1. Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs

2. What is a semicolon? The semicolon is a punctuation mark.
It looks like this ;
It is located on most keyboards two keys left of Enter.

3. The semicolon… …connects independent clauses (complete sentences).
…connects two related ideas.
…separates a list within a list.
…shows contrast between two ideas.
…increases the flow of ideas within a sentence.

4. The Semicolon: Just Right
Punctuation guides readers to briefly pause and continue, or stop because a new idea is about to be presented.
The semicolon indicates the reader should moderately pause.
The comma =
The semicolon =
The period =
Yield

5. Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs
Semicolons are used in a sentence with conjunctive adverbs.
What is a conjunctive adverb?
Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses.
They indicate a relationship between the two ideas. If they are used in a sentence, they should be followed by a comma.

6. Semicolons and Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive Adverb List
Examples
accordingly incidentally
anyway indeed
also instead
besides likewise
certainly moreover
consequently nevertheless
further next
finally now
furthermore otherwise
however therefore
undoubtedly
NASA plans on sending astronauts to Mars; accordingly, intensive training has begun.
Society now agrees that smoking is bad for one’s health; consequently, more and more people are quitting.

7. Semicolons and Contrast
Semicolons demonstrate a contrast of ideas.
Example:
My father thinks the Eagles will win; however, I think the Ravens will win.
Linking these sentences makes sense with a semicolon because they both present opinions about the same topic.

8. Semicolon Review
The semicolon indicates a moderate pause in a sentence.
When used with a conjunctive adverb, a comma must follow the adverb.
Semicolons follow an independent clause.