Semicolons Notes and Practice

Our friend, the Semicolon Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. There are 3 instances when you can use a semicolon to improve the conventions in your writing.

#1: Link 2 independent clauses to connect closely related ideas Lynn and Pat are friends. Every week they get coffee. Becomes…… Lynn and Pat are friends; every week they get coffee.

#2: Link clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs/transitional phrases Kim never exercises. She is very out of shape. Becomes….. Kim never exercises; consequently, she is very out of shape. REMEMBER from last week Introductory phrase – needs comma

#3: Link lists where the items contain commas to avoid confusion between list items There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

One last thing…   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th-zyfvwDdI

Now you try! Re-write the following sentences using semi-colons! I like cows. I hate the way they smell. I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats.  I only eat grass fed beef. Feeding cows corn is unnatural. Write your own sentence about football using a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb/transitional phrase. 

Grammar Writing Activity Think about any hero (real or imagined). What is one of the greatest obstacles that hero had to overcome? Now, write a paragraph describing this hero. properly use TWO semicolon highlight them in your paragraph

Complete the Worksheet Semicolon or Comma?

Answers Semicolon ; Comma , Semicolon ; Comma ,