PRESENTATION OUTLINE
A semicolon indicates a stronger break than a comma but not as strong a break as a period.
A semicolon indicates a stronger break than a comma, but not as strong a break as a period.
When do you use a semicolon?
When do you use a semicolon?
1) To join two independent related clauses.
I went to the store yesterday; I bought cookies and milk.
1) To join two independent related clauses.
I went to the store yesterday; I bought cookies and milk.
2) To separate two main clauses joined with conjunctive adverbs.
Sandy stayed up late on Saturday; therefore, she was tired on Monday.
2) To separate two main clauses joined with conjunctive adverbs.
Sandy stayed up late on Saturday; therefore, she was tired on Monday.
3) To separate items in a series if the items are long or if they contain commas.
We are going camping on Friday, September 12; Monday, May 15; and Saturday, July 1.
3) To separate items in a series if the items are long or if they contain commas.
We are going camping on Friday, September 12; Monday, May 15; and Saturday, July 1.
