Mastering Semicolon Usage in Compound Sentences

Why might semicolons appear intimidating to some people?

• They are only used in formal writing.

• They are used infrequently.

• They look like a combination of a comma and a colon.

• They are difficult to type.

What is the primary use of a semicolon as described in the lesson?

• To indicate a question.

• To end a sentence.

• To join clauses of a compound sentence.

• To separate items in a list.

What is a compound sentence?

• A sentence with a dependent clause.

• A sentence made up of two or more independent clauses.

• A sentence with multiple verbs.

• A sentence with multiple subjects.

How does a semicolon help in connecting two sentences?

• By showing they are closely related.

• By ending a sentence.

• By indicating a question.

• By separating items in a list.

Which of the following is an example of correct semicolon usage?

• We didn't have much rain this year; the water is low.

• We didn't have much rain this year, the water is low.

• We didn't have much rain this year. The water is low.

• We didn't have much rain this year: the water is low.

What is a comma splice?

• Using a comma to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Using a comma to separate items in a list.

• Using a comma at the end of a sentence.

• Using a comma to indicate a pause.

Which conjunction can be used to join two sentences with a comma?

• And

• Or

• But

• So

What does a semicolon indicate in terms of pause in thought?

• A pause larger than a period.

• A pause smaller than a comma.

• No pause at all.

• A pause larger than a comma but smaller than a period.

How can the appearance of a semicolon help us remember its function?

• It looks like a comma with a period above it.

• It looks like an exclamation mark.

• It looks like a colon.

• It looks like a question mark.

What is the visual mnemonic for remembering the function of a semicolon?

• It shows no pause at all.

• It shows a pause smaller than a comma.

• It shows a pause larger than a period.

• It shows a pause larger than a comma but smaller than a period.