1.20 The Semi-Colon

The basic use of the semi-colon was covered in other sections of this book.

Below is a recap.

Semi-colons and Conjunctive Adverbs

Use a semi-colon to connect two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb.

  • The proposal does not include projected expenditures; therefore, it is not being considered.
  • The candidate possesses excellent computer skills; however, her language skills require attention.
  • Our third quarter sales results were impressive; in fact, they surpassed expectations by 20 percent.

Semi-colons and Independent Clauses

Use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Ensure that the two clauses are related. Do not overuse this strategy, for its overuse creates short, choppy sentences.

Examples of using a semi-colon to join two independent clauses
Unrelated ideas – incorrect The price of oil has increased significantly; we are renovating our offices. Management has included two extra vacations this quarter; our third quarter reports are due on Friday.
Related ideas The price of oil has increased significantly; one litre now costs $1.70. Management has included two extra vacations this quarter; employees are delighted.

Semi-colons and Cluttered Commas

Use semi-colons to tidy up confusing commas.

Examples of using semi-colons to tidy up confusing commas
Confusing commas – incorrect My project includes office visits to Vancouver, British Columbia, Windsor, Ontario, and Calgary, Alberta. Mary Gee, Marketing Advisor, Alex Tarabi, Accounts Manager, and Lily Gu, Client Relations, will attend the conference.
Improved: semi-colons for clarity My project includes office visits to Vancouver, British Columbia; Windsor, Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta. Mary Gee, Marketing Advisor; Alex Tarabi, Accounts Manager; and Lily Gu, Client Relations; will attend the conference.

Exercises

Below are some practice quizzes.

  1. The colon  Scroll to the bottom of each unit to access the quiz.
    (https://www.ole.bris.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/courses/Study_Skills/grammar-and-punctuation/index.html#/id/5eaff0ae88d7eb04c5efb43d)
  2. Comma, colon, semicolon, or period  (https://www.niu.edu/writingtutorial/punctuation/quizzes/comma.htm)
  3. Semi-colons  You might have a problem with drawing a line, but it’s a good quiz on semi-colons.
    (https://www.grammar-monster.com/tests/test_semicolons_general_use.htm)

License

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Writing and Critical Thinking Skills for BUSN732 Students Copyright © by Sylvia Vrh-Zoldos and Lillian Mak is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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