1. Semicolons

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.)

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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