Semicolons
What is the purpose of a semicolon?
To combine two related independent clauses
What are three rules we discussed for using commas?
Introductory phrases, combining two independent clauses, and interrupting phrases.
What is the purpose of an apostrophe in a possessive noun?
It shows that something belongs to someone or something.
What is the purpose of a colon when introducing a list?
A colon introduces a list after a complete sentence.
Is the following sentence utilizing a semicolon properly? If it is not, explain why it is not correct.
"There are many chores to do; after the last time"
The two independent clauses are not related. There is one independent clause and one dependent clause.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma for an introductory phrase?
A) Before the movie we bought some popcorn.
B) Before the movie, we bought some popcorn.
C) Before, the movie we bought some popcorn.
Before the movie, we bought some popcorn.
Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?
A) The dogs bone is buried in the yard.
B) The dog’s bone is buried in the yard.
C) The dogs’ bone is buried in the yard.
B) The dog’s bone is buried in the yard. (One dog owns the bone.)
Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
A) My favorite fruits are: apples, bananas, and grapes.
B) My favorite fruits are apples, bananas, and grapes.
C) I love many fruits: apples, bananas, and grapes.
C) I love many fruits: apples, bananas, and grapes. (A full sentence must come before the colon!)
Rewrite this sentence using a semicolon
"There were many lights they lit the night sky."
There were many lights; they lit up the night sky.
Where should the comma go in this sentence? Include the name of the rule you are using.
I wanted to stay up late but I was too tired.
I wanted to stay up late, but I was too tired.
Combining two independent clauses.
Which of these words needs an apostrophe?
A) The teachers classroom is very organized.
B) The students are taking a test.
C) My friends are meeting me after school.
The teacher’s classroom is very organized. (The classroom belongs to the teacher.)
What’s wrong with this sentence?
She packed: a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and a jacket.
The sentence before the colon is not complete!
Corrected: She packed a few things: a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and a jacket.
Which sentence is correctly using a semicolon?
A) I love chocolate; because it makes me happy.
B) I finished my homework; now I can watch TV.
C) I ran five miles; but I still had energy.
B.) I finished my homework; no I can watch TV.
Which of these sentences is missing commas around the interrupting phrase? Choose all that apply, and rewrite the sentence(s) including the commas.
A) My brother who lives in New York is coming to visit.
B) My teacher Mrs. Adams gave us extra homework.
C) My dog, who loves to chase squirrels, ran across the yard.
A and B are missing commas!
Identify the incorrect apostrophe use in this sentence and fix it:
The three cat’s slept on their owners couch all day.
The three cats slept on their owner's couch all day.
("Cats" is just plural, no apostrophe needed. "Owner's" needs an apostrophe because the couch belongs to the owner.)
Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
A) The best ingredients for baking include: sugar, flour, and eggs.
B) I brought everything for the trip: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
C) He needs to: clean his room, do his homework, and walk the dog.
B) I brought everything for the trip: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
(A full sentence must come before the colon!)
One of these sentences uses a semicolon incorrectly. Which one is it, and how do you fix it?
A) I love pizza; it’s my favorite food.
B) We were late; because traffic was bad.
C) The movie was long; I still enjoyed it.
B is incorrect!
Create a single sentence that correctly uses all three comma rules:
EXAMPLE: After the long day, my sister, who was exhausted, went straight to bed, but I stayed up reading.
Which sentence correctly shows that multiple people own something together?
A) The two brothers’ car is parked outside.
B) The two brother’s car is parked outside.
C) The two brothers car is parked outside.
A) The two brothers’ car is parked outside.
(Since there are multiple brothers who share one car, the apostrophe comes after the "s" in "brothers'.")
Rewrite this sentence to correctly use a colon.
I need to pick up a few things at the store which are eggs, butter, and milk.
I need to pick up a few things at the store: eggs, butter, and milk.