Semicolons
A Power Point
presentation
with examples and
exercises
© Laura Torres 2014 all rights reserved. www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Laura-Torres
image courtesy of pakom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
When do I use a
semicolon?
Use a semicolon to join two independent
clauses that are closely related.
Use a semicolon to divide items in a series
when one or more of the items contain
commas.
Use a semicolon to join two
independent clauses (complete
sentences) that are closely
related.
Giraffes are the tallest mammal
in the world; their legs are taller
than an average man.
The two clauses in the sentence are
independent. Each can stand alone as a
complete sentence.
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Correct: A baby giraffe can stand up half an hour
after birth; it can run after only ten hours.
Both clauses are independent clauses.
Incorrect: A baby giraffe can stand up half an
hour after birth; and it can run after only ten
hours.
The second clause is a dependent clause. It can’t stand
alone as a sentence.
Incorrect: A baby giraffe can do amazing things
such as; run after only ten hours.
Both clauses are dependent clauses. They can’t stand alone
as sentences.
Use a semicolon with two complete sentences
joined by a transitional expression that functions
as a conjunctive adverb.
A giraffe’s long neck helps it spot predators and find food
in the treetops; however, its neck is too short to reach the
ground.
To get a drink from a water hole, giraffes must bend down
in an awkward position with their legs spread;
consequently, this makes them vulnerable to predators.
Both clauses must still be independent in order to use a semicolon.
Correct: Giraffes are usually silent, but they can make
sounds; for example, they can hiss, whistle, and
bellow.
Both clauses are independent clauses.
Incorrect: Giraffes are usually silent, but they can
makes sounds; for example, hissing, whistling, and
bellowing.
The second clause is a dependent clause. It can’t stand alone as a sentence.
Common Conjunctive Adverbs
Accordingly Consequently Finally For example
Furthermore However Indeed Moreover Nevertheless
Otherwise Subsequently Therefore Thus
Use a semicolon to divide items in
a series when one or more of the
items contain commas.
Giraffes are found in
Africa in savannas, with
coarse grass and
scattered trees; grassland,
with perennial grasses; or
open woodland, with
low-density forest,
shrubs, and grasses.
.
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Incorrect: Giraffes are found in Africa in
savannas, with coarse grass and scattered trees,
grassland, with perennial grasses, or open
woodland, with low-density forest, shrubs, and
grasses.
Incorrect: Giraffes are found in Africa in
savannas; grassland; and open woodland.
Incorrect: Giraffes are found in Africa in places such as;
savannas, grassland, and open woodland.
Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly:
1 a. Giraffes have some things in common with cows such as;
they have several stomachs and make mooing sounds.
b. Giraffes have some things in common with cows; they
have several stomachs and make mooing sounds.
2 a. Leaves, including the favorite acacia leaves; also supply
water for giraffes.
b. Leaves, including the favorite acacia leaves, also supply
water for giraffes.
3 a. A giraffe can sprint 35 mph; furthermore, a giraffe can run
10 mph for an hour or more.
b. A giraffe can sprint 35 mph, furthermore; a giraffe can run
10 mph for an hour or more.
Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly:
1 a. Giraffes have some things in common with cows such as;
they have several stomachs and make mooing sounds.
b. Giraffes have some things in common with cows; they
have several stomachs and make mooing sounds.
2 a. Leaves, including the favorite acacia leaves; also supply
water for giraffes.
b. Leaves, including the favorite acacia leaves, also supply
water for giraffes.
3 a. A giraffe can sprint 35 mph; furthermore, a giraffe can run
10 mph for an hour or more.
b. A giraffe can sprint 35 mph, furthermore; a giraffe can run
10 mph for an hour or more.
4 a. In addition to six-foot legs, a giraffe has these amazing
features: plate-size hooves, which help protect their
young, a two-foot long heart, which weighs 20 pounds,
and a 21-inch tongue, which helps to pluck leaves.
b. In addition to six-foot legs, a giraffe has these amazing
features: plate-size hooves, which help protect their
young; a two-foot long heart, which weighs 20 pounds;
and a 21-inch tongue, which helps to pluck leaves.
5 a. No two giraffes have the same spot pattern, but giraffes
from the same area have similar patterns.
b. No two giraffes have the same spot pattern; but giraffes
from the same area have similar patterns.
4 a. In addition to six-foot legs, a giraffe has these amazing
features: plate-size hooves, which help protect their
young, a two-foot long heart, which weighs 20 pounds,
and a 21-inch tongue, which helps to pluck leaves.
b. In addition to six-foot legs, a giraffe has these amazing
features: plate-size hooves; which help protect their
young; a two-foot long heart, which weighs 20 pounds;
and a 21-inch tongue, which helps to pluck leaves.
5 a. No two giraffes have the same spot pattern, but giraffes
from the same area have similar patterns.
b. No two giraffes have the same spot pattern; but giraffes
from the same area have similar patterns.
The End
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© Laura Torres 2013
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