transitional Phrase
When two clauses are joined with a conjunctive adverb or a transitional phrase, a semi-colon (or a period) must be placed before the adverb or phrase, and a comma is needed after it.
The rain became a soft drizzle and then stopped; finally, a rainbow appeared.
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Word Groupings Containing Internal Commas
Groupings of words and phrases sometimes contain multiple commas; semi-colons can show readers what items belong to which group.
The rainbow’s bright colors were visible in Warwick, Rhode Island; Norwich, Connecticut; and Plymouth, Massachusetts.
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A Semi-colon or a Period?
Both semi-colons and periods show readers different ideas (independent clauses) that are being separated from each other.•Semi-colons separate two ideas while also showing that the ideas are similar enough to be connected together into a single sentence:
The sun shone brightly; its warmth made everyone smile.
•Periods separate two ideas into different sentences. Both sentences should still have such connections as pronouns, transitions, and/or repeated words/ideas; however, a separate idea will be seen in each sentence:
The sun shone brightly. Despite the brightness and warmth, many people were frowning at their wet shoes.
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More Information
The Writing Center at the Community College of Rhode Island has more online resources.
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Contact Information
This presentation is the creation of
Dr. Karen Petit
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 401-825-2279