1. Semicolons
Notes and Practice

2. Our friend, the Semicolon
Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated.
There are 3 instances when you can use a semicolon to improve the conventions in your writing.

3. #1: Link 2 independent clauses to connect closely related ideas
Lynn and Pat are friends. Every week they get coffee.
Becomes……
Lynn and Pat are friends; every week they get coffee.

4. #2: Link clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs/transitional phrases
Kim never exercises. She is very out of shape.
Becomes…..
Kim never exercises; consequently, she is very out of shape.
REMEMBER from last week
Introductory phrase – needs comma

5. #3: Link lists where the items contain commas to avoid confusion between list items
There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.

6. One last thing…

7. Now you try! Re-write the following sentences using semi-colons!
I like cows. I hate the way they smell.
I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef, which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for shoes and coats. 
I only eat grass fed beef. Feeding cows corn is unnatural.
Write your own sentence about football using a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb/transitional phrase. 

8. Grammar Writing Activity
Think about any hero (real or imagined). What is one of the greatest obstacles that hero had to overcome?
Now, write a paragraph describing this hero.
properly use TWO semicolon
highlight them in your paragraph

9. Complete the Worksheet
Semicolon or Comma?

10. Answers
Semicolon ;
Comma ,
Semicolon ;
Comma ,