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Semi-colons

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A semi-colon is used to join two main clauses that are closely connected.

For example,

I really enjoy playing football; it’s the best game in the world.

Both sides of the semi-colon could be short sentences.

Ray
Finley

Semi-colons can be used to replace conjunctions if the writer chooses.

Remember, we can also use semi-colons in lists where commas are already in use:

The teams playing came from Harrogate, North Yorkshire; Hastings, East Sussex and Ipswich, East Anglia.

Ray

Your Turn…

1. What is a semi-colon?
A punctuation mark
A shape
A type of soft drink

2. What does a semi-colon look like?
:
;
,

3. What is the job of a semi-colon?
To go before speech marks
To separate two main clauses
To transport heavy goods

4. In which of the following examples should the comma be replaced with a semi-colon?
Claire enjoys salmon, but not squid.
Because his eye was on the ball, John scored a terrific goal.
I've eaten all I can, I really couldn't eat any more.

5. Look at the following sentence: Daniel is short for his age he only takes a size four shoe. After which word should the semi-colon go?
shoe
for
age

Score =
Correct answers:

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