English III All About Semi Colons

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: identify a dependent and independent clause, subject, predicate, conjunction, and conjunctive adverb (and yes, you’ll know how to properly use a semi-colon). identify a dependent and independent clause, subject, predicate, conjunction, and conjunctive adverb (and yes, you’ll know how to properly use a semi-colon).

Background Information -A semi-colon can be used to join two independent clauses. What’s a clause? It is a group of words with a subject (who or what it’s about) and a predicate (verb or action). An independent clause makes sense on its own, (for example … The game was over.) -A dependent clause has to borrow some info to make sense, (for example … After the game was over). You’re waiting for info to know what happened. You can’t use a semi-colon with dependent clauses.

More Semi-colons can’t be used with a conjunction. What’s a conjunction? Remember FANBOYS. You can have two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction between them. Examples: The walls had been gray, and we painted them yellow. (Conjunction+Comma) OR: The walls had been gray; we painted them yellow. (Semi Colon instead). Either example above is correct. It’s a choice you have as a writer. Either example above is correct. It’s a choice you have as a writer.

Semi Colons and Conjunctive Adverbs Besides joining two independent clauses by itself, a semi-colon can also be used with a conjunctive adverb between those two independent clauses. You can join a semi-colon with a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs are words that join whole clauses to each other and indicate the nature of the connection. Sounds like romance eh?

Need some examples?. Conjunctive adverbs you might use are: however, therefore, consequently, moreover, besides, instead, furthermore, hence, nevertheless, otherwise. 1. We went to Elliott’s house; nevertheless, we had a good time. 2. Ellen took cough syrup; consequently, she stopped hacking in class.

The semi –colon has 3 main uses: 1.It joins two independent clauses when there is no conjunction. For example…My mother is Korean; my father is German. 2.It joins 2 independent clauses when a conjunctive adverb is used between the clauses. For example… You are ill; therefore, you should stay home. 3.For clearer separation, the semi-colon is used to separate complicated unrelated items. For example…We had visitors from: Goderich, Ontario; Gull Bay, Newfoundland; Winston, Quebec; and Seoul, South Korea.

In the sentences below, rewrite each two ways. Use a semi colon first. Next rewrite each with a comma and conjunction. 1. We study therefore we make good marks. 2. I love Italian food Lasagna is my favorite. 3. It requires great effort to pass the Bar Exam however I am up to the task.

Quick Questions (I hope you paid attention!) 1.What is a conjunction? Give an example. 2.What’s the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause? 3.What is a subject? 4.What is a predicate? 5.Which punctuation goes better with conjunctions? 7.What is a conjunctive adverb? Give an example. 8. A sentence with a conjunctive adverb will probably have what other two punctuation marks?