Semicolons

Semicolons ( ; )

Semicolon Explanation (Google Slide)

1. Use a semicolon between independent clauses (parts of a sentence that could be a sentence on their own) if they are not joined by and, but, or, for, so, or yet.

   1. I went to the store in the morning; it always seems to be less crowded then.

   2. My mom is reading Shadow and Act; it is a collection of essays by Ralph Ellison.

2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb such as however, therefore, furthermore, or for instance. Place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

   1. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character; however, many people are convinced that he actually did exist.

   2. I am a vegetarian; therefore, I do not eat hamburgers.

   3. Chemical changes occur constantly in nature; for instance, lightning causes a chemical change in the air.

3. RARE USE: Use a semicolon between items in a series if the items/pairs contain commas.

   1. I have lived in Evansville, Indiana; Bloomington, Indiana; Graham, North Carolina; and High Point, North Carolina.

   2. I will interview George, the carpenter; Sally, the florist; and Greg, the butcher

Khan Academy: Colon Overview and Practice

Semicolon & Colon Online Practice