The Ever Popular and Useful Semi-Colon

When do I use a semicolon? A semicolon joins two sentences that are closely related. Unlike a period, the semicolon uses a longer pause instead of stopping at the first sentence. The semicolon connects the two thoughts.

When do I use a semicolon? For example, the two sentences: Tommy calls them spuds, and Ben calls them potatoes, are so closely related, they can be joined by a semicolon. Tommy calls them spuds; Ben calls them potatoes. This is a perfect example of using a semicolon because the two complete thoughts are so closely related, a speaker using a pause would express it better than a speaker who stops in between.

What is a conjunctive adverb? When the job of an adverb is to connect ideas, we call it a conjunctive adverb. A conjunctive adverb can join two independent clauses. In this situation, the conjunctive adverb behaves like a coordinating conjunction and connecting two complete ideas. (Remember FANBOYS?) Notice, however, that you need a semicolon, not a comma, to connect the two clauses. Main Clause + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + Main Clause.

Some Conjunctive Adverbs accordingly consequently conversely finally furthermore hence however indeed instead meanwhile moreover nevertheless next nonetheless otherwise similarly still subsequently then therefore thus

If a semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses, just what is an independent clause? Dependent CANNOT stand alone. Independent- can stand alone. Independent- can stand alone.

Independent and Dependent Clauses The independent clause is a sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate. An independent clause can stand alone. The boy ate. The dog ran away from home. The lizard digested forty-four candy bars. The dependent clause is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone. When I left school. (What happened?) Next year if I go on vacation. (What about next year? What about the vacation?) If she really liked me. (What would she do?)

Let’s look at how we can connect two related sentences. Sentence 1: Some people like watching football. Sentence 2: Others like watching baseball. New sentence using a semicolon: Some people like watching football; others like watching baseball.

Some people like watching football on TV; others like watching baseball. NOTE: These ideas have a common ground. NOTE: the word following the semicolon is lower case.

However… Some people like watching football on TV; however, some people prefer going to the stadium to watch the game.

Copy the following sentences on a piece of loose leaf and punctuate each correctly: 1. I love ELA but I also love earth science. 2. I love ELA I also love algebra. 3. Pizza is a great snack but I prefer tacos. 4. Pizza is a great snack I prefer tacos. 5. Pizza is a great snack however I prefer tacos.