1. Using Semicolons Why are semicolons important?
Semicolons between independent clauses
Semicolons between items in a series
Review A
Review B

2. Why are semicolons important?;
A semicolon marks a pause in a sentence. It is not quite as strong as a period, but it is stronger than a comma.
Slight pause (comma)
Medium pause (semicolon)
Strong pause (period)
The rain finally stopped; some sunlight broke through the clouds.
The rain finally stopped, and some sunlight broke through the clouds.
The rain finally stopped. Some sunlight broke through the clouds.

3. Why are semicolons important?
Like other punctuation marks, semicolons help readers follow your writing.
Confusing
In South America we visited Santiago, Chile, Bogotá, Columbia, and Lima, Peru.
Clear
In South America we visited Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Columbia; and Lima, Peru.
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4. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses if the independent clauses
are closely related in meaning and
are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet
Independent clause
Independent clause
Kathy is a talented artist; she has even sold a few works.

5. Semicolons between independent clauses
Remember: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses only if the clauses are closely related.
Kyle likes Japanese food; his sister has always been a picky eater.
Incorrect
These two clauses aren’t closely related.
Thad likes Japanese food; his sister prefers Indian or Thai dishes.
Kyle likes Japanese food. His sister has always been a picky eater.
Correct
A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related.
These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

6. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
Add semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.
Daniela had practiced every night she was prepared for the concert.
I really enjoyed that book you would probably like it too.
Three candidates are running for mayor they all have experience in public office.
4. Nina has many hobbies drawing and making jewelry are two of them.
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7. Semicolons between independent clauses
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
It snowed all night; consequently, the roads were hazardous the next morning.
consequently,
The trip went well; in fact, it turned out to be a great vacation.
in fact,
Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are each followed by a comma.

8. Semicolons between independent clauses
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.
Keith plays basketball, hockey, and baseball, and softball, of course, is his sister’s favorite sport.
Confusing
Keith plays basketball, hockey, and baseball; and softball, of course, is his sister’s favorite sport.
Clear

9. Semicolons between independent clauses
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma) before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain commas.
Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat, and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased.
Confusing
Looking everywhere, we could not find the mitt, the ball, or the bat; and Mom, who had paid for them, was not pleased.
Clear

10. Semicolons between independent clauses
On Your Own
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. Maurice will not play basketball next year instead, he is going to try out for soccer.
2. Hannah trims the bushes, pulls the weeds, and sweeps the sidewalk, and the lawn is my responsibility.
3. The snow does not bother me, on the contrary, I love to go walking right after a big snowfall.
4. The car, Leila, needs some repairs, and you will have to pay for them.
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11. Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
Winners in the competition were Julie Mai, first place; Julius Caesar, second place; and Victor Febles, third place.

12. Semicolons between items in a series
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items contain commas.
My grandparents have called many different cities home, including Seattle, Washington; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Atlanta, Georgia.

13. Semicolons between items in a series
On Your Own
Change commas to semicolons where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.
1. The photography club will meet on Tuesday, April 3, Friday, April 6, and Tuesday, April 10.
2. At the mall I bought several items I needed, such as socks, a pair of jeans, and a belt.
3. The ushers will be Malik Jones, brother of the bride, Davis Weaver, friend of the groom, and Noah Kemp, cousin of the groom .
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14. Review A
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. The two sides could not reach an agreement, however, they were willing to meet again.
2. Mr. Jaimes, the cook, Mrs. Canty, the gardener, and Ms. Lord, the electrician, were all suspects.
3. We bring our own rackets, shoes, and bottled water, and the balls, I believe, are provided at the gym.
4. The elevator is broken we will have to take the stairs.
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15. Review B
In the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed.
1. My uncle has traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, London, England, and Madrid, Spain.
2. The spring rains have begun soon the hillside will be covered with wildflowers.
3. Close the lid tightly otherwise, the paint will dry out.
4. I missed several days of school because of illness, as a result, I am behind on my work.
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16. The End