sentences with semicolons

Take, for example, these two separate sentences: “ Using Semicolons to Punctuate Complex Sentences. A semicolon has two general uses: to clarify a series and to indicate two closely related sentences. Writers use semicolons instead of conjunctions for stylistic effect and when the two sentences being joined are short and closely related. He moves so slowly in the morning. Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences. Summary: This resource offers a number of pages about comma use. Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader. Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs and transitional expressions. Usually, fragments are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. You can choose one of two methods: Join two independent clauses with a semicolon. Here's a list of sentences with the adverb phrase in bold: He lived in the north of Germany. Winston Weathers and Otis Winchester "Although the four-part series is indicative of a human, emotional, subjective, involved attitude, each additional lengthening of the series increases and magnifies this attitude, and begins to add an element of humor, even absurdity. Put the proper punctuation on the blank. Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore. For the sake of variety, however, you will often want to combine simple sentences using coordination to create compound sentences. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly.. Another popular way of connecting sentences is through the use of punctuation marks—namely colons and semicolons. You want to know when you should use a comma and when you need a semicolon. She looked for wildflowers yesterday afternoon. They function as coordinating conjunctions, especially and, for, yet, and so. Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons Within Sentences. The Oxford Comma This section is about commas not semicolons, but it will affect how you punctuate your lists. 4) The war is imminent the armies are ready. A semicolon can be used before a conjunction (e.g., 'and,' 'or,' 'but') that joins two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Semicolons Emphasize Relatedness Join two independent clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction. A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that is used to separate and connect independent clauses or when something stronger than a comma is needed.. This rule means that a writer may use semicolons between two complete sentences that are joined by transition words like however, meanwhile, next, similarly, therefore, for example, in addition, in conclusion, etc. Use conjunctive adverbs (or sentence adverbs) to: indicate a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence link the ideas in two or more sentences show relationships between ideas within an independent clause. 3) I hope I get a lot of presents today is my birthday. Use Semicolons and Transition Words A semi-colon combines to separate sentences into one. Semicolons Create Variety. Use a semicolon to replace a period between related sentences when the second sentence starts with either a conjunctive adverb or a transitional expression, such as for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, furthermore, otherwise, however, thus, therefore. In this case, a semicolon can be used to separate the elements in a complex sentence. There are two complete sentences in the above example: Sentence 1: I love to write papers. Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time. Sentence 2: I would write one every day if I had the time. Then write original sentences using semicolons. Semicolons help you connect closely related ideas when a style mark stronger than a comma is needed. The information must be closely related. Example. Reviewing examples of adverbs and adverb phrases can help you identify them and use this part of speech effectively. One of the easiest ways to correct them is to remove the period between the fragment and the main clause. Semicolons Create Variety. An independent clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.It expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. She goes to the movies every week. By using semicolons effectively, you can make your writing sound more sophisticated. A run-on sentence is a sentence that combines too many independent clauses (full sentences) without proper punctuation or connecting-words. In the first example below, the comma after "butter" is called a serial comma or an Oxford comma.In the US, when there are more than two list items, your readers will expect a comma before the conjunction (in this case, "and") that precedes the last list item. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly.. It can separate independent clauses when there is no coordinating conjunction, it can separate items in a list when the items have a comma, and it can separate clauses joined with conjunctive adverbs. 2) Janie easily got an A on the test she studies very hard. Reference ... Semicolons come in handy when linking independent clauses, too. Using a semicolon emphasizes the importance of that sentence, so use a semi-colon sentence sparingly because it makes a sentence seem more important. Here are a few rules with examples that I hope you find very helpful. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row. A lesson that explains the difference between independent clauses and dependent clauses. Commas or Semicolons Worksheet 01 – Determine whether the clauses need to be joined with commas or semicolons. Semicolons can be used to separate parts of a sentence. Some lists already have commas to join dependent clauses or phrases. Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. Include a semicolon before the final conjunction. Most often, semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses instead of using a comma + conjunction. For example, these two sentences— I do not like to ride the bus. Connecting Sentences Using Colons and Semicolons. (introducing a clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause): My proudest moment was when I received the poetry prize. A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Overusing semicolons makes writing more difficult to understand. With a couple adverbs by your side, you can add further description, describe an action, or intensify the meaning of another word. For more information on semicolons, please see the "90-Second Semicolon" vidcast series on the Purdue OWL YouTube Channel. One reason you might choose to use a semicolon instead of a period is if you wanted to add variety to your sentence structure; for example, you might use a semicolon if you thought you had too many short, choppy sentences in a row. A semicolon must be used before a conjunctive adverb if the conjunctive adverb is used to link together two sentences Breaking up a list Semicolons can also be used when writing a list. Use conjunctive adverbs (or sentence adverbs) to: indicate a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence link the ideas in two or more sentences show relationships between ideas within an independent clause. Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.. In a compound-complex sentence, we join the complex independent clause to the other independent clause in the same way as for normal compound sentences: with coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, or semicolons. Fragments are incomplete sentences. Other kinds of punctuation may be needed for the newly combined sentence. Put the proper punctuation on the blank. Rules for Using Semicolons A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Avoid using a semicolon to link sentences. They can link 2 sentences that share or develop an idea. Connecting Sentences with Commas and Semicolons. Adverbs can mystify writers because they have a number of different functions within the English language. While this is an outdated practice, you can use a semicolon if it makes your sentence structure clearer. Punctuation within sentences can be tricky; however, if you know just a few of the following rules, you will be well on your way to becoming a polished writer and proofreader. Compound sentences join at least two independent clauses that have related ideas. Sentence types can also be combined. When… Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. This page has examples and an interactive exercise. It can also be joined to other dependent or independent clauses to make a more interesting and complex sentence. Come take a closer look at these exciting complexities. Example: I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.. They can also separate two main clauses or grouped items in a list. She made me laugh wildly and uproariously. The Oxford Comma This section is about commas not semicolons, but it will affect how you punctuate your lists. In this case, a semicolon can be used to separate the elements in a complex sentence. We went out today to buy a new car. Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences. Rule: Use a comma between two long independent clauses when conjunctions such as and, or, but, for, nor connect them. Commas Half colon and half comma, the semicolon has many uses. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. I stacked the books where the students can reach them. as a relative adverb (referring back to a noun and introducing a relative clause): I remember the day when the war began. Short, simple sentences are easier to read. This transitional word is often followed by a comma. There are two complete sentences in the above example: Sentence 1: I love to write papers. Example. Semicolons (practice quiz) Directions: Use a semicolon in the appropriate place to combine the following independent clauses. When using this method, it is important to keep in mind how the connecting sentences are related. In the first example below, the comma after "butter" is called a serial comma or an Oxford comma.In the US, when there are more than two list items, your readers will expect a comma before the conjunction (in this case, "and") that precedes the last list item. Many of you have been asking for help with punctuating between clauses and phrases within sentences. Series—If one or more elements in a series contain a comma, use semicolons to separate them. This transitional word is often followed by a comma. Semicolons Emphasize Relatedness Some lists already have commas to join dependent clauses or phrases. 1) I want to wear the red shirt my favorite color is red. For example, these two sentences— I do not like to ride the bus. This rule means that a writer may use semicolons between two complete sentences that are joined by transition words like however, meanwhile, next, similarly, therefore, for example, in addition, in conclusion, etc. Semicolons with conjunctive adverbs and transitional expressions. Using Semicolons to Punctuate Complex Sentences. Semicolons can create a break that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop. Without proper punctuation or connecting-words effectively, you can use a comma this section about! 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