Semicolons:The Most Feared Punctuation

Leanna YeagerSpring 2014

Independent clause?

Coordinating Conjunction?

Conjunctive Adverb? (Will explain later)

Do you know what a…is?

Semicolons are used in papers as sentence enhancers. You should use semi colons when you want to form a bond between two statements.

These statements can either relate or contrast with one another

Most individuals do not know how to use them correctly; therefore, the semicolon is known as “the most feared punctuation.”

Why Use Semicolons?

to join two related independent clauses

Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.

Rule #1

before conjunctive adverbs such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.

You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing will make the trip better.

Rule #2

between two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas appear in the first sentence.

When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Rule #3

to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Also known as the “Super Comma”

This conference has people who have come from Boise, Idaho; Los Angeles, California; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Rule #4

“While searching for a good place to get a unicorn burger I traveled to Seattle, Washington, Tokyo, Japan, and London, England.”

“While searching for a good place to get a unicorn burger, I traveled to Seattle, Washington; Tokyo, Japan; and London, England.”

Example #1

Which Rule Did it follow?

A) The two relating independent clauses B) “Super Comma” C) Conjunctive Adverb D) Joined with a coordinating conjunction

“Using a semicolon is not hard, I once saw a party gorilla do it.”

“Using a semicolon is not hard; I once saw a party gorilla do it.”

Example #2

A) Coordinating Conjunction B) Conjunctive Adverb C) Independent clauses D) “Super Comma”

Which Rule?!

“My favorite people include Samuel Slaughterjaws, a famous unicorn hunter, my uncle Wilford, a world champion at mayonnaise eating contests, and Nikola Tesla, the most awesome dude to ever fire a lightning bolt at an angry peasant.”

“My favorite people include Samuel Slaughterjaws, a famous unicorn hunter; my uncle Wilford, a world champion at mayonnaise eating contests; and Nikola Tesla, the most awesome dude to ever fire a lightning bolt at an angry peasant.”

Example #3

Once again, considered a “super comma.”

But why is it a “Super Comma?”

This is….

“Godzilla is a misunderstood creature, beneath his raging desire to set people on fire and eat them is a gentle giant who just wants to cuddle.”

“Godzilla is a misunderstood creature; beneath his raging desire to set people on fire and eat them is a gentle giant who just wants to cuddle.”

Example #4

A) “Super Comma” B) Conjunctive Adverb C) Independent Clauses D) Coordinating Conjunction

Why did we do this?

“No one with common sense would actually cascade, therefore, a more correct description would be canyoning with only a rope used to hang yourself after you plummet thirty feet and lie in pain with a broken back on the canyon floor with no hope of rescue.”

“No one with common sense would actually cascade; therefore, a more correct description would be canyoning with only a rope used to hang yourself after you plummet thirty feet and lie in pain with a broken back on the canyon floor with no hope of rescue.”

Example #5

A) Conjunctive Adverb B) Coordinating Conjunction C) Super Comma D) Independent Clauses

Why?! Why?! Why?!