Understanding Semicolons

What is the primary function of a semicolon?

• To separate items in a simple list

• To connect two unrelated clauses

• To replace commas in a sentence

• To connect two related independent clauses

Why can't a comma alone be used to connect two independent clauses?

• Because it makes the sentence too long

• Because it requires a semicolon

• Because it creates a comma splice

• Because it is grammatically incorrect

What is a comma splice?

• A type of conjunction

• A method to list items in a sentence

• A punctuation error where a comma is used to connect two independent clauses

• A correct way to join two sentences

When should semicolons be used in a list?

• When the list is very long

• When the list contains items with their own commas

• When the list is simple

• When the list is at the end of a paragraph

What do some writers think about using semicolons?

• They think they are the same as commas

• They find them overly formal or clunky

• They consider them too informal

• They find them essential for all writing