SemicolonsSemicolons ; ;

Examples from Frederick Douglass “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465). “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465).

When to use semicolons Use semicolons between complete sentences (independent clauses) that are closely related in thought. “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465). Use semicolons between complete sentences (independent clauses) that are closely related in thought. “You have seen how a man was made a slave; you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). “About three o’clock that day, I broke down; my strength failed me” (465).

When to use semicolons Normally, do not use a semicolon if the two complete sentences are joined by the conjunctions and, but, for, nor, or, so or yet. Instead, use a comma before the conjunction. “You have seen how a man was made a slave, and you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465). Normally, do not use a semicolon if the two complete sentences are joined by the conjunctions and, but, for, nor, or, so or yet. Instead, use a comma before the conjunction. “You have seen how a man was made a slave, and you shall see how a slave was made a man” (465).

Another example from Douglass “I was made exceedingly feeble by the kicks and blows which I had received; however, I watched my chance, while Covey was looking in the other direction, and started for St. Michael’s” (465).

When to use semicolons Use a semicolon between complete thoughts (independent clauses) joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. “I was made exceedingly feeble by the kicks and blows which I had received; however, I watched my chance, while Covey was looking in the other direction, and started for St. Michael’s” (465). Use a semicolon between complete thoughts (independent clauses) joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression. “I was made exceedingly feeble by the kicks and blows which I had received; however, I watched my chance, while Covey was looking in the other direction, and started for St. Michael’s” (465).

Some other times to use semicolons You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas (see slide 4). “The work was simple, requiring strength rather than intellect; yet it came very hard to one entirely unused to such work” (465). You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas (see slide 4). “The work was simple, requiring strength rather than intellect; yet it came very hard to one entirely unused to such work” (465).

Some other times to use semicolons You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas. “While I was in the act of throwing down some blades from the loft, Mr. Covey entered the stable with a long rope; and just as I was half out of the loft, he caught hold of my legs, and was about tying me” (468). You may need to use a semicolon before FANBOYS if the independent clauses being joined contain commas. “While I was in the act of throwing down some blades from the loft, Mr. Covey entered the stable with a long rope; and just as I was half out of the loft, he caught hold of my legs, and was about tying me” (468).

Some other times to use semicolons Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. UNCLEAR: The five characteristics of Romanticism are the awe of nature, the importance of imagination, individualism, strong senses, emotions, and feelings, and an interest in the common man. Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. UNCLEAR: The five characteristics of Romanticism are the awe of nature, the importance of imagination, individualism, strong senses, emotions, and feelings, and an interest in the common man.

Some other times to use semicolons Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. CLEAR: The five characteristics of Romanticism are the awe of nature; the importance of imagination; individualism; strong senses, emotions, and feelings; and an interest in the common man. Use semicolon between items in a list if the items contain commas. CLEAR: The five characteristics of Romanticism are the awe of nature; the importance of imagination; individualism; strong senses, emotions, and feelings; and an interest in the common man.