ESL Punctuation rules - Semicolon
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Transcript of ESL Punctuation rules - Semicolon
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
Arundathie Abeysinghe 2
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.
Arundathie Abeysinghe 3
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
Arundathie Abeysinghe 4
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.
Arundathie Abeysinghe 5
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.
Arundathie Abeysinghe 6
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.
Arundathie Abeysinghe 7
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.
Arundathie Abeysinghe 8
however consequently moreover
accordingly instead nevertheless
therefore besides otherwise
thus furthermore hence
Arundathie Abeysinghe 9
Thank you!
Arundathie Abeysinghe 10