1. The Ever Popular and Useful Semi-Colon

2. When do I use a semicolon?
A semicolon joins two sentences that are closely related. Unlike a period, the semicolon uses a longer pause instead of stopping at the first sentence. The semicolon connects the two thoughts.

3. When do I use a semicolon?
For example, the two sentences: Tommy calls them spuds, and Ben calls them potatoes, are so closely related, they can be joined by a semicolon. Tommy calls them spuds; Ben calls them potatoes. This is a perfect example of using a semicolon because the two complete thoughts are so closely related, a speaker using a pause would express it better than a speaker who stops in between.

4. What is a conjunctive adverb?
When the job of an adverb is to connect ideas, we call it a conjunctive adverb.
A conjunctive adverb can join two independent clauses. In this situation, the conjunctive adverb behaves like a coordinating conjunction and connecting two complete ideas. (Remember FANBOYS?) Notice, however, that you need a semicolon, not a comma, to connect the two clauses.
Main Clause + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + Main Clause.

5. Some Conjunctive Adverbs
accordingly consequently conversely finally furthermore hence
however indeed instead meanwhile moreover nevertheless next
nonetheless otherwise similarly still subsequently then therefore thus

6. If a semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses, just what is an independent clause?
Dependent
CANNOT stand alone.
Independent-
can stand alone.
Independent-
can stand alone.

7. Independent and Dependent Clauses
The independent clause is a sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate. An independent clause can stand alone.
The boy ate.
The dog ran away from home.
The lizard digested forty-four candy bars.
The dependent clause is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone.
When I left school. (What happened?)
Next year if I go on vacation. (What about next year? What about the vacation?)
If she really liked me. (What would she do?)

8. Let’s look at how we can connect two related sentences.
Sentence 1: Some people like watching football.
Sentence 2: Others like watching baseball.
New sentence using a semicolon: Some people like watching football; others like watching baseball.

9. Some people like watching football on TV; others like watching baseball.
NOTE: These ideas
have a common ground.
NOTE: the word following
the semicolon is lower case.

10. However…
Some people like watching football on TV; however, some people prefer going to the stadium to watch the game.

11. Copy the following sentences on a piece of loose leaf and punctuate each correctly: 1. I love ELA but I also love earth science I love ELA I also love algebra Pizza is a great snack but I prefer tacos Pizza is a great snack I prefer tacos Pizza is a great snack however I prefer tacos.