Semicolons
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Transcript of Semicolons
Group Work! Two sentences using a semicolon with two
independent clauses. Two sentences using a semicolon and a
transitional expression between two independent clauses.
One sentence with a comma splice. A sentence using a colon correctly.
Quiz Answers...
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ELk3QT4DvNlQH46zwLMpGuv-x0UI_lOL8mAsx3K9OX8/viewform
Semicolons! ”With educated people, I suppose, punctuation is
a matter of rule; with me it is a matter of feeling. But I must say I have a great respect for the semicolon; it’s a useful little chap.” <--Abraham Lincoln
Semicolons are a secondary divider. They give you options.
Semicolons are used between two items of equal grammatical rank not already joined with a coordinating conjunction. They will be joined by a transitional expression.
Sentences!
Two sentences using a semicolon with two independent clauses.
Semicolons!! Two independent clauses, two phrases, etc.
Test your usage by placing a period between them.
The train ride is three days; by flight it takes eight hours.
Many baseball players make it to the majors via hard work; however, he found other means.
Independent Clauses!
Use a semicolon between related independent clauses that offer contrasting or parellel information that do not have a coordinating conjunction.
Paul Revere's The Boston Massacre is traditional American protest art; Edward Hick's paintings are socially conscious art with a religious strain.
Sentences
One sentence with a comma splice.
Run On Sentences (An Intro)
We will talk about this later in the month, but using only a comma or no punctuation between independent clauses will create a run on sentence (specifically a comma splice).
The sun is high, put on some sunblock. (comma splice)
Two sentences using a semicolon and a transitional expression between two independent clauses.
Independent Clauses With Transitional Words
Use a semicolon before a transitional word or phrase to join two independent clauses.
The transition will normally be followed by a comma.
Thomas Jefferson brought two hundred vanilla beans and a recipe for vanilla ice cream back from France; thus, he gave America its all-time favorite ice cream flavor.
(that's true)
Pause. Take a breath. Questions?
Items In A Series!
As you'll recall from our discussion of commas, if there are already commas in the list of elements you will add semicolons.
Laramie, Wyoming; Wyoming, Deleware; and Delaware, Ohio, were three of the places they visited.
Don't Misuse Semicolons!
Semicolons should be used for our good. Here are some common misuses:
Between a dependent clause and the rest of the sentence (use a comma!)
Introducing a list [use a colon! (stay tuned!)] Between two independent clauses joined by
coordinating conjunctions (use a comma!) Do not use a semicolon to introduce a quote.
A sentence using a colon correctly.
Colons! Colons are used to introduce a series of
elements. According to Strunk & White, they have ”more effect than the comma, less power to separate than the semicolon” (7-8)
It will be precedded by a complete sentence Waiting tables requires three skills: Memory,
speed, and balance. Colons will also be used to introduce
explanatory material. She had one dream: To play professional
basketball.
Look For Clues...
Is there a coordinating conjunction? If yes, then probably use a comma.
Can you put a period in place of semicolon? Remember that the word after a colon is
supposed to be capitalized (hint hint).
Supplemental Material
Grammar Girl on semicolons.