Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related ideas or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, especially when they are not joined by a conjunction.

Front

Can a semicolon be used before conjunctions?

Back

Yes, a semicolon can be used before conjunctions like 'however' or 'therefore' when they connect two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is the difference between a semicolon and a colon?

Back

A semicolon connects related independent clauses, while a colon introduces a list, explanation, or quote.

Front

How do you use a semicolon in a list?

Back

Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Front

What is an example of a semicolon connecting two independent clauses?

Back

Example: "I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight."

Front

What punctuation mark can replace 'yet' in the sentence: 'Thomas excelled in playing the tuba, yet he rarely needed to practice'?

Back

A semicolon can replace 'yet': 'Thomas excelled in playing the tuba; he rarely needed to practice.'

Front

In the sentence 'He lives near the beach the salty air is making his car rust,' where should the semicolon go?

Back

The semicolon should go after 'beach': 'He lives near the beach; the salty air is making his car rust.'

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon in writing?

Back

The purpose of a semicolon is to create a pause that is stronger than a comma but not as final as a period.