Lesson: Semicolons

What is a conjunctive adverb?

• A word or words that connect two independent clauses or sentences

• A word that modifies a noun

• A punctuation mark

• A type of verb

What do conjunctive adverbs typically modify?

• Other adverbs, verbs, adjectives

• Nouns

• Pronouns

• Prepositions

What are transitional expressions used for?

• To help create coherence by showing how related details are connected

• To end a sentence

• To start a new paragraph

• To indicate a question

Which of the following is an example of a conjunctive adverb?

• However

• And

• But

• Or

When should you use a semicolon between independent clauses in a sentence?

• When they are joined by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so.

• When they are not joined by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so.

• When they are joined by a comma.

• When they are not joined by a comma.

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used transitional expression?

• For instance

• Consequently

• In conclusion

• In fact

When should semicolons be used between items in a series?

• When the items contain commas

• When the items are short

• When the items are numbers

• When the items are names

What is the purpose of using a semicolon in the sentence: "Our strongest defensive players are Carlos, Will and Jared; and Michael and Matt are excellent on offense."?

• To separate items in a list

• To join two independent clauses

• To indicate a pause

• To end a sentence

Which rule is being explained in the provided text?

• Rule 1: Use a comma to separate items in a list

• Rule 2: Use a period to end a sentence

• Rule 3: Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction when the clauses contain commas

• Rule 4: Use a colon to introduce a list

Which example shows the correct use of a semicolon to separate items in a series?

• He was born on September 27, 1983, began school on September 4, 1988, and graduated from high school on May 17, 2001.

• He was born on September 27, 1983; began school on September 4, 1988; and graduated from high school on May 17, 2001.

• He was born on September 27, 1983, began school on September 4, 1988; and graduated from high school on May 17, 2001.

• He was born on September 27, 1983; began school on September 4, 1988, and graduated from high school on May 17, 2001.