Semi-Colons

Semi-Colons

Semi-Colons

A semi-colon can sometimes be used to replace a full stop.  It links two complete sentences and turns them into one. A semi-colon can sometimes be used to replace a full stop.  It links two complete sentences and turns them into one.

Here's How

Two complete sentences are being connected with a semi-colon. The sentences should be about the same topic/information.

The door swung open; a masked figure strode in.;

He never took any exercise; consequently, he became very fat.

She was very tired; she had worked late the night before.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses semi-colons correctly?

• John opened the; drawer it was empty.

• John opened the drawer; it was empty.

• John opened the drawer it was empty;

• John opened the drawer, and it was empty.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses semi-colons correctly?

• The wedding invitations have all been; sent out two hundred guests are expected.

• The wedding invitations have all been sent out two; hundred guests are expected.

• The wedding invitations have all been sent out; two hundred guests are expected.

• The wedding invitations; have all been sent out two hundred guests are expected.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses semi-colons correctly?

• Tom was very clever and worked hard; he deserved to pass all his tests.

• Tom was very clever and worked hard he; deserved to pass all his tests.

• Tom was very clever and worked hard, and he deserved to pass all his tests.

• Tom was very clever and worked hard he deserved to pass all his tests;

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses semi-colons correctly?

• Sally’s birthday; is in November John’s is in September.

• Sally’s birthday is in November, and John’s is in September.

• Sally’s birthday; is in November, John’s is in September.

• Sally’s birthday is in November; John’s is in September.