Recognize a Semicolon When You See One

The Semicolon

Recognize a semicolon when you see one. The semicolon [ ; ] is a powerful mark of punctuation with three uses. 1. The first appropriate use of the semicolon is to connect two related sentences. The pattern looks like this: C O M P L E T E S E N T E N C E + ; + C O M P L E T E S E N T E N C E .

Here is an example: Grandma still rides her Harley motorcycle; her toy poodle balances in a basket between the handlebars.

2. A semicolon can also team up with a transition—often a conjunctive adverb—to connect two sentences close in meaning. The pattern looks like this: C O M P L E T E S E N T E N C E + ; + transition + , + C O M P L E T E S E N T E N C E .

Check out this example: My father does not approve of his mother cruising around town on a Harley motorcycle; however, Grandma has never cared what anyone thinks.

3. Finally, use the semicolon to avoid confusion when you have complicated lists of items. The pattern looks like this: I T E M + , + more information + ; + I T E M + , + more information + ; + and + I T E M + , + more information

Read the following example: On a Harley motorcycle, my grandmother and her poodle have traveled to Anchorage , Alaska; San Francisco, California; and Tijuana, Mexico.

Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon: . The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. . Don't capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized. . Limit your use of semicolons; you should not scatter them wantonly throughout your writing. Semicolons are like glasses of champagne; save them for special occasions.

Name Date Semicolon Practice

Section 1 Directions: Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. 1) I want to wear the red shirt my favorite color is red. 2) Janie easily got an A on the test she studies very hard. 3) I hope I get a lot of presents today is my birthday. 4) The war is imminent the armies are ready.

Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs: Section 2 Directions: Use a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb to combine the following independent clauses.

1) I am really tired ______I cannot get to sleep. 2) I am wearing a sweater and a jacket ______I am cold. 3) Our mission seemed impossible ______we tried our best to accomplish it.

Section 3 Directions: Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to separate items in a list in the following sentences.

1) The store will be closed on the following days: Thursday, Dec. 24th Friday, Dec. 25th Saturday, Dec. 26th and Sunday Dec. 27th. 2) The company hired three new employees: Robert, who was 42 years old Juan, who was 28 years old and Dana, who was 24 years old.

Section 4 Directions: Use a semicolon in the appropriate place Insert any semicolons or commas needed in the following sentences.

1. He slept through his alarm luckily his first class was cancelled. 2. Tripping over the dog, I dropped my cup. 3. We practiced every day after school and all Saturday however we lost the game. 4. We baked six dozen cookies knowing that they always sell out fast. 5. At Halloween we gave out Reese's, Snickers, and Crunch bars, gumballs, caramels, and taffy, and apples and candy corn. 6. She's a little bit country, he's a little bit rock 'n roll. 7. You'll need to turn left on Cedar it's the third house on the right. 8. The rent is expensive moreover the house is pretty small. Answers:

Section 1 1) I want to wear the red shirt; my favorite color is red. 2) Janie easily got an A on the test; she studies very hard. 3) I hope I get a lot of presents; today is my birthday. 4) The war is imminent; the armies are ready.

Section 2 1) I am really tired; however I cannot get to sleep. 2) I am wearing a sweater and a jacket; still I am cold. 3) Our mission seemed impossible; nevertheless we tried our best to accomplish it.

Section 3 1) The store will be closed on the following days: Thursday, Dec. 24th ; Friday, Dec. 25th ; Saturday, Dec. 26th ; and Sunday Dec. 27th. 2) The company hired three new employees: Robert, who was 42 years old; Juan, who was 28 years old; and Dana, who was 24 years old.

Section 4 1. He slept through his alarm; luckily his first class was cancelled. 2. Tripping over the dog, I dropped my cup. 3. We practiced every day after school and all Saturday; however, we lost the game. 4. We baked six dozen cookies, knowing that they always sell out fast. 5. At Hallowe'en we gave out Reese's, Snickers, and Crunch bars; gumballs, caramels, and taffy; and apples and candy corn. 6. She's a little bit country; he's a little bit rock 'n roll. 7. You'll need to turn left on Cedar; it's the third house on the right. 8. The rent is expensive; moreover, the house is pretty small.