Using Semicolons

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Using Semicolons
We will proofread sentences for the correct use
of semicolons.
proofread look over, edit
Prepronounce, Choral PS 2x
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An independent clause (or main clause) has a
subject and a verb and expresses a complete
thought. An independent clause can stand by
itself as a sentence.
Subject
Verb
The dolphins play in the ocean.
Verb
Subject
WB
These animals are intelligent.
APK- Today we will proofread for semicolons that
connect independent clauses
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The semicolon signals a pause in a sentence.
Definition Semicolons separate complete
thoughts and items within a sentence.
Concept
Choral read
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Definition Semicolons separate complete
thoughts and items within a sentence.
Only use a semicolon between independent clauses
IF the independent clauses

• are not joined by and, but, for, nor, or, so, or
  yet (FANBOYS)

• are closely related in meaning

The clouds are moving in lets head home.
Concept S underline notes
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A semicolon is used between independent clauses
that are closely related without using ,FANBOYS
Do not touch that tree frog everyone stay
together.
Non-example
These two clauses arent closely related.
Do not touch that tree frog it may be poisonous.
Do not touch that tree frog. Everyone stay
together.
Example
A period is used since the two clauses are not
closely related.
These two clauses are closely related. A
semicolon can be used to join them.
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When is a semicolon used? P/S A semicolon is
used R-A-J Which is an example of correct
semicolon usage?
WB
1. Jamie was on time Carrie was late.
2. Some reptiles like a dry climate others
prefer a wet climate.
3. My parents anniversary is next week and we
are throwing a party for them.
How did you know? PS x2
RAJ
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Why are semicolons important?
Like other punctuation marks, semicolons are
important because they help make writing clear.
The letter below is hard to read because it is
missing semicolons and colons.
Dear Garden Club Members Its that time of year
again our vegetable garden awaits. Please show
up at the site this Saturday morning at 730. If
you can, bring the following hoe, shovel,
weed-puller, and gloves.
Dear Garden Club Members Its that time of year
again our vegetable garden awaits. Please show up
at the site this Saturday morning at 730. If you
can, bring the following hoe, shovel,
weed-puller, and gloves.
It is also tested on the CST.
CFU Why is learning about semicolons important?
PS Volunteers
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1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are
not combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

1. Jamie was on time Carrie was late.
These clauses are closely related. They can be
joined by a semicolon.
I do How did I determine where the semicolon
goes? PS 2x
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1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are not
combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

Some reptiles like a dry climate others prefer a
wet climate.
We do How did we proofread for semicolons?
P/S 2x
10

1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are not
combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

My parents anniversary is next week we are
throwing a party for them.
You do How did you determine where the
semicolon went? P/S 2x
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Semicolons between independent clauses
Additional Practice

• Proofread for semicolons where they are needed in
  the following sentences.
• Bring a sweater it will be cold tonight.
• Your grades have improved you will easily pass
  the course.
• His mother is a doctor his father owns a computer
  store.
• 4. Suki finished her homework then she went to
  Danas house.

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Variation 2
Use a semicolon between independent clauses
joined by a conjunctive adverb or a transitional
expression.

Kim loaded the camera incorrectly therefore, the
film was ruined.
therefore,
I like cotton in fact, most of my clothes are
made of cotton.
in fact,
Notice that the conjunctive adverb and the
transitional expression are followed by commas.
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Semicolons between independent clausesConjunctive
adverbs
Common Conjunctive Adverbs accordingly furtherm
ore instead nevertheless besides however meanwhil
e otherwise consequently indeed moreover therefor
e
A conjunctive adverb shows how ideas relate to
each other. It expresses a relationship between
two independent clauses and is followed by a
comma.
Choral read S circle
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Semicolons between independent clausesTransitiona
l expressions
Common Transitional Expressions as a result for
example for instance in fact in addition in
conclusion in other words that is
A transitional expression shows how ideas fit
together. It makes a connection between the ideas
in two independent clauses and is followed by a
comma.
Choral read S circle
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1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are
not combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

Janet brought the paint as a result, she started
working before we did.
Variation 2 I do How did I know where to place
the semicolon? How did I proofread for the
semicolon? PS x2
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1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are
not combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

We planned to go to Miami however, our flight
was canceled.
We do WB Word before word after How did we
proofread for semicolons? PS x2
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1. Identify the two related independent clauses
in each sentence. 2. Make sure sentences are
not combined with ,FANBOYS 3. Add the semicolon
between the independent clauses.

Kevin will play the bass drum in the concert
in addition,he will play the symbols.
You do WB Word before word after How did we
proofread for semicolons? PS x2
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Semicolons between independent clauses
More Practice
In the following sentences, add semicolons or
replace commas with semicolons where needed. If a
sentence is already correct, label it C. 1. My
dog can do many tricks for example, he can roll
over and crawl on his belly. 2. The best
defensive players are Carlos, Will, and Fred,
however, Matt and Jamal are great on
defense. 3. I have to study tonight otherwise, I
would go with you. 4. Ive decided not to take
French, instead, I plan to take Spanish.
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Closure
When do we use a semicolon? WB How would you
proofread for semicolons in the following
sentences? WB
Todds report is about Arizona mine is about Utah.
I have to study tonight otherwise, I would go
with you.
Tell me one thing you learned today? Volunteer?
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Independent Practice Warriners Handbook page
279-280 1-10