A. Separating Dependent and Independent Clauses with a Semicolon
A semicolon separates two independent clauses.
•
;
1.
Josie put the suitcase down she wouldn’t be needing it now.
2.
Each of the students read a sentence or two all were eager to share.
;
•
1.
Semicolons don’t separate an independent and dependent clause.
Hannah accepted the offer because she needed money for college.
Dependent clause
2.
Marcus joined the drama club instead of going out for track.
Dependent clause
Decide which sentences below need to be corrected.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rob was amazed; when I walked through the door.
If I can’t get this project done; I can’t go out tonight.
The clock was counting down; Jay had only seconds to shoot the basket.
A lot of people had the flu last week; I hope it’s not my turn.
Rob was amazed when I walked through the door.
If I can’t get this project done I can’t go out tonight.
The clock was counting down; Jay had only seconds to shoot the basket.
A lot of people had the flu last week; I hope it’s not my turn.
A. Separating Dependent and Independent Clauses with a Semicolon
and a conjunctive adverb.
•
A semicolon separates two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also, hence, namely, still,
anyway, however, nevertheless, then, besides, incidentally, next, thereafter,
certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, now, thus,
finally, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly, further, meanwhile.
The check was for more than the balance; consequently, it bounced.
These things really happened; otherwise, I wouldn't have claimed to have
seen them.
Decide which sentences below need to be corrected.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Rob was late last night; consequently he was grounded.
I can’t get this project done; so I can’t go out tonight.
The clock was counting down; therefore Jay had only seconds to shoot the
basket.
Rob was late last night; consequently he was grounded.
I can’t get this project done, so I can’t go out tonight.
The clock was counting down; therefore Jay had only seconds to shoot the basket.
A semicolon separates items in a list when
the items have internal punctuation.
We sent copies of the memo to Walla Walla, Washington;
Traverse City, Michigan; and New Brunswick, New York.
The president spoke to the press on Monday, the day after
he decided he wouln't seek a second term; on Wednesday,
the day after he changed his mind; and on Friday, when
the poles showed a down turn in his popularity rating.
Decide which sentences below need to be corrected.
1.
Suncom Corporation has subsidiaries in four cities: New York, New
York; Wilmington, Ohio; Houston, Texas; and San Francisco,
California.
2.
I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good, they give us beef,
which also tastes good, and they give us leather, which is used for
shoes and coats.
1.
Suncom Corporation has subsidiaries in four cities: New York, New
York; Wilmington, Ohio; Houston, Texas; and San Francisco,
California.
2.
I like cows: they give us milk, which tastes good; they give us beef,
which also tastes good; and they give us leather, which is used for
shoes and coats.