Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs

What is a semicolon? The semicolon is a punctuation mark. It looks like this ; It is located on most keyboards two keys left of Enter.

The semicolon… …connects independent clauses (complete sentences). …connects two related ideas. …separates a list within a list. …shows contrast between two ideas. …increases the flow of ideas within a sentence.

The Semicolon: Just Right Punctuation guides readers to briefly pause and continue, or stop because a new idea is about to be presented. The semicolon indicates the reader should moderately pause. The comma = The semicolon = The period = Yield

Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs Semicolons are used in a sentence with conjunctive adverbs. What is a conjunctive adverb? Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses. They indicate a relationship between the two ideas. If they are used in a sentence, they should be followed by a comma.

Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive Adverb List Examples accordingly incidentally anyway indeed also instead besides likewise certainly moreover consequently nevertheless further next finally now furthermore otherwise however therefore undoubtedly NASA plans on sending astronauts to Mars; accordingly, intensive training has begun. Society now agrees that smoking is bad for one’s health; consequently, more and more people are quitting.

Semicolons and Contrast Semicolons demonstrate a contrast of ideas. Example: My father thinks the Eagles will win; however, I think the Ravens will win. Linking these sentences makes sense with a semicolon because they both present opinions about the same topic.

Semicolon Review The semicolon indicates a moderate pause in a sentence. When used with a conjunctive adverb, a comma must follow the adverb. Semicolons follow an independent clause.