Using Semicolons

2 rules

An independent clause (or main clause) has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence.

Subject Verb

The dolphins play in the ocean.

These animals are intelligent.

VerbSubjectWB

; The semicolon signals a pause in a sentence.

Definition: Semicolons separate complete thoughts and items within a sentence.

Rule 1:Definition: Semicolons separate complete

thoughts and items within a sentence. Only use a semicolon between independent clauses IF the independent clauses

• are closely related in meaning

• are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet (FANBOYS)

The clouds are moving in; let’s head home.

Independent clause Independent clause

A period is used since the two clauses are not closely related.

A semicolon is used between independent clauses that are closely related without

using ,FANBOYS.

Do not touch that tree frog; everyone stay together.

Non-example

These two clauses aren’t closely related.

These two clauses are closely related. A semicolon can be used to join them.

Example Do not touch that tree frog. Everyone stay together.Do not touch that tree frog; it may be poisonous.

Which is an example of correct semicolon usage?

1. Jamie; was on time Carrie was late.

2. Some reptiles like a dry climate; others prefer a wet climate.

3. My parents’ anniversary is next week; and we are throwing a party for them.

Why are semicolons important?

The letter below is hard to read because it is missing semicolons and colons.Dear Garden Club Members

It’s that time of year again our vegetable garden awaits. Please show up at the site this Saturday morning at 730. If you can, bring the following hoe, shovel, weed-puller, and gloves.

Dear Garden Club Members:It’s that time of year again; our

vegetable garden awaits. Please show up at the site this Saturday morning at 7:30. If you can, bring the following: hoe, shovel, weed-puller, and gloves.

Like other punctuation marks, semicolons are important because they help make writing clear.

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.

2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

1. Jamie was on time Carrie was late. ;

These clauses are closely related. They can be joined by a semicolon.

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

Some reptiles like a dry climate others prefer a wet climate.

;

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

My parents’ anniversary is next week we are throwing a party for them.

;

Proofread for semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.1. Bring a sweater it will be cold tonight. 2. Your grades have improved you will easily pass the

course.3. His mother is a doctor his father owns a computer

store.4. Suki finished her homework then she went to

Dana’s house.

Semicolons between independent clauses

Additional Practice

Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.

Kim loaded the camera incorrectly; therefore, the film was ruined.

therefore,

I like cotton; in fact, most of my clothes are made of cotton.

in fact,

Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the transitional expression are followed by commas.

Rule 2:

Semicolons between independent clauses

Conjunctive adverbsCommon Conjunctive Adverbs

accordingly furthermore instead neverthelessbesides however meanwhileotherwiseconsequently indeed moreover therefore

A conjunctive adverb shows how ideas relateto each other. It expresses a relationship between two independent clauses and is followed by a comma.

Semicolons between independent clauses

Transitional expressions

Common Transitional Expressionsas a result for example for instance in factin addition in conclusion in other words that is

A transitional expression shows how ideas fit together.It makes a connection between the ideas in two independent clauses and is followed by a comma.

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.

2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

;Janet brought the paint as a result, she started working before we did.

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.

2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

;We planned to go to Miami however, our flight was canceled.

1. Identify the two related independent clauses in each sentence.

2. Make sure sentences are not combined with ,FANBOYS3. Add the semicolon between the independent clauses.

;Kevin will play the bass drum in the concert in addition,he will play the symbols.

More PracticeIn the following sentences, add semicolons or replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a sentence is already correct, label it C.

1. My dog can do many tricks for example, he can roll over and crawl on his belly.

2. The best defensive players are Carlos, Will, and Fred, however, Matt and Jamal are great on defense.

3. I have to study tonight; otherwise, I would go with you.4. I’ve decided not to take French, instead, I plan to take

Spanish.

Semicolons between independent clauses

ClosureWhen do we use a semicolon?

How would you proofread for semicolons in the following sentences?

Tell me one thing you learned today?

Todd’s report is about Arizona mine is about Utah.

I have to study tonight otherwise, I would go with you.