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Using Semicolons. Semicolons are a stronger punctuation than a comma. In fact, they can sometimes take the place of a period. There are three times when you might use a semicolon:. 1. Between two sentences. Example: Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice.
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Semicolons are a stronger punctuation than a comma. In fact, they can sometimes take the place of a period. There are three times when you might use a semicolon: • 1. Between two sentences. • Example: Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice. • DO NOT use it between a dependent and an independent clause: • Example: Since he started school; he has not had any free time. • 2. Between two independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb: • Example: Many corals grow very gradually; in fact, the creation of a coral reef can take centuries. • 3. Between items in a series containing internal punctuation or when the sentence contains so many commas that it would be confusing to read: • Example: Classic science fiction sagas are Start Trek, with Mr. Spock; Battlestar Galactica, with Cylon Raiders; and Star Wars, with Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.
Check Your Knowledge • Add a semicolon where necessary in the following sentences. If the sentence is already correct, do nothing. • 1. Do not ask me to be kind just ask me to act as though I were. • 1. Do not ask me to be kind; just ask me to act as though I were.
Check Your Knowledge • 2. When men talk about defense they always claim to be protecting women and children but they never ask the women and children what they think. • 2. When men talk about defense, they always claim to be protecting women and children, but they never ask the women and children what they think.
Check Your Knowledge • 3. When I get a little money I buy books if any is left I buy food and clothes. • 3. When I get a little money, I buy books; if any is left, I buy food and clothes.
Check Your Knowledge • 4. America is a country that doesn’t know where it is going but is determined to set a speed record getting there. • 4. America is a country that doesn’t know where it is going, but is determined to set a speed record getting there.
Check Your Knowledge • 5. Wit has truth in it wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words. • 5. Wit has truth in it; wisecracking is simply calisthenics with words.
Check Your Knowledge • 6. Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides. • 6. Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.
Check Your Knowledge • 7. I do not believe in the afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear. • 7. I do not believe in the afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear.
Check Your Knowledge • 8. We don’t know what we want but we are ready to bite someone to get it. • 8. We don’t know what we want, but we are ready to bite someone to get it.
Check Your Knowledge • 9. To survive, mountain lions need a large, open area in which to range, a steady supply of deer, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and opossums, and the opportunity to find a mate, establish a den, and raise a litter. • 9. To survive, mountain lions need a large, open area in which to range; a steady supply of deer, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and opossums; and the opportunity to find a mate, establish a den, and raise a litter.
Check Your Knowledge • 10. These families eat at soup kitchens, they have no money for anything other than rent and basic clothing. • 10. These families eat at soup kitchens; they have no money for anything other than rent and basic clothing.
Review • There are three times when you might use a semicolon: • 1. Between two sentences. • 2. Between two independent clauses linked with a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb. • 3. Between items in a series containing internal punctuation or when the sentence contains so many commas that it would be confusing to read.
