Mastering Semicolon Usage: Rules and Examples
Semicolon Rules
Rule 1
-A semicolon can replace a period between two closely
related independent clauses.
Examples:
-Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.
-I’m looking for my book
;
where do you suppose I put
it?
Rule 2
-If there is a conjunctive adverb linking two independent
clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some conjunctive adverbs
are: moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore,
then, finally, likewise and consequently.
Example:
-The students had been advised against walking alone at
night
;
however, Cathy decided walking wasn’t dangerous if it
was early in the evening.
Rule 3
-Super Comma Rule:
Use a semicolon to make a list of
items that are separated by a comma. This often occurs
when listing names, dates, locations, and descriptions.
Examples:
-We had students from Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and
Caracas, Venezuela.
-
Her classmates were attending college for a variety of
fields, including Sarah, who wanted to study biology;
Samuel, who wanted to study psychology; and Seth, who
wanted to study mathematics.
Try these examples:
1.
I like chocolate however I don’t like dark chocolate.
2.
I can’t eat strawberries they give me a rash.
3.
I am really disgusted with my essay therefore I am
going to revise it.
4.
The crowd was too rowdy consequently the band
quit playing and walked off the stage.
Learn how to effectively use semicolons with clear rules and examples. Discover when to replace a period with a semicolon, how to use it with conjunctive adverbs, and the Super Comma Rule for lists. Practice with provided examples to enhance your writing skills.
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Presentation Transcript
Rule 1 -A semicolon can replace a period between two closely related independent clauses. Examples: -Call me tomorrow; you can give me an answer then. -I m looking for my book; where do you suppose I put it?
Rule 2 -If there is a conjunctive adverb linking two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. Some conjunctive adverbs are: moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise and consequently. Example: -The students had been advised against walking alone at night; however, Cathy decided walking wasn t dangerous if it was early in the evening.
Rule 3 -Super Comma Rule: Use a semicolon to make a list of items that are separated by a comma. This often occurs when listing names, dates, locations, and descriptions. Examples: -We had students from Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Caracas, Venezuela. -Her classmates were attending college for a variety of fields, including Sarah, who wanted to study biology; Samuel, who wanted to study psychology; and Seth, who wanted to study mathematics.
Try these examples: 1. I like chocolate however I don t like dark chocolate. 2. I can t eat strawberries they give me a rash. 3. I am really disgusted with my essay therefore I am going to revise it. 4. The crowd was too rowdy consequently the band quit playing and walked off the stage.
