Semicolon Practice 1

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

A semicolon should be used to connect two related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.

Front

Provide an example of a correct semicolon usage.

Back

Example: "I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight."

Front

What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma?

Back

A semicolon connects independent clauses, while a comma is used to separate items in a list or to join clauses with a conjunction.

Front

Can a semicolon be used before a conjunction?

Back

No, a semicolon should not be used before a conjunction; instead, a comma is used.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with two independent clauses?

Back

You can use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses if they are closely related.

Front

What is an example of incorrect semicolon usage?

Back

Example: "I enjoy reading; and I love writing." (Incorrect because 'and' is a conjunction.)

Front

What is the correct way to use a semicolon in a list?

Back

Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. Example: "We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany."