Semicolon - Basic Use
What does a semicolon do in a sentence?
It joins two independent sentences that are related in meaning.
Can a semicolon be used in a list? If yes, give an example.
es, a semicolon can be used in a list with complex items. Example: I traveled to Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
What does a colon do in a sentence?
It introduces a list, an explanation, or a quotation.
What must come before a colon in a sentence?
An independent sentence.
Combine this into one sentence using both a colon and a semicolon: There were three winners. John won first place. Sarah took second. Amy came in third.
There were three winners: John won first place; Sarah took second; Amy came in third.
Use a semicolon to combine: I’m tired. I have to keep working.
I’m tired; I have to keep working.
Fix the sentence with a semicolon: I love pizza I hate broccoli.
I love pizza; I hate broccoli.
Insert a colon: I need these items paper, pens, and folders.
I need these items: paper, pens, and folders.
Use a colon in this sentence: Remember this do not give up.
Remember this: do not give up.
Fix this sentence using both a colon and semicolons:
I visited London Paris and Rome in Europe New York Los Angeles and Chicago in the USA and Tokyo Seoul and Beijing in Asia.
I visited three continents: London, Paris, and Rome in Europe; New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in the USA; and Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing in Asia.
Where does the semicolon go? I like coffee it wakes me up.
I like coffee; it wakes me up.
Combine these sentences: The storm was strong. The trees swayed wildly.
The storm was strong; the trees swayed wildly.
Write a sentence that has improper usage of semi-colons.
B.
Fill in the blank: She had one goal ____ win the race.
She had one goal: win the race.
True or false: A colon can be used after an introductory phrase, but a semicolon cannot.
False.
True or false: A semicolon replaces a conjunction like "and" or "but" between independent sentences.
True
Fill in the blank with a semicolon: I studied all night ____ I still failed the exam.
I studied all night; I still failed the exam.
Fix this sentence: My favourite animals are dogs cats and rabbits.
My favourite animals are: dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Insert a colon: There’s one thing I love chocolate.
There’s one thing I love: chocolate.
Identify the error in this sentence and correct it:
He had two choices, give up; or try harder.
The error is the placement of the semicolon. Correct sentence: He had two choices: give up or try harder.
What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma?
A semicolon connects two independent sentences, while a comma usually separates sentences or items in a list.
True or false: A semicolon can be used to replace a comma in complex sentences.
True.
True or false: A colon can be used after a verb to introduce a list.
False
True or false: A colon can be used to introduce a quotation.
True.
Write a sentence that correctly uses a semicolon, a colon, and a list.
I have three favorite hobbies: reading, which calms me; painting, which expresses my creativity; and hiking, which keeps me active.