2. Semicolons are often overlooked in writing, but can be a powerful tool when linking related independent clauses. In your writing, you can replace a period with a semicolon in order to take away the pause between two statements. We often see run-on sentences with words such as and, but, nor, or yet. Using semicolons can help to replace these words and avoid the drawn out sentences.

3. "Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week." Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice

4. "Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England. He came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately. He is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

6. 1.How does this semicolon shape the meaning of its sentence and the excerpt? 2. Why would Austen choose one sentence with semicolons over two or three short sentences?

7. Looking at your writing, how many of you used any semicolons? Did you use them effectively?