;;;;; Semicolons ;;;;; Semicolons link together two independent clauses Reminder – An independent clause is essentially a sentence. It can stand all alone. It is independent – it doesn’t need any help to make sense.
Semicolon Formula Independent clause ; independent clause.
Semicolons You can link with semicolons two ways WITH the help of a conjunctive adverb WITHOUT the help of conjunctive adverb
With a conjunctive adverb Conjunctive adverbs However Moreover Therefore Consequently Otherwise Nevertheless thus I am late for school; therefore, I will not stop for breakfast.
Without a conjunctive adverb I am late for school; I will not stop for breakfast. It snowed all night; I had to shovel the sidewalk this morning.
Practice Combine the two clauses with a semicolon My mom said I need to stay home and study. I failed a test today.
Practice I failed a test today; my mom said I need to stay home and study.
Practice Combine the two clauses using one conjunctive adverb My mom said I need to stay home and study. I failed a test today.
Practice I failed a test today; therefore, my mom said I need to stay home and study. I failed a test today; consequently, my mom said I need to stay home and study.
Practice Combine the two clauses using a conjunctive adverb. I feel sick today. I am still going to basketball practice.
Practice I fell sick today; however, I am still going to basketball practice.