Semicolons: The Most Feared Punctuation Leanna Yeager Spring 2014

 Independent clause?  Coordinating Conjunction?  Conjunctive Adverb? (Will explain later) Do you know what a…is?

 Semicolons are used in papers as sentence enhancers. You should use semi colons when you want to form a bond between two statements.  These statements can either relate or contrast with one another  Most individuals do not know how to use them correctly; therefore, the semicolon is known as “the most feared punctuation.” Why Use Semicolons?

 to join two related independent clauses  Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then. Rule #1

 before conjunctive adverbs such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.  You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better. Rule #2

 between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.  When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep. Rule #3

 to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.  Also known as the “Super Comma”  This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee. Rule #4

 “While searching for a good place to get a unicorn burger I traveled to Seattle, Washington, Tokyo, Japan, and London, England.”  “While searching for a good place to get a unicorn burger, I traveled to Seattle, Washington; Tokyo, Japan; and London, England.” Example #1

Which Rule Did it follow?  A) The two relating independent clauses  B) “Super Comma”  C) Conjunctive Adverb  D) Joined with a coordinating conjunction

 “Using a semicolon is not hard, I once saw a party gorilla do it.”  “Using a semicolon is not hard; I once saw a party gorilla do it.” Example #2

 A) Coordinating Conjunction  B) Conjunctive Adverb  C) Independent clauses  D) “Super Comma” Which Rule?!

 “My favorite people include Samuel Slaughterjaws, a famous unicorn hunter, my uncle Wilford, a world champion at mayonnaise eating contests, and Nikola Tesla, the most awesome dude to ever fire a lightning bolt at an angry peasant.”  “My favorite people include Samuel Slaughterjaws, a famous unicorn hunter; my uncle Wilford, a world champion at mayonnaise eating contests; and Nikola Tesla, the most awesome dude to ever fire a lightning bolt at an angry peasant.” Example #3

 Once again, considered a “super comma.”  But why is it a “Super Comma?” This is….

 “Godzilla is a misunderstood creature, beneath his raging desire to set people on fire and eat them is a gentle giant who just wants to cuddle.”  “Godzilla is a misunderstood creature; beneath his raging desire to set people on fire and eat them is a gentle giant who just wants to cuddle.” Example #4

 A) “Super Comma”  B) Conjunctive Adverb  C) Independent Clauses  D) Coordinating Conjunction Why did we do this?

 “No one with common sense would actually cascade, therefore, a more correct description would be canyoning with only a rope used to hang yourself after you plummet thirty feet and lie in pain with a broken back on the canyon floor with no hope of rescue.”  “No one with common sense would actually cascade; therefore, a more correct description would be canyoning with only a rope used to hang yourself after you plummet thirty feet and lie in pain with a broken back on the canyon floor with no hope of rescue.” Example #5

 A) Conjunctive Adverb  B) Coordinating Conjunction  C) Super Comma  D) Independent Clauses Why?! Why?! Why?!