1. Why are semicolons important? Semicolons between independent clauses Semicolons between items in a series Review A Review B Using Semicolons

2. Why are semicolons important? Notice that a semicolon contains both a period and a comma. You can think of it as a blend of the two. A semicolon marks a pause in a sentence. It is not quite as strong as a period, but it is stronger than a comma. ; Patty likes to act. Her sister gets stage fright. Patty likes to act, but her sister gets stage fright. Slight pause (comma) Patty likes to act; her sister gets stage fright. Medium pause (semicolon) Strong pause (period)

3. Why are semicolons important? Rain soaked the earth plants became green fragrant flowers bloomed. Semicolons are just the right punctuation mark to signal a medium pause and to help readers follow your writing. Confusing Rain soaked the earth; plants became green; fragrant flowers bloomed. Clear [End of Section]

4. Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clausesindependent clauses Ted noticed the weather; he put on his raincoat. are closely related in meaning and are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet Independent clause

5. Semicolons between independent clauses Independent clause An independent clause (or main clause) has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence. Subject The campers were not afraid. Wolves howled in the distance. Verb Subject Verb The campers were not afraid. Wolves howled in the distance. The campers were not afraid.

6. Josh wants to go to Spain ; she wants to go to France. Josh wants to go to Spain. She wants to go swimming. A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related. Semicolons between independent clauses Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related. Josh wants to go to Spain; she wants to go swimming. Incorrect These two clauses aren’t closely related. These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them. Correct

7. Remember, a semicolon must be followed by an independent clause, not a phrase. Also, the first word in an independent clause after a semicolon is lowercased, not capitalized. Semicolons between independent clauses Manuel looked out at the downpour; put on his boots and raincoat. “Put on his boots and raincoat” doesn’t have a subject, so it is a phrase, not an independent clause. Manuel looked out at the downpour; then he put on his boots and raincoat. Now there are two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.

8. 1.Gwen likes classical music Fred prefers jazz. 2.Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah they display a menorah. Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. 3.It has been snowing all night the trees are covered in white. Semicolons between independent clauses

9. 1.Gwen likes classical music Fred prefers jazz. ; Semicolons between independent clauses Clause #1: Gwen likes classical music Clause #2: Fred prefers jazz These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon. Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed.

10. 2.Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah they display a Menorah. Semicolons between independent clauses ; Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. Clause #1: Mimi’s family celebrates Hanukkah Clause #2: they display a menorah These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

11. 3.It has been snowing all night the trees are covered in white. ; Semicolons between independent clauses Identify the two independent clauses in each sentence. Then, add the semicolon where it is needed. Clause #1: It has been snowing all night Clause #2: the trees are covered in white These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

12. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. 1.Maria is the faster sprinter Angie is the best long- distance runner. 2.Roger might enjoy that movie Faye would also probably like it. 3.This book has great photos I love this shot of a mother giraffe with her baby. 4.The recreation center offers many activities gymnastics and basketball are two of them. Semicolons between independent clauses On Your Own

13. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. 1.Maria is the faster sprinter Angie is the best long-distance runner. 2.Roger might enjoy that movie Faye would also probably like it. 3.This book has great photos I love this shot of a mother giraffe with her baby. 4.The recreation center offers many activities gymnastics and basketball are two of them. ; ; ; Semicolons between independent clauses ; Answers

14. Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.conjunctive adverbtransitional expression Emma felt shy ; however, she soon made some friends. however, My bird does tricks ; for example, he rings a bell with his beak. for example, Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are followed by commas.

15. A conjunctive adverb shows how ideas relate to each other. It expresses a relationship between two independent clauses. Common Conjunctive Adverbs alsohowevermeanwhilestill besidesinsteadneverthelessthen consequentlylikewiseotherwisetherefore Semicolons between independent clauses Conjunctive adverbs

16. A transitional expression shows how ideas fit together. It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses. Common Transitional Expressions as a resultfor examplefor instancein fact in spite ofin conclusionin other wordsthat is Semicolons between independent clauses Transitional expressions

17. When a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression appears within one of the clauses, it is set off by commas. Semicolons between independent clauses That quilt is quite old; it is, in fact, filled with cotton. Notice that the two clauses are still separated by a semicolon.

18. Semicolons between independent clauses You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. June sat with Tony, Pat, and me, and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli. Confusing Clear June sat with Tony, Pat, and me ; and Max sat with Flora, Mia, and Karli.

19. Semicolons between independent clauses You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas. Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen, and John, my brother, found his lost watch. Confusing Clear Searching for the key, I found a dime, a nickel, and a pen ; and John, my brother, found his lost watch.

20. If a sentence is clear without a semicolon, don’t add one just because the clauses contain commas. Semicolons between independent clauses Donny, you are a talented artist, and your sister is, too. A comma is all that is needed between these two independent clauses.

