Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Can a semicolon be used in a list?

Back

Yes, semicolons can be used to separate items in a complex list where commas are also used.

Front

What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma?

Back

A semicolon connects independent clauses, while a comma typically separates items in a list or connects dependent clauses.

Front

Provide an example of a semicolon connecting two independent clauses.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining outside.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

Where should the semicolon go in this sentence? 'I have a big test tomorrow I can’t go out tonight.'

Back

The semicolon should go before 'I can’t go out tonight.' (I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.)

Front

Where should the semicolon go in this sentence? 'She loves reading books she often visits the library.'

Back

The semicolon should go before 'she often visits the library.' (She loves reading books; she often visits the library.)

Front

What punctuation mark is often confused with a semicolon?

Back

The comma is often confused with a semicolon.