Comma Splices How to use a semi-colon correctly

To splice is to join or weave together…. Electricians often join two shorter wires by forming a splice to create a longer wire.

Sometimes, writers try to tie two complete ideas together by using a comma to splice the sentences (independent clauses) into one longer sentence. Macbeth faced temptation he decided to kill Duncan to become King. Macbeth faced temptation, he decided to kill Duncan to become King.

This creates… a Comma Splice. Macbeth faced temptation, he decided to kill Duncan to become King.

To correctly join the two independent clauses: 1.Use a period between the two complete sentences. –M–Macbeth faced temptation. He decided to kill Duncan to become King.

2. Use a comma + a conjunction (and, or, but, so) –M–Macbeth faced temptation, and he decided to kill Duncan to become King. –M–Macbeth faced temptation, so he decided to kill Duncan to become King.

3. If the two sentences are very closely related, a writer may use a semi-colon to join them. A transitional word and comma is sometimes added. Macbeth faced temptation; he decided to kill Duncan to become King. Macbeth faced temptation; therefore, he decided to kill Duncan to become King.

The semi-colon A semi-colon is a stop in a sentence. It is a longer stop than a comma, but shorter than a full stop, like a period.

To correctly use a semi-colon: You must have: 1.two complete sentences (independent clauses)… 2. that are closely related.

I went to the grocery store. This is a complete sentence. I got milk while I was there. This is a complete sentence. They are closely related. I went to the grocery store; I got milk while I was there.

If you’re not sure how to use a semi-colon correctly, You’re never wrong to create two complete sentences separated by a period.

I went to the grocery store. I got milk.

But, try to avoid the choppy, Dick-and-Jane sentences; try for a smoother style.