Semicolons

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Semicolons

• WRR 4

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Why Use Punctuation?

• Punctuation marks are signals to your readers. In
  speaking, we can pause, stop, or change our tone
  of voice. In writing, we use the following marks
  of punctuation to emphasize and clarify what we
  mean.

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Semicolon Rule 1

• Use a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses
  when the second clause restates the first or when
  the two clauses are of equal emphasis.

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Examples of linking two ICs that are closely
related

• Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel
  around town streets have become covered with
  bulldozers, trucks, and cones.
• I like this class it is very interesting.
• Susan won the race she is the fastest on the
  varsity team.

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Examples of linking two ICs that are closely
related (contd)

• Abdominal exercises help prevent back pain
  proper posture is also important.
• The auditors made six recommendations however,
  only one has been adopted so far.

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Semicolon Rule 2

• Use a semicolon to join 2 independent clauses
  when the second clause begins with a conjunctive
  adverb (however, therefore, moreover,
  furthermore, thus, meanwhile, nonetheless,
  otherwise) or a transition (in fact, for example,
  that is, for instance, in addition, in other
  words, on the other hand, even so).

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Examples of linking two ICs where the second
clause begins with a conjunctive adverb

• Terrorism in the United States has become a
  recent concern in fact, the concern for
  America's safety has led to an awareness of
  global terrorism.

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Examples of linking two ICs that are where the
second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb
(contd)

• Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry
  quiz however, it was hard to concentrate because
  of the noise.
• My English teacher is intelligent therefore,
  I've learned a lot from her.

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Semicolon Rule 3

• Use a semicolon to join elements of a series when
  individual items of the series already include
  commas.
• Recent sites of the Olympic Games include Athens,
  Greece Salt Lake City, Utah Sydney, Australia
  Nagano, Japan.

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Semicolons to join elements of a series when
individual items of the series already include
commas

• Members of the band include Harold Rostein,
  clarinetist Tony Aluppo, tuba player and Lee
  Jefferson, trumpeter.

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When NOT to use a semicolon

• Generally, you should not place a semicolon
  before a coordinating conjunction that links two
  independent clauses. The only exception to this
  guideline is if the two independent clauses are
  very long and already contain a number of commas.
• WRONG The economy has been sluggish for four
  years now but some signs of improvement are
  finally beginning to show.
• RIGHT The economy has been sluggish for four
  years now, but some signs of improvement are
  finally beginning to show.

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Your turn

• Semicolons between 2 ICs
• Everyone else in my family excels in a particular
  sport.
• I seem to be the only exception.

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Your turn

• Semicolons between 2 ICs
• Everyone else in my family excels in a particular
  sport.
• I seem to be the only exception.
• Everyone else in my family excels in a particular
  sport I seem to be the only exception.

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Your turn

• Semicolon between 2 ICs joined by a conjunctive
  adverb or transition.
• Leonore is planning to become an engineer however
  she is also interested in graphic design.

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Your turn

• Semicolon between 2 ICs joined by a conjunctive
  adverb or transition.
• Leonore is planning to become an engineer however
  she is also interested in graphic design.
• Leonore is planning to become an engineer
  however, she is also interested in graphic design.

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Your turn

• Semicolons between items in a series that contain
  commas.
• You may turn in your book reports on Thursday
  September 14 Friday September 15 Monday September
  18 or Tuesday September 19.

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Your turn

• Semicolons between items in a series that contain
  commas.
• You may turn in your book reports on Thursday
  September 14 Friday September 15 Monday September
  18 or Tuesday September 19.
• You may turn in your book reports on Thursday,
  September 14 Friday, September 15 Monday,
  September 18 or Tuesday, September 19.

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Works Cited

• http//www.arts.uottawa.ca/writcent/hypergrammar/s
  emicoln.html
• http//owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/print/gramm
  ar/g_overvw.html