Semicolons
Semicolon Usage and Examples
Semicolon Usage 1
Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are
closely related in thought and that are not joined by and, but, for, nor,
or, so, or yet.
EXAMPLE The big game is tomorrow; I’m mentally prepared.
Semicolon Usage 2
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a
conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
EXAMPLE The garden was my idea; therefore, I should be in charge of it.
Semicolon Usage 3
You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma)
before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain
commas.
EXAMPLE
On Tuesday, March 11, we’ll be in Atlanta; and the day
after that, barring any glitches, we’ll be in Chicago.
Semicolon Usage 4
Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items
contain commas.
EXAMPLE
My grandmother is going on an AARP tour to Prague, Czech Republic;
Vienna, Austria; and Stockholm, Sweden.
TO SUM UP
1-Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are
closely related in thought and that are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or,
so, or yet.
2-Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a
conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression.
3-You may need to use a semicolon (rather than a comma)
before a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses that contain
commas.
4-Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items
contain commas.
Semicolon Worksheet
In the following sentences, insert semicolons where
they are needed. Put a caret (^) over any comma that should be a semicolon, and write a semicolon above the caret.
1.
The sun is beginning to set soon the sky will be dark.
2. Performances will take place several times this month with matinees on Saturday, August 12, Sunday, August 13, and Saturday, August 26.
3. Tom, our raucous young neighbor, started playing the drums every night after dinner, soon the noise was so bad we had to complain to his parents.
4. Going to the lake was my idea therefore, I should make the reservations.
5. We always wash our car on the weekend judging by its appearance, they wash theirs, too.
6. Give Jane a call if you want a ride to the meeting I won’t be able to make it.
7. Grandfather has lived in Cork, Ireland, Boston, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
8. Ted, my cousin, and Sally, his friend, are coming over to dinner, so Ernie, my older brother, and I are doing the cooking.
9. Most trees, such as the elm, the sycamore, the oak and the birch, lose their leaves in the winter, there are some, however, such as the pine, that retain their leaves in all seasons.
10. On Monday, March 10, the band is scheduled to arrive, and two days later, if all goes well, they’ll be performing at the White House.
2. Performances will take place several times this month with matinees on Saturday, August 12, Sunday, August 13, and Saturday, August 26.
3. Tom, our raucous young neighbor, started playing the drums every night after dinner, soon the noise was so bad we had to complain to his parents.
4. Going to the lake was my idea therefore, I should make the reservations.
5. We always wash our car on the weekend judging by its appearance, they wash theirs, too.
6. Give Jane a call if you want a ride to the meeting I won’t be able to make it.
7. Grandfather has lived in Cork, Ireland, Boston, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
8. Ted, my cousin, and Sally, his friend, are coming over to dinner, so Ernie, my older brother, and I are doing the cooking.
9. Most trees, such as the elm, the sycamore, the oak and the birch, lose their leaves in the winter, there are some, however, such as the pine, that retain their leaves in all seasons.
10. On Monday, March 10, the band is scheduled to arrive, and two days later, if all goes well, they’ll be performing at the White House.