21. 1.I’ll bring the plates, drinks, and cups and the sandwiches will be delivered. 2.The skit is suited for our team that is, it has enough parts for everyone. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. 3. Mayor Chavez was scheduled to speak however, he canceled at the last minute. Semicolons between independent clauses

22. 1.I’ll bring the plates, drinks, and cups and the sandwiches will be delivered. ; Semicolons between independent clauses Because the first independent clause has commas, this sentence would be confusing without the semicolon. A semicolon makes the sentence clear. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

23. 2.The skit is suited for our team that is, it has enough parts for everyone. Semicolons between independent clauses ; A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by transitional expressions such as that is. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

24. 3.Mayor Chavez was scheduled to speak however, he canceled at the last minute. ; Semicolons between independent clauses A semicolon is used between independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs such as however. Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

25. On Your Own In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1.Lara’s father is a successful poet in fact, he has published three books of poetry. 2.Denny, Scott, and Teresa went to the movies, and Heidi, Colleen, and I went to the park. 3.Grandma usually goes to Maine in the summer, however, last year she went in September. 4.Matty, this book is overdue, and you need to return it. [End of Section] Semicolons between independent clauses

26. Answers Semicolons between independent clauses In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1.Lara’s father is a successful poet in fact, he has published three books of poetry. 2.Denny, Scott, and Teresa went to the movies, and Heidi, Colleen, and I went to the park. 3.Grandma usually goes to Maine in the summer, however, last year she went in September. 4.Matty, this book is overdue, and you need to return it. ; ; ^ ; ^ C

27. Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. Three of the largest cities in the United States were New York, New York ; Los Angeles, California ; and Chicago, Illinois.

28. Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. It is a pleasure to introduce Mrs. Boyce, our mayor ; Ms. Lincoln, the editor of Newport Daily News ; and Mr. Quinn, our guest of honor.

29. 1.My uncle will visit on Thursday, March 25, Friday, March 26, or Saturday, March 27. 2.I spend most of my time with Eric, my brother, Chris, my best friend, and Lenny, my cousin. 3.Would you prefer to live in San Francisco, California, Boise, Idaho, or Portland, Oregon? For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary. Semicolons between items in a series

30. 1.My uncle will visit on Thursday, March 25 ; Friday, March 26 ; or Saturday, March 27. Semicolons between items in a series For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary. Item #1: Thursday, March 25 Item #2: Friday, March 26 Item #3: Saturday, March 27 A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

31. Semicolons between items in a series For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary. 2.I spend most of my time with Eric, my brother ; Chris, my best friend ; and Lenny, my cousin. Item #1: Eric, my brother Item #2: Chris, my best friend Item #3: Lenny, my cousin A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

32. 3.Would you prefer to live in San Francisco, California ; Boise, Idaho ; or Portland, Oregon? Semicolons between items in a series For each of the following sentences, identify each item in the series. Then change commas to semicolons where necessary. Item #1: San Francisco, California Item #2: Boise, Idaho Item #3: Portland, Oregon A semicolon is used between items in a series when the items contain commas.

33. On Your Own Semicolons between items in a series Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1.The film club met on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 23. 2.I bought my sister several gifts, including a book, a skirt, and a tennis racket. 3.Contact the following committee chairpersons: Anna Chen, fundraising, Ben Cohen, volunteer services, and Donna Massad, event planning. [End of Section]

34. Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1.The film club met on Monday, May 8, Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 23. 2.I bought my sister several gifts, including a book, a skirt, and a tennis racket. 3.Contact the following committee chairpersons: Anna Chen, fundraising, Ben Cohen, volunteer services, and Donna Massad, event planning. Answers Semicolons between items in a series ; ^ ; ^ C ; ^ ; ^

35. Review A In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1.The game began on time unfortunately, it was stopped because of rain. 2.Mr. Pope, a graphic designer, Mrs. Hill, an illustrator, and Ms. Chen, a writer, all helped with the project. 3.Our dog likes to hide things he once hid my gym uniform under my bed. 4.My grandparents will arrive on Tuesday, June 8, and the next day, if everyone is rested, we will leave for Florida. [End of Section]

36. In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1.The game began on time unfortunately, it was stopped because of rain. 2.Mr. Pope, a graphic designer, Mrs. Hill, an illustrator, and Ms. Chen, a writer, all helped with the project. 3.Our dog likes to hide things he once hid my gym uniform under my bed. 4.My grandparents will arrive on Tuesday, June 8, and the next day, if everyone is rested, we will leave for Florida. Review A ; ; ; ^ ; ^ ; ^

37. Review B [End of Section] In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1.Rita e-mails friends in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Lima, Peru. 2.The moon is rising over the mountains it is full and bright in the twilight. 3.Artists find inspiration in everyday life, for example, nature can be a rich source of ideas. 4.Kim, my cousin, and Gary, her friend, came by to see me, and Hank, my brother, fixed us all lunch.

38. Review B In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1.Rita e-mails friends in Tokyo, Japan, Paris, France, and Lima, Peru. 2.The moon is rising over the mountains it is full and bright in the twilight. 3.Artists find inspiration in everyday life, for example, nature can be a rich source of ideas. 4.Kim, my cousin, and Gary, her friend, came by to see me, and Hank, my brother, fixed us all lunch. ; ; ^ ; ^ ; ^ ; ^

39. The End