Using Semicolons

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Using Semicolons
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Semicolons are a stronger punctuation than a
comma. In fact, they can sometimes take the
place of a period. There are three times when
you might use a semicolon

• 1. Between two sentences.
• Example Injustice is relatively easy to bear
  what stings is justice.
• DO NOT use it between a dependent and an
  independent clause
• Example Since he started school he
  has not had any free time.
• 2. Between two independent clauses linked with a
  transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb
• Example Many corals grow very gradually in
  fact, the creation of a coral reef can take
  centuries.
• 3. Between items in a series containing internal
  punctuation or when the sentence contains so many
  commas that it would be confusing to read
• Example Classic science fiction sagas are Start
  Trek, with Mr. Spock Battlestar Galactica, with
  Cylon Raiders and Star Wars, with Hans Solo,
  Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader.

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Check Your Knowledge

• Add a semicolon where necessary in the following
  sentences. If the sentence is already correct,
  do nothing.
• 1. Do not ask me to be kind just ask me to act
  as though I were.
• 1. Do not ask me to be kind just ask me to act
  as though I were.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 2. When men talk about defense they always claim
  to be protecting women and children but they
  never ask the women and children what they think.
  
• 2. When men talk about defense, they always
  claim to be protecting women and children, but
  they never ask the women and children what they
  think.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 3. When I get a little money I buy books if any
  is left I buy food and clothes.
• 3. When I get a little money, I buy books if
  any is left, I buy food and clothes.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 4. America is a country that doesnt know where
  it is going but is determined to set a speed
  record getting there.
• 4. America is a country that doesnt know where
  it is going, but is determined to set a speed
  record getting there.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 5. Wit has truth in it wisecracking is simply
  calisthenics with words.
• 5. Wit has truth in it wisecracking is simply
  calisthenics with words.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 6. Standing in the middle of the road is very
  dangerous you get knocked down by the traffic
  from both sides.
• 6. Standing in the middle of the road is very
  dangerous you get knocked down by the traffic
  from both sides.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 7. I do not believe in the afterlife, although I
  am bringing a change of underwear.
• 7. I do not believe in the afterlife, although I
  am bringing a change of underwear.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 8. We dont know what we want but we are ready
  to bite someone to get it.
• 8. We dont know what we want, but we are ready
  to bite someone to get it.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 9. To survive, mountain lions need a large, open
  area in which to range, a steady supply of deer,
  skunks, raccoons, foxes, and opossums, and the
  opportunity to find a mate, establish a den, and
  raise a litter.
• 9. To survive, mountain lions need a large, open
  area in which to range a steady supply of deer,
  skunks, raccoons, foxes, and opossums and the
  opportunity to find a mate, establish a den, and
  raise a litter.

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Check Your Knowledge

• 10. These families eat at soup kitchens, they
  have no money for anything other than rent and
  basic clothing.
• 10. These families eat at soup kitchens they
  have no money for anything other than rent and
  basic clothing.

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Review

• There are three times when you might use a
  semicolon
• 1. Between two sentences.
• 2. Between two independent clauses linked with a
  transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb.
• 3. Between items in a series containing internal
  punctuation or when the sentence contains so many
  commas that it would be confusing to read.