Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

When should a semicolon be used between two independent clauses?

Back

A semicolon should be used between two independent clauses that are closely related in thought and can stand alone as separate sentences.

Front

Provide an example of a semicolon connecting two independent clauses.

Back

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

Front

What is a conjunctive adverb?

Back

A conjunctive adverb is a word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them, such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'moreover'.

Front

How do you correctly use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb?

Back

Place the semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. Example: "She was tired; therefore, she went to bed early."

Front

What is a serial list?

Back

A serial list is a list of three or more items, often separated by commas or semicolons.

Front

How do you punctuate a serial list with semicolons?

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."

Front

What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

Back

A phrase is a group of words without a subject-verb component, while a clause contains a subject and a verb.

Front

Provide an example of a phrase.

Back

Example: "Under the old oak tree" is a phrase.

Front

Provide an example of a clause.

Back

Example: "The children laughed" is a clause.