Semicolon

By Arundathie AbeysingheLecturer in English

International Aviation AcademySriLankan Airlines

Arundathie Abeysinghe 1

Indicates a major division in a sentence where there is a more distinct separation between clauses or items on a list than is indicated by a comma

Used to connect two thoughts or ideas which are somehow similar

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Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses joined without a conjunction

e.g. Seven students started the research project; only four completed it.

The time is over; please stop writing.

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To separate independent clauses connected with a conjunctive adverb

Follow the adverb with a comma e.g. Our coffee tables arrived after a week;

consequently, our requests are late. Conjunctive adverb – An adverb that joins

independent clauses

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Use a semicolon to separate items in a series if the items contain commas

e.g. The dates we are considering for evaluations are Tuesday, September 18; Thursday, November 20; or Friday, December 10.

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Use a semicolon before introductory words e.g.however, namely, therefore, for instance etc. e.g. It rained heavily in the morning; however,

they managed to climb the mountain. We couldn't reach our destination before dark;

therefore, we decided to stay in a hotel for the night.

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To separate independent clauses that contain commas even if the clauses are joined by a conjunction

A semicolon helps the reader to see the break in thought

e.g. Students needed library facilities, updated course materials, tutoring ; but since none of these were available, they did not perform well at the examination.

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Avoid using a semicolon when a comma is needed:

Incorrect: The handbag is green; but not new. Correct: The handbag is green, but not new.

Incorrect: Because the perfume is strong; I don’t like it.Correct: Because the perfume is strong, I don’t like it.

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however consequently moreover

accordingly instead nevertheless

therefore besides otherwise

thus furthermore hence

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Thank you!

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