Semicolons lesson 1

Semicolons lesson 1

What is the purpose of semicolons?

• A punctuation mark that links two independent clauses/thoughts into one sentence

• I went to the mall. It had several stores in it.

• These are two complete sentences. Then if I want to use a semicolon...

• I went to the mall; it had several stores in it.

• The sentences now turn into two independent thoughts that can be combined into one sentence

Semicolons take the place of ,and

• Our 2nd Comma rule looks tells us to place a comma + and, but, or, so when we are combining to independent thoughts into one sentence

• I am excited for Thanksgiving, but I am not sure how many people will show up.

• The blue and green thoughts above can be sentences by themselves so the ,but is used to bring them together

Appplying the semicolon

• I am excited for Thanksgiving; I am not sure how many people will show up.

• With the semicolon, it acts as a period separating two sentences but it still counts as one sentence

When wondering if you need a semicolon...

• Make sure there are two complete sentences that can be combined

• Make sure the sentences are closely related or are similar in thought

• I wish to speak to my mom; I think she is in serious trouble.

• I wish to speak to my mom. Why kind of car do you drive?

• The blue sentence has thoughts that are connected to what is going on

Multiple Choice

Where should the semicolon go? He left the house at midnight all the cars were in the parking lot in the morning though.

• house;

• left;

• midnight;

• No semicolon needed

Multiple Choice

Where should the semicolon go? Larry found his wallet and checked to see if everything was still there.

• wallet;

• wallet; take out and

• everything;

• No semicolon needed

Multiple Choice

Would it be correct to combine these two sentences? We are going to the beach today. We need to go unload groceries from the car.

• Yes

• No