Semicolon…

Semicolons
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to separate and connect independent clauses or when something stronger than a comma is needed.

Most often, semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses instead of using a comma + conjunction. Writers use semicolons instead of conjunctions for stylistic effect and when the two sentences being joined are short and closely related.

Examples of Semicolons:
Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not.

The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed.

Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed. Three common scenarios when a semicolon would be used are these:

1. When items in a series have been separated with commas, but the sentence needs an additional comma after the series OR to separate items in a series when any of the items already have commas.
2. Before a conjunctive adverb in a sentence (i.e. however, therefore).
3. To separate lines in an address when you are writing it as a sentence.

Examples of Semicolon Use in Sentences

1. If you bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel; we can go to the beach.
2. The groups of siblings who will be coming to camp include John and Anne; Jeff, Lisa, and Tommy; and Mark and Jonas.
3. I have lived in Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; and Tallahassee, FL.
4. The address for the letter is PO Box 37; Martin, NY 30065.
5. Marie made a 100 on the quiz; Lois made a 95.
6. It was raining; the game was cancelled.
7. I like bacon, eggs, and cheese; but not all together on a sandwich.
8. I always try to pack light for vacation; however, I always seem to need an extra bag for all of my shoes and books.

There are three uses of the semicolon.

1. Use a semicolon to connect (put together) two related, or similar, sentences.

We connect the sentences with a semicolon to eliminate the pause between them.

Example without a semicolon:

My shirt is green. My brother’s shirt is blue.

When we say these two sentences aloud, we say, “My shirt is green. (pause) My brother’s shirt is blue.”

Example with a semicolon:

My shirt is green; my brother’s is blue.

When we say this sentence aloud, we do not pause after green.

We can put these two sentences together with a semicolon because they are similar. They are both about the colors of the shirts.

Here are some more examples.

Example without a semicolon:

 I have my own bed. The cat sleeps on the pillow.

Example with a semicolon:

I have my own bed; the cat sleeps on the pillow.

We can put these two sentences together with a semicolon because they are similar. They are both about my bed.

Incorrect:

Tim likes cats; Bill went to the park.

These two sentences should not be put together with a semicolon because they are not similar. They are about two different subjects.

2. Use a semicolon to join two related, or similar, sentences when using a conjunctive adverb.

A conjunctive adverb is a connecting word such as:

also

besides

finally

similarly

likewise

furthermore

however

next

then

therefore

meanwhile

Examples:

We will drive to school; then we will go to the museum.

I ate all of my vegetables; therefore, I should get dessert.

3. Use a semicolon to connect items in a list if there are already commas in the sentence. Use this when listing dates, locations, names and descriptions.

Example with names and descriptions:

Correct:

My favorite teachers are Mrs. White, my math teacher; Mrs. Smith, my reading teacher; and Mr. Johnson, my music teacher.

Incorrect:

My favorite teachers are Mrs. White, my math teacher, Mrs. Smith, my reading teacher, and Mr. Johnson, my music teacher.

Example with dates:

Correct:

Our birthdays are July 11, 2000; February 12, 2007; and April 9, 2007.

Incorrect:

Example with locations:

Correct:

I have lived in Paris, France; London, England; and Los Angeles, California.

Incorrect:

I have lived in Paris, France, London, England, and Los Angeles, California.

Tips for Using the Semicolon

1) Do not capitalize the word following the semicolon, unless it is a proper noun.

A noun names a person place or thing.

Examples of nouns:

restaurant

boy

school

woman

A proper noun is noun that names a specific person place or thing.

Examples of proper nouns:

Correct:

This summer my father traveled to Columbus, Ohio; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia.

We capitalize the “M” on Miami because it is a proper noun. We do not capitalize the “a” on and because it is not a proper noun.

Incorrect:

Some people like apple pie; Cherry pie is my favorite.

We should not capitalize the “c” on cherry because it is not a proper noun.

2) Do not use a semicolon with conjunctions.

Conjunctions are combining words like and, but, or, for, so, and yet.

Use a comma with conjunctions.

Incorrect:

My favorite color is red; but my bike is green.

Correct:

My favorite color is red, but my bike is green.

Incorrect:

My sister was sleeping; so I turned off the lights.

Correct:

My sister was sleeping, so I turned off the lights.

1. He is not really nice looking and yet he has enormous charm
2. When I was a child I could watch TV whenever I wanted to
3. It is a fine idea let us hope that it is going to work
4. Mrs Solomon who was sitting behind the desk gave me a big smile
5. We were believe it or not in love with each other
6. I don’t like this one bit said Julia
7. Have you met our handsome new financial director
8. If you are ever in London come and see you
9. Michael in the Ferrari was cornering superbly
10. Looking straight at her he said I cant help you
    [4/7, 13:12] vemagirisudhakar: Answers
11. He is not really nice-looking, and yet he has enormous charm.
12. When I was a child, I could watch TV whenever I wanted to.
13. It is a fine idea; let us hope that it is going to work.
14. Mrs Solomon, who was sitting behind the desk, gave me a big smile.
15. We were, believe it or not, in love with each other.
16. ‘I don’t like this one bit,’ said Julia.
17. Have you met our handsome new financial director?
18. If you are ever in London, come and see you.
19. Michael, in the Ferrari, was cornering superbly.
20. Looking straight at her, he said, ‘I can’t help you.’