Mastering Semicolon Usage in Writing

The video tutorial, led by Einstein, addresses the use of semicolons in English grammar. It begins with an introduction to semicolons, explaining their appearance and purpose. The tutorial then covers two main uses: separating items in a complex list and linking independent clauses. Examples are provided to illustrate these uses, including the correction of common errors like comma splices. The video also discusses the role of conjunctive adverbs in connecting related independent clauses with semicolons. The session concludes with a summary and encouragement for viewers to apply the knowledge gained.

What does a semicolon look like?

• A comma with a period on top

• A period with a comma below

• Two periods stacked vertically

• A colon with a comma below

When should you use a semicolon in a list?

• To separate items in a complicated list

• To separate items in a simple list

• To separate items in a list with numbers

• To separate items in a list with colors

Which sentence correctly uses semicolons to separate items in a list?

• This summer you are traveling to Paris, France; London, England; and Rome, Italy.

• This summer you are traveling to Paris, France, London, England, and Rome, Italy.

• This summer you are traveling to Paris; France, London; England, and Rome; Italy.

• This summer you are traveling to Paris; France, London; England, and Rome; Italy.

What is an independent clause?

• A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence

• A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence

• A clause that needs a subordinating conjunction

• A clause that needs a coordinating conjunction

Which of the following is a dependent clause?

• Jimmy likes to dance

• He cannot dance very well

• Jimmy likes to dance; he cannot dance very well

• Although he cannot dance very well

What is a comma splice?

• Using a comma to separate items in a list

• Using a comma to join two independent clauses

• Using a comma to join a dependent and independent clause

• Using a comma to end a sentence

How can you fix a comma splice?

• By using a period or a semicolon

• By using a dash

• By using a colon

• By using a comma and a conjunction

When should you use a semicolon to link two independent clauses?

• When they are in a paragraph

• When they are in a list

• When they are closely related in thought

• When they are unrelated

Which of the following is a conjunctive adverb?

• And

• But

• However

• Or

How should you punctuate a sentence with a conjunctive adverb?

• Comma before and period after the conjunctive adverb

• Period before and comma after the conjunctive adverb

• Comma before and semicolon after the conjunctive adverb

• Semicolon before and comma after the conjunctive adverb