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Semicolons

Semicolons. Review Chapter 29, pages 477-485. Semicolons. Semicolons are used to separate parts of a sentence -- … -- from the main clause. such as independent clauses, items in a series, or explanations or summaries. Semicolons.

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Semicolons

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  1. Semicolons Review Chapter 29, pages 477-485

  2. Semicolons • Semicolons are used to separate parts of a sentence -- … -- from the main clause. • such as independent clauses, • items in a series, or • explanations or summaries

  3. Semicolons • Semicolons make a stronger break in the sentence than a comma.

  4. You have a choice of punctuation • The comma • The semicolon • The colon • A writer needs to decide on the relationship between ideas.

  5. Independent clauses • When independent clauses are not joined by a coordinating conjunction, they are separated by a semicolon.

  6. Coordinating conjunctions • Coordinating conjunctions connect individual words, phrases or clauses of equal rank.

  7. Examples of coordinating conjunctions • And (shows connections) • For (shows causality) • Nor (shows contrast) • Yet (shows contrast) • But (shows contrast) • Or (shows choice) • So (shows result)

  8. Look at these sentences … The house burned down; it was the last shattering blow. We have made several attempts to reach you by telephone; not a single call has been returned.

  9. When using a conjunctive adverb • Conjunctive adverbs include • However • Nevertheless • Otherwise • Therefore • Besides • Hence • Indeed • Instead • Nonetheless • Still • Then • Thus

  10. Use a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs The funds are inadequate; therefore, the project will close down. Enrollments exceed all expectations; however, there is a teacher shortage. He knew tickets for the performance would be scarce; therefore, he arrived at the concert hall two hours early.

  11. Long series with commas • When terms are ambiguous or have commas within them, use semicolons.

  12. Look at these sentences • In the next year, they plan to open stores in Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Belleville, Illinois; Breckenridge, Colorado; and Martinez, California.

  13. Another example • Academically talented students were selected on the basis of grades; tests of vocabulary, memory, reading, inductive reasoning, math, and perceptual speed and accuracy; and teacher recommendations.

  14. Another use for semicolons • A semicolon is used before i.e., e.g., that is, for example, etc., when the next part of the sentence is a complete clause.

  15. Examples On the advice of his broker, he chose to invest in major industries; i.e., he invested in steel, automobiles, and oil. She organizes her work well; for example, she puts correspondence in folders of different colors to indicate degrees of urgency.

  16. Final reminder • Semicolons do not need to confuse you. See them as the fulcrum of a seesaw. • Whatever is on either side must be a complete thought or a series with commas.

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