Semicolons

What You Need to Know for This Lesson A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. The most common conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, & so. If you can remember F.A.N. B.O.Y.S., then you can remember your conjunctions.

What You Will Need to Know for This Lesson A compound sentence is a sentence with two simple sentences connected by a conjunction. Ex: Oscar reads books, so he is intelligent. conjunction Simple sentence Simple sentence

What You Will Need to Know for This Lesson A semicolon–which is sometimes called a super comma–looks like this: ;

Most Important Thing to Know We will use a semicolon in two ways: 1. A semicolon can substitute for the conjunction in a compound sentence. 2. Also, you must use a semicolon before words like however, therefore, and furthermore.

Example 1. Joe ran home; he fell asleep. 2. He used steroids; therefore, he has been disqualified.

Poor Examples 1. Jane ate salad; while she sat down. (A semicolon will only connect independent clauses.) 2. He was scared; but she was calm. (When using a semicolon to connect independent clauses, the conjunction is no longer necessary.)

Directions: Write down the pair of words the semicolon would fall between. If the sentence doesn’t require a semicolon, then write the word none. Ex: Jeffery eats a ton he never gains weight. Kelly wants to play inside Maggie wants to play outside. You didn’t try your best your grades went down this year. My hair is wet I just washed it. Don’t get angry because I beat you. She planted roses the roses were all red. My mom didn’t feel well however, she still came to see me. Van can’t dance he can’t sing. I can’t see well, but I know you did something wrong. He was sixty-five therefore, he was ready to retire. Dave is a clown he can’t take anything seriously.

a) Quincy; is a great student he never takes notes. Closing Question #1: Which of the following sentences uses the semicolon correctly? a) Quincy; is a great student he never takes notes. b) Quincy is a great student he; never takes notes. c) Quincy is a great; student he never takes notes. d) Quincy is a great student; he never takes notes.

Closing Question #2: When is a semicolon used? To separate an independent and dependent clause To substitute for a conjunction in a compound sentence Prior to words such as however, therefore, and furthermore Both b and c are correct