Semicolons

Rule 1 Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction (in other words independent clauses must be on both sides of the semicolon).  Example: There is a difference between the music of Bach and Mozart; it is a difference worth discovering.  Example 2 for Mr. Bond to teach: Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a book that I have not yet read it is a book that is over 600 pages.

Rule 2 Use a semicolon between the clauses of a compound sentence (a sentence with two independent clauses in it) when a conjunctive adverb (such as nonetheless, however, therefore) or an adverbial phrase (such as in that case, as a result, on the other hand) introduces the second clause.  Example: The issues were difficult to sort out; however, the judges had to make a decision.  Example 2: The contract negotiations lasted for two years as a result, many workers quit their jobs and found other ones.

Rule 3 Semicolons may be use to separate items in a series when they are unusually long or contain internal punctuation.  Example: I have lived in many places such as Birmingham, Alabama; Tallahassee, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts and Salt Lake City, Utah.  Example 2: The following people were invited: Tim, my cousin Erik, a good friend Sandy, a neighbor and Belinda, my sister-in-law

Practice Take out a sheet of paper and Correctly punctuate the following sentences (We will go through this slide together) 1.A banana tree isn't a tree at all it's the world's largest herb. 2.Happiness isn't something you experience it's something you remember 3.I have a big test tomorrow I can't go out tonight.

Practice 1.Saratoga Springs is a great city however, Westlake high school makes it better. 2.Sometimes I think the best kind of exercise is running on the other hand, swimming has been shown to be better on your joints. 3.Snow came late this year in Utah as a result, many road ways and infrastructure will need repairs.

Practice I really like beef, with mushroom sauce pasta, with Alfredo sauce and salad, with French dressing. The Christmas ornaments are finally packed away: small, shiny ones big, bright ones and the homemade ones. We had students from Lima, Peru Santiago, Chile and Caracas, Venezuela.

Practice I know you don’t like broccoli nevertheless it is very good for you. I have finished the main course now I have to make dessert. Mom wants the chores completed moreover she wants them done properly. She didn’t see the other car coming now her car has a huge dent. Star Trek was my favorite television show during the 1960s in fact, it is my favorite television show of all time. There is mounting evidence of global warning of course some people will never believe it.

Practice In assigned groups of 3-4, describe in writing which of the 3 rules is being used by the following authors and how you know this. (for example, an answer should look like this: 1) Rule#1: both sides of the semicolon contain an independent clause)

Practice 1.“I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them.” (Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare) 2. “When thronging foemen menace Spain, She dares the deed and shares the danger; And should her lover press the plain, She hurls the spear, her love's avenger.” (George Gordon Lord Byron)

Practice 3. The Bride hath pac'd into the Hall, Red as a rose is she; Nodding their heads before her goes The merry Minstralsy. (Samuel Taylor Coleridge) 4. I have many friends: Jim, the tall one; Jackie, the smart one; Richard, the athletic one; and Jane, the pretty one.

Practice 5. I am hosting a barbeque this weekend, which are my favorite dinners; a birthday party next weekend, for my friend Jakie; and an end of the year party, for those who are graduating. 6. My favorite things are simple: food, mostly dark chocolate; punch, when it is the Koolaid brand; and checking my Snap chats between classes.

Practice 7. I like pie; also, I love to dance. 8. When I go skiing I enjoy fresh powder; moreover, I take the back mountain lifts if they are open. 9. Incubus is a great band; indeed, their best album is titled Morning View. 10. Running only long distances is not ideal; rather, it is better to lift weights and run.