How is a semicolon used?
- When you are linking two independent clauses with no connecting words.
Example: Sally and I are going to the beach; we are going to surf and play volleyball. - When you are linking two independent clauses that are joined, but one has a conjunctive adverbs in front of it. Examples of conjunctive adverbs are therefore, furthermore, however, undoubtedly, and consequently.
Example: It will be very sunny and hot at the beach today; therefore, Sally is bringing an umbrella, and I am bringing sunblock. - When you are listing or writing a series and the items have a comma.
Example: Sally will bring two books, Siddharta and On Writing; two sodas, Coke and Sprite; and a sandwich. - When linking two independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are lengthy.
Example: Some people go to the beach to tan, read, and take long walks; yet, others go to play in the sand, ride the waves, and see friends.
Practice:
Add a semicolon.
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