Semicolons

SemicolonsSemicolons

Unit 4Unit 4

22 of 10 of 10Unit 4 SemicolonsUnit 4 Semicolons

Unit 4 SemicolonsUnit 4 Semicolons

Replacing ConjunctionsReplacing Conjunctions

Before Conjunctions in Compound Before Conjunctions in Compound SentencesSentences

Before Transitional Words or PhrasesBefore Transitional Words or Phrases

Between Items in a SeriesBetween Items in a Series


Replacing ConjunctionsReplacing Conjunctions

When the conjunction is omitted, a semicolon When the conjunction is omitted, a semicolon is used to separate two closely related is used to separate two closely related independent clauses.independent clauses.

Mario ran as fast as he could; he missed the Mario ran as fast as he could; he missed the bus.bus.

I applied for the job; I was hired.I applied for the job; I was hired.


Tryout SentencesTryout Sentences1.1. The voters liked the candidate they voted for The voters liked the candidate they voted for

him overwhelmingly.him overwhelmingly.

2.2. World leaders want peace they have not yet World leaders want peace they have not yet negotiated a treaty.negotiated a treaty.

3.3. My decorator requested my color preferences My decorator requested my color preferences the kitchen is now blue.the kitchen is now blue.

4.4. I waited over an hour at the train station I waited over an hour at the train station Audrey did not arrive.Audrey did not arrive.

5.5. Felicia’s birthday is today the staff is surprising Felicia’s birthday is today the staff is surprising her with a cake.her with a cake.


Before Conjunctions inBefore Conjunctions inCompound SentencesCompound Sentences

When a conjunction separates two When a conjunction separates two independent clauses and one or both of the independent clauses and one or both of the clauses contain a comma or commas, place a clauses contain a comma or commas, place a semicolon before the conjunction.semicolon before the conjunction.

If you have questions, please call; and we can If you have questions, please call; and we can discuss them.discuss them.

I called Dr. Nozaki; but, unfortunately, he was I called Dr. Nozaki; but, unfortunately, he was busy.busy.


Tryout SentencesTryout Sentences1.1. As the newspaper reported, the accident As the newspaper reported, the accident

occurred yesterday but no one witnessed it.occurred yesterday but no one witnessed it.

2.2. I know that reservations are required but, I know that reservations are required but, unfortunately, I forgot to make them.unfortunately, I forgot to make them.

3.3. Ms. Montoya, our supervisor, insists on our Ms. Montoya, our supervisor, insists on our best work or we will not be considered for best work or we will not be considered for promotions.promotions.

4.4. My team, which is playing tomorrow, is highly My team, which is playing tomorrow, is highly ranked and we usually win.ranked and we usually win.

5.5. Edward’s computer is a new, state-of-the-art Edward’s computer is a new, state-of-the-art machine and he needs instruction on its use.machine and he needs instruction on its use.


Before Transitional Words Before Transitional Words or Phrasesor Phrases

When two independent clauses are When two independent clauses are connected by a transitional word or phrase, connected by a transitional word or phrase, place a semicolon before the word or phrase place a semicolon before the word or phrase and a comma after it.and a comma after it.

I have the qualifications; I have the qualifications; thereforetherefore, please , please consider me for the job.consider me for the job.

The performance was delayed; The performance was delayed; in factin fact, it was , it was nearly canceled.nearly canceled.


Tryout SentencesTryout Sentences1.1. The travel agent carefully planned our trip The travel agent carefully planned our trip

nevertheless we experienced delays.nevertheless we experienced delays.

2.2. I am calling a meeting of all managers I am calling a meeting of all managers meanwhile please contact the reps in the field.meanwhile please contact the reps in the field.

3.3. The artist painted my portrait however he did The artist painted my portrait however he did not get a good likeness.not get a good likeness.

4.4. Our company will pay your moving expenses Our company will pay your moving expenses furthermore we will help you sell your house.furthermore we will help you sell your house.

5.5. Let’s not rush the decision besides you do not Let’s not rush the decision besides you do not have all of the information.have all of the information.


Between Items in a SeriesBetween Items in a Series

A semicolon is used to separate items in a A semicolon is used to separate items in a series when one or more of the items series when one or more of the items contains a comma.contains a comma.

This summer I plan to visit Dublin, Ireland; This summer I plan to visit Dublin, Ireland; London, England; and Wales.London, England; and Wales.

I would like to introduce Ethan Stanley, the I would like to introduce Ethan Stanley, the show’s producer; Marcia Lord, its director; and show’s producer; Marcia Lord, its director; and Lorelei Kent, the star.Lorelei Kent, the star.


Tryout SentencesTryout Sentences1.1. My guests included Harvey Kriss Meredith Swensen, My guests included Harvey Kriss Meredith Swensen,

the famous designer and Gunnar Gannon.the famous designer and Gunnar Gannon.

2.2. I called the company spoke to the production I called the company spoke to the production manager, Beverly Contini and set up an appointment.manager, Beverly Contini and set up an appointment.

3.3. The play tried out in Chicago, Illinois had a short run in The play tried out in Chicago, Illinois had a short run in Boston and opens in New York City next week.Boston and opens in New York City next week.

4.4. The club’s owners include Carol Bonn, head chef Wali The club’s owners include Carol Bonn, head chef Wali Otero, dessert chef Dino Lambert, headwaiter and me.Otero, dessert chef Dino Lambert, headwaiter and me.

5.5. Let’s meet to discuss the cost, which is rather high the Let’s meet to discuss the cost, which is rather high the proposed location and other aspects of our business proposed location and other aspects of our business deal.deal.

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Semicolons