Semicolons

Semicolons

In other words, the key to sophisticated writing...

Using Semicolons

• To connect two independent clauses that have a related idea

• To immediately add sophistication to your writing

• To impress your teachers

• And NEVER use them after a conjunction

Semicolon Example

Crows are fearsome birds; people have associated them with death for centuries.

Notice how both independent clauses are related? They are about the same idea.

Semicolon Example

Many consider crows to be bad luck; some, however, believe them to be messengers of God.

Notice how both independent clauses are related? They are about the same idea

INCORRECT Semicolon Example

Many consider crows to be bad luck; I had a pet crow once.

While both independent clauses are about crows, they are not really related.

Had I said the sentence below, though, the ideas are related, and the semicolon would be correct. 

Many consider crows to be bad luck; however, I had one as a pet, and he was nothing but sweet

Multiple Choice

She did not slay the vampire; it begged for mercy and promised to go vegan.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

She looked every inch a vampire in her costume; even her skin was dusted with a particular pallor.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

As you can see, vampires intrigue me; the idea of living throughout the centuries (and never having a tan) both appeal to me.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

Of course, being a vegan the whole blood-sucking element of vampires doesn't work for me; blood definitely doesn't fit in with the vegan diet.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

I have two black cats named Bram and Stoker; my favorite vampire slayer is Buffy.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

Bram Stoker wrote the most famous novel about vampires; Dracula.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

Two of my four cats, Bram and Stoker, are named after him; thankfully, they do not lust after human blood.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

You might think I'm a strange teacher, what with my fascination with the undead; vampires and zombies.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

Just because people are fascinated by otherworldly, sometimes ghoulish things, does not mean they want to do those things; it's more that these things appeal to their imagination.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly

Multiple Choice

I don't think I am that strange, though; and this is why.

• Yes, that uses a semicolon correctly

• No, that does not use a semicolon correctly