Unit 11.1
Semicolon
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Introduction
The semicolon is a punctuation mark, something between a full stop and a comma. It is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full stop.
Form
The sign of a semicolon is: ;
Example
- omission of a coordinating conjunction
- Everyone hates spinach; I like it.
- A lot of writers have written great books; a lot of readers have read them.
- She has little money; she can’t pay the rent.
- when we need a connector because the first clause has a comma.
- When I finish my work, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
- If I have time, and I think I will, I will go to the party; and that’s what I want to do.
- I don’t know what to do, and I think I might stay at home; this is where I’m at for now.
Use
We use a semicolon between independent clauses:
- when a coordinating conjunction is omitted
- when the first clause has a comma and the sentences are joined by a coordinating connector such as ‘and, but, or, nor’.
Related
At A1 level you can take a look at these:
At A2 level you can take a look at these:
At B1 level you can take a look at these:
At B2 level you can take a look at these:
Exercises
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