Questions and Answers
What is a semi-colon?
Punctuation that separates major sentence elements.
What does a semicolon look like?
;
When do you use a semi-colon? (Select all that apply)
When do you avoid using a semi-colon?
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You should capitalize ordinary words after a semicolon.
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Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon? (Select one)
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Study Notes
Semi-Colon Overview
- A semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates major sentence elements, creating a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period.
Appearance
- The semicolon consists of a dot (above) and a comma (below) placed closely together.
Usage Guidelines
- Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses, indicating a stronger relationship than a period would imply.
- In lists, a semicolon can separate items when those items contain internal commas, helping to avoid confusion.
- Place a semicolon before transitional phrases (e.g., namely, however, therefore) when they introduce a complete sentence, often accompanied by a comma following the transition.
Avoiding Misuse
- A semicolon should not precede a dependent clause. For example, “Although they tried; they failed” is incorrect. The correct form is “Although they tried, they failed.”
Capitalization Rules
- Ordinary words following a semicolon should not be capitalized. For example: “I am here; you are over there” is correct.
Correct Semicolon Usage Example
- The sentence “Star Trek was my favorite television show during the 1960s; in fact, it is my favorite television show of all time” uses a semicolon correctly, as it connects two related independent clauses.
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Description
This quiz helps you learn about semicolons, their definition, appearance, and usage in sentences. It covers essential points for understanding how to correctly use this important punctuation mark. Perfect for students and anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
