Intermediate Test Prep ELA 8 (Grades7-8) Literary Devices

What is a semi-colon? A semi-colon is often used in much the same way a comma is used, but it is a slightly stronger mark of punctuation. It can mean a pause that is longer, closer to being a full stop.

There are three specific uses for the semi-colon:

1. To join two simple sentences (independent clauses)

A semi-colon can be used to join two simple sentences (independent clauses) when there is no conjunction (and, but, or, so , for, yet). Usually a writer chooses to use a semi-colon here because the two sentences being joined are very closely related.

	My mother went grocery shopping; she spent $150.
	I got new bike for my birthday; I couldn't wait to ride it.
	James lives near the lake; he loves the water.
	Chocolate chip cookies are the best; I could eat a whole batch myself.

2. To join two simple sentences connected by a conjunctive adverb (therefore, however, instead)

A semi-colon can be used to join two simple sentences (independent clauses) connected by a conjunctive adverb (therefore, however, instead, also). The conjunctive adverb is then followed by a comma.

For example:

	My alarm didn't go off this morning; therefore, I was late for school.
	I thought about going out for football this fall; instead, I decided to try soccer.
	I wanted to go to the mall; however, my sisters voted to go to the beach.

3. To separate groups of words already containing commas.

A semi-colon can be used to separate groups of words that already contain commas. This is done to prevent confusion on the part of the reader.

My favorite American cities are San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; and Savanna, Georgia.
The new class officers are Sarah Johnson, president; Peter Smith, vice-president; James LeDoux, treasurer; and Angela DeMarco, secretary.
The dates of our school holidays this fall are October 13, 2003; November 11, 2003; and November 26-28, 2003.

Click on the chalkboard to practice working with semi-colons!