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

Why are semicolons important? ; A semicolon marks a pause in a sentence. It is not quite as strong as a period, but it is stronger than a comma. Slight pause (comma) Medium pause (semicolon) Strong pause (period) The rain finally stopped; some sunlight broke through the clouds. The rain finally stopped, and some sunlight broke through the clouds. The rain finally stopped. Some sunlight broke through the clouds.

Why are semicolons important? Like other punctuation marks, semicolons help readers follow your writing. Confusing In South America we visited Santiago, Chile, Bogotá, Columbia, and Lima, Peru. Clear In South America we visited Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Columbia; and Lima, Peru. [End of Section]

Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses are closely related in meaning and are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet Independent clause Independent clause Kim is a talented artist; she has even sold a few works.

Semicolons between independent clauses Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related. Thad likes Japanese food; his sister has always been a picky eater. Incorrect These two clauses aren’t closely related. Thad likes Japanese food; his sister prefers Indian or Thai dishes. Thad likes Japanese food. His sister has always been a picky eater. Correct A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related. These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

Semicolons between independent clauses On Your Own Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences. Lyle had practiced every night he was prepared for the concert. I really enjoyed that book you would probably like it too. Three candidates are running for mayor they all have experience in public office. 4. Nina has many hobbies drawing and making jewelry are two of them. [End of Section]

Semicolons between independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. It snowed all night; consequently, the roads were hazardous the next morning. consequently, The trip went well; in fact, it turned out to be a great vacation. in fact, Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are each followed by a comma.

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. Jamal plays basketball, hockey, and baseball, and softball, of course, is his sister’s favorite sport. Confusing Jamal plays basketball, hockey, and baseball; and softball, of course, is his sister’s favorite sport. Clear

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. Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat, and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased. Confusing Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat; and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased. Clear

Semicolons between independent clauses 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. Hank will not play basketball next year instead, he is going to try out for soccer. 2. Michelle trims the bushes, pulls the weeds, and sweeps the sidewalk, and the lawn is my responsibility. 3. The snow does not bother me, on the contrary, I love to go walking right after a big snowfall. 4. The car, Alan, needs some repairs, and you will have to pay for them. [End of Section]

Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. Winners in the competition were Alisa Murphy, first place; Jeff Bates, second place; and Eduardo Davis, third place.

Semicolons between items in a series Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas. My grandparents have called many different cities home, including Seattle, Washington; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Semicolons between items in a series On Your Own Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C. 1. The photography club will meet on Tuesday, April 3, Friday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 10. 2. At the mall I bought several items I needed, such as socks, a pair of jeans, and a belt. 3. The ushers will be Jared Green, brother of the bride, Hershel Kemp, friend of the groom, and Fred Keller, cousin of the groom . [End of Section]

Review A In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1. The two sides could not reach an agreement, however, they were willing to meet again. 2. Mr. Harrell, the cook, Mrs. Chang, the gardener, and Ms. Klein, the electrician, were all suspects. 3. We bring our own rackets, shoes, and bottled water, and the balls, I believe, are provided at the gym. 4. The elevator is broken we will have to take the stairs. [End of Section]

Review B In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. 1. My uncle has traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, London, England, and Madrid, Spain. 2. The spring rains have begun soon the hillside will be covered with wildflowers. 3. Close the lid tightly otherwise, the paint will dry out. 4. I missed several days of school because of illness, as a result, I am behind on my work. [End of Section]

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