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Semicolons Correct and incorrect use
What is a semicolon?
A semicolon looks like this - ;
Semicolons have only one job. They connect two independent clauses that are closely related.
Use a semicolon when you really want to use a comma but know that you should use a period.
Example:Susan enjoys running; she runs more than five miles each day.
Concepts to ReviewIndependent and Dependent Clauses
Independent Clause: has a subject and verb and can stand alone as a sentence
Dependent clause: does not have a subject and verb and cannot stand alone as a sentence
Subjects and VerbsSubject: noun or pronoun that functions as the main “actor” in the sentence.
Verb: action or state-of-being word, describes what the subject does
Diagramming – when in doubt about a clause, diagram it!
Correct or Incorrect?
For each of the following sentences, choose choice A on your iClicker if you believe the sentence is punctuated correctly. Choose choice B on your iClicker if you believe the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
Remember, a semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
Sentence #1
The little girl with big brown eyes and a purple bow in her hair; she walked her puppy named Macy around the neighborhood.
Sentence #1
Incorrect!
Why?“The little girl with big brown eyes and a purple bow in her hair” is a dependent clause. There is no verb!
girl
(subject) (verb)
??
Sentence #2
Tommy and Timmy are great baseball players; they both made the varsity team during their freshman year.
Sentence #2
Correct!
Why?The semicolon joins two independent clauses.
Sentence #3
You have a paper due on Thursday; make sure that you start it soon!
Sentence #3
Correct!
Why?The semicolon joins two independent clauses.
Sentence #4
We read the play Romeo and Juliet in class last month; I thought it was romantic, but Jude thought it was boring.
Sentence #4
Correct!
Why?The semicolon joins two independent clauses.
Remember: two independent clauses can also be joined with a comma and conjunction. This sentence had both; don’t let it confuse you!
Sentence #5
Even though Kelly is excited to start 10th grade soon; she is also a bit nervous.
Sentence #5
Incorrect!
Why? “Even though Kelly is excited to start 10th grade soon” is not an independent clause.
It has a subject and verb, but it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is an introductory clause.
