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Semi-colons are punctuation marks used to connect closely related ideas, linking independent clauses and organizing complex lists. They should not be used with conjunctions or in simple lists. Proper usage enhances clarity in writing, making it more sophisticated.

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Ashrakat Sayed
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9 views3 pages

Document 13

Semi-colons are punctuation marks used to connect closely related ideas, linking independent clauses and organizing complex lists. They should not be used with conjunctions or in simple lists. Proper usage enhances clarity in writing, making it more sophisticated.

Uploaded by

Ashrakat Sayed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Semi-Colons (;): The Cool Cousin of Commas 😎

Semi-colons are punctuation marks that are stronger than a comma but
not as final as a full stop (period). They’re used to connect closely
related ideas. Let’s dive in!

When to Use a Semi-Colon

1. To Join Two Related Sentences


a. Use a semi-colon to link two independent clauses (complete
sentences) that are closely related in meaning.
Examples:
b. I love pizza; it’s my favorite food.
c. The storm was fierce; trees were uprooted, and power lines
fell.

2. Before Conjunctive Adverbs (e.g., however, therefore, moreover)


💬
a. A semi-colon comes before words like however or therefore
when they join two sentences.
Examples:
b. She wanted to stay longer; however, she had to leave.
c. I studied hard; therefore, I did well on the test.

3. In Complex Lists 📝
a. Use semi-colons to separate items in a list when the items
themselves contain commas.
Example:
b. We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

Semi-Colons vs. Commas vs. Full Stops

Punctu
Use Example
ation
Comma Links parts of a sentence or I bought apples,
(,) separates items. bananas, and oranges.
Semi-
Links two related sentences or I love chocolate; it’s the
Colon
organizes complex lists. best dessert.
(;)
Full
Ends a sentence completely. I love reading.
Stop (.)

Common Mistakes with Semi-Colons 🚨

1. Don’t Use a Semi-Colon with Conjunctions (and, but, or, so)


a. ❌ I went to the park; and I played soccer.
b. ✅ I went to the park, and I played soccer.
2. Don’t Use a Semi-Colon Instead of a Comma in Simple Lists
a. ❌ We need milk; eggs; bread; and cheese.
b. ✅ We need milk, eggs, bread, and cheese.

Practice Game

Add the semi-colons where needed:

1. I have three favorite hobbies reading books watching movies and


painting.
2. I wanted to call him I couldn’t find my phone.
3. She worked hard on her project however it didn’t win the
competition.
4. The speakers were John, a historian Emma, a scientist and Carlos,
an artist.

✅ Answers:

1. I have three favorite hobbies: reading books; watching movies; and


painting.
2. I wanted to call him; I couldn’t find my phone.
3. She worked hard on her project; however, it didn’t win the
competition.
4. The speakers were John, a historian; Emma, a scientist; and Carlos,
an artist.

Takeaway

 Use semi-colons to connect ideas or organize complex lists.


 They keep your writing clean, clear, and classy.
 Think of them as super commas or mini full stops!

Now you're a Semi-Colon Superstar! 🌟

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