Writing Lab Semicolons

Semicolon Use The main uses of the semicolon are as follows: to separate two independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction. to separate two independent clauses separated by a conjunctive adverb. to separate items in a series containing internal commas.

Semicolon Examples Evita didn’t rise through hard work and dedication; she found other means. Twenty of the applicants had college degrees; however, most of them were clearly unqualified for the position. The new SGA officers are Juan Rodriguez, president; Sharisse Brunson, secretary; and Mauldin Wittenbuer, treasurer.

Let’s Practice! Writing courses sometimes focus on argumentation, there isn’t enough time in a writing course to study logic. Correct: Writing courses sometimes focus on argumentation; there isn’t enough time in a writing course to study logic. Educational TV is probably good for children however, it may tend to make them bored with regular classrooms. Correct: Educational TV is probably good for children; however, it may tend to make them bored with regular classrooms.

Let’s Practice! cont. Many people were inspecting the new models however few seemed to be buying. Correct: Many people were inspecting the new models; however, few seemed to be buying. Their road trip included stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Denver, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Utah, Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Correct: Their road trip included stops in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson