SemicolonsYOUR SQUIGGLY FRIENDS

Three ways to use a semicolon correctly-

1. Connect Two Related sentences

complete sentence + ; + complete sentence

The treasurer of our club absconded with the dues; she is now living in Canada.

(You could have written it like this)

The treasurer of our club absconded with the dues, and she is now living in Canada.

OrThe treasurer of our club absconded with

the dues. She is now living in Canada.

If you still don’t get it, watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXaAVc3PQKQ

2. Connect two related sentences with a transition (a conjunctive adverb)

complete sentence + ; + transition + , + complete sentence.

My brother has a perverse sense of humor; however, he never jokes about injured animals.

My inebriated friend vomited on her date’s shoes; consequently, he never asked her out again.

Conjunctive Adverbs

accordinglyalsobesidesconsequentlyconverselyfinallyfurthermorehence

howeverindeedinsteadlikewisemeanwhilemoreoverneverthelessnext

nonethelessotherwisesimilarlystillsubsequentlythenthereforethus

3. Use a semicolon in a complicated list of items

item + , + more information + ; + item + , + more information + ; + and + item + , + more information

The intrepid traveler hiked to Anchorage, Alaska; swam to Whidbey Island, Washington; and bicycled down to Portland, Oregon.

Or like this if your phrases are long-

Ben’s prevarications were extensive and included lying to his mother about doing the dishes; lying to Matthew about copying his homework; and lying to his teacher about taking her highlighters.

If you still don’t get it, check out this funny website.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/semicolon

Or this not as funny one

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/semicolon.htm

Homework: Vocabulary Semicolons

Write a total of 10 sentences. Use any of the 30 vocabulary words. Pay attention to the parts of speech. Underline the vocabulary word. Draw a dividing line between each section (-10) Write the sentences in this order.

Divide your sentences like this:

3 Sentences connecting related ideas

2 Sentences connecting related ideas using conjunctive adverbs

1 Sentence creating a complicated lists of items

4 Valentine’s Greetings (good or bad) using any type of sentence.

Valentine’s Greeting Examples

Dear Valentine, If my heart were a hotel, you would be the proprietor. (Good) Love, Me

Dear Valentine, Your boring personality makes me feel listless whenever I’m with you. (Bad) Love, Me