Exploring the Functions of the Semicolon

This video tutorial explains the use of semicolons in writing. It covers how semicolons can connect closely related sentences, improve sentence structure, and highlight relationships between clauses. The tutorial also discusses exceptions when using semicolons with coordinating conjunctions and the correct usage with conjunctive adverbs. Examples are provided to illustrate these points, making the content engaging and informative.

What is the primary function of a semicolon?

• To end a sentence.

• To separate items in a list.

• To combine two closely related sentences.

• To indicate a question.

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon?

• Mary hated her shoes. They were too small.

• Mary hated her shoes: they were too small.

• Mary hated her shoes, they were too small.

• Mary hated her shoes; they were too small.

Why might you use a semicolon instead of a period?

• To make the sentence shorter.

• To show a close relationship between two ideas.

• To add a dramatic pause.

• To make the sentence longer.

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to show a relationship between clauses?

• Jane's pants were too short, everyone could see her hairy ankles.

• Jane's pants were too short; everyone could see her hairy ankles.

• Jane's pants were too short: everyone could see her hairy ankles.

• Jane's pants were too short. Everyone could see her hairy ankles.

When should you not use a semicolon?

• To separate two closely related sentences.

• To separate items in a complex list.

• With coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'or', and 'but'.

• To show a relationship between two clauses.

In which scenario is a semicolon correctly used with a coordinating conjunction?

• Sara has a shrine to Twilight in her room; but she hides it from her friends.

• Sara has a shrine to Twilight in her room, but she hides it from her friends.

• Sara has a shrine to Twilight in her room; and she hides it from her friends.

• Sara has a shrine to Twilight in her room, and she hides it from her friends.

Why are semicolons used in the sentence listing girls with Twilight shrines?

• To separate the girls from the cities.

• To separate the cities from the states.

• To separate each girl in the list from the others.

• To separate the states from the countries.

Which of the following is a conjunctive adverb?

• However

• Or

• And

• But

How should you combine the sentences 'I put off writing my paper all week' and 'Therefore, I will be pulling an all-nighter'?

• I put off writing my paper all week, therefore, I will be pulling an all-nighter.

• I put off writing my paper all week; therefore, I will be pulling an all-nighter.

• I put off writing my paper all week: therefore, I will be pulling an all-nighter.

• I put off writing my paper all week. Therefore, I will be pulling an all-nighter.

What is a helpful trick to remember when to use semicolons with conjunctive adverbs?

• Conjunctive adverbs are small words and need small commas.

• Conjunctive adverbs are bigger words and need bigger semicolons.

• Conjunctive adverbs are small words and need bigger semicolons.

• Conjunctive adverbs are bigger words and need small commas.