Mastering Semi-Colons

To introduce a quotation or dialogue.

To indicate a pause in a sentence.

To replace a comma in a list of items.

To connect closely related independent clauses or separate complex list items.

False

I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.

True

I like pizza: I like pasta.

I like pizza; I like pasta.

I like pizza and I like pasta.

I like pizza, I like pasta.

apples; oranges; bananas.

apples - oranges - bananas.

apples: oranges: bananas.

apples, oranges, bananas.

A semi-colon should be used only in formal writing.

Use a semi-colon to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate complex list items.

Use a semi-colon to replace commas in all cases.

Use a semi-colon to end a sentence that is complete.

She loves to read; she has many books.

She loves reading she has many books.

She love reading; she has many books.

She loves reading; she has many books.

or

but

and

;

C) 'I enjoy swimming; I enjoy running.'

D) 'I enjoy swimming; however I enjoy running.'

E) 'I enjoy swimming; but I also enjoy running.'

B) 'I enjoy swimming; I also enjoy running.'

birds, cats, dogs.

dogs; cats; birds.

dogs; birds; cats;

cats; dogs; fish.

Use semi-colons to separate items in a list that are all single words.

Always use a comma before a semi-colon in a list.

Use semi-colons to separate items in a list that contain commas.

Semi-colons should only be used in complex sentences, not lists.