Grammar: Semicolons

Semicolon rules

1. Gramm!
Semicolons

2. the Semic"#
Like 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.

3. the Semic"#
In 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.”

4. Rule #1
Use 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:

5. 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:

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Conjunctive Adverbs

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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”!

12. 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.

13. G$d
Luck!