Semicolons Review

Semicolons review

English 3

​define

• All communication is guided by informal or formal rules. Those rules help people communicate by using the same word to identify an object or idea, or by putting words in the same order in a sentence. Without rules communication would be next to impossible.

• Grammar is the rules and structures that guide a system of language. Grammar refers to the various types of words that exist in a language and how they function together in consistent and specific ways to create sentences. When we change a verb to show when something is happening or when we use punctuation marks to separate words or phrases, we are following the rules of grammar.

• independent clause - a group of words with a subject and predicate that can stand alone as a complete sentence

• semicolon - a symbol that joins two or more phrases or independent clauses

Semicolons | English 3

Grammar Review

Multiple Choice

What is an independent clause?

• a symbol that joins two or more phrases or independent clauses

• Rules and structures that guide a system of language

• a group of words with a subject and predicate that can stand alone as a complete sentence

• A clause that can take care of itself.

Multiple Choice

What is a semicolon?

• a group of words with a subject and predicate that can stand alone as a complete sentence

• An organ in the body

• a symbol that joins two or more phrases or independent clauses

• various types of words that exist in a language and how they function together in consistent and specific ways to create sentences

​semicolon rules

1. Use a semicolon to join two clauses that are closely connected.

   1. Example: I also now first saw the use of the quadrant; I had often with astonishment seen the mariners make observations with it, and I could not think what it meant.

2. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (such as however )or another transition word or phrase (such as for example ). A comma may follow the transition word or phrase.

   1. Example: Slavery was legal in the North, too; however, conditions were different.

3. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when one or more of the items already contains commas.

   1. Example: Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Semicolons| English 3

Grammar Review

• I love jazz; and the blues are my favorite kind of jazz.

• Andrea invited me to a pasta party; but I was not excited to eat the fettuccine alfredo.

​incorrect

• I love jazz; the blues are my favorite kind of jazz.

• Andrea invited me to a pasta party; I was not excited to eat the fettuccine alfredo.

​Correctly Edited

How to use a semicolon in a sentence

A semicolon does the same thing as a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, or so )—it joins two independent clauses. Never use a colon with a coordinating conjunction.

Semicolons - English 3 - Grammar Review

Your turn

On the next few slides you will pick the sentence that correctly uses the semicolon.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence below uses the semicolon correctly?

• The capitals of Denmark and Sweden are port cities, ships from every country call at their harbors.

• Brick is a longtime favorite as a building material because of its good looks and sturdiness; moreover, it is virtually maintenance-free.

• The trees glowed; in the bright sunlight my eyes could barely stand the strain of looking at them.

• According to Bruce, he spent his vacation in Naples, Florida, but he said it was a business; not a pleasure, trip.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence below uses the semicolon correctly?

• Brick is a longtime favorite as a building material because of its good looks and sturdiness, moreover; it is virtually maintenance-free.

• I have done oral reports on Maya Angelou, a poet, Billy Joel, a singer, and Mario van Peebles, a director and actor.

• According to Bruce, he spent his vacation in Naples, Florida, but he said it was a business; not a pleasure, trip.

• I have done oral reports on Maya Angelou, a poet; Billy Joel, a singer; and Mario van Peebles, a director and actor.

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be changed?

The Antarctic continent covers five and one-half million square miles this is an area larger than the United States and Central America combined.

• Insert a colon after the word continent

• Insert a colon after the word miles

• Insert a semicolon after the word miles

• No change needs to be made to this sentence

Multiple Choice

How should this sentence be changed?

The paint in the 100-year-old mansion is peeling; therefore, the owners plan to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls with some help from family and friends.

• Replace the semicolon with a colon

• Delete the comma after the word therefore

• Insert a semicolon after the word walls

• No change needs to be made to this sentence

Open Ended

Read the rule and sample sentence below. Then, write your own sentence that follows the rule.

Rule: Use a semicolon to join two clauses that are closely connected.

Example Sentence: Brianna did not want to sing in the school chorus; she wanted to take trombone lessons instead.

Open Ended

Read the rule and sample sentence below. Then, write your own sentence that follows the rule.

Rule: Use a semicolon to separate items in a series when one or more of the items already contains commas.

Example Sentence: Josephine would love to study abroad someday in Paris, France; London, England; or Madrid, Spain.

Multiple Select

BONUS: There is an "Elf on the shelf" located somewhere in the classroom. Where is "Elf on a shelf" located?

• Hanging from the projector

• Sitting on Ms. McCowan's desk

• On the podium at the front of the room

• On top of the cabinet by the door