1. Compound Sentences Conjunctions and Semicolons

2. Compound Sentences A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses. These clauses are joined with commas and conjunctions or with a semicolon.

3. Independent Clause An independent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb, so it can stand alone as a sentence. 1. My cat likes birds. 2. She can spike the volleyball. 3. The teacher was great at teaching her students about semicolons.

4. Conjunctions There are seven conjunctions: are, but, or, nor, yet, for, so. When using conjunctions, you must use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. We all get older, but not everyone gets wiser.

5. Semicolons ;

6. What is a semicolon? A semicolon separates parts in a sentence. It is stronger than a comma but not as strong as a period. ; Can you see how it is part comma and part period?

7. When do I use one? You use a semicolon to separate 2 independent clauses, just like you would a period. However, you do NOT capitalize the word that comes after a semicolon unless it’s a proper noun or the pronoun “I” (just like a comma) The mistake was simple; the result was disastrous.

8. Be careful! Be careful to not use semicolons inappropriately. After the movies; we went to the mall. Why is this incorrect?

9. Let’s practice! 1.Yellow jackets are a kind of wasp their smooth, brown bodies are marked with yellow stripes. Correction: Yellow jackets are a kind of wasp; their smooth brown bodies are marked with yellow stripes.

10. Let’s Practice 2. The pickup truck roared down the dirt road huge clouds of dust trailed behind it. Correction: The pickup truck roared down the dirt road; huge clouds of dust trailed behind it.

11. Let’s Practice 3. The Venus flytrap is an unusual plant it eats insects. Correction: The Venus flytrap is an unusual plant; it eats insects.

12. Let’s Practice 4. The book was a bestseller it sold out in a week. Correction: The book was a bestseller; it sold out in a week.

13. Let’s Practice 5. Hugo was shot from a cannon he sailed across the circus tent. Correction: Hugo was shot from a cannon; he sailed across the circus tent.