Semicolons

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Can a semicolon be used with a conjunctive adverb?

Back

Yes, a semicolon can be used before a conjunctive adverb when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause.

Front

Where does the semicolon go in this sentence? 'I have a big test tomorrow I can't go out tonight.'

Back

The semicolon goes before 'I can't go out tonight.'

Front

Where does the semicolon go in this sentence? 'She loves reading he prefers watching movies.'

Back

The semicolon goes before 'he prefers watching movies.'

Front

What is the difference between a semicolon and a comma?

Back

A semicolon connects independent clauses, while a comma is used to separate items in a list or clauses.

Front

What punctuation mark is often confused with a semicolon?

Back

A colon (:) is often confused with a semicolon.

Front

What is a conjunctive adverb?

Back

A word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them, e.g., however, therefore.