Grammar Tips: Semi-Colons

Use a semicolon to: 

• Join two complete sentences that are related
• Separate a list of items that already contain commas
  

Test Your Semicolon Skills!

Determine whether the sentences can be joined by a semicolon.

1. I will not do my homework.  You can't make me.
2. I love semi-colons.  In fact, I am using one right now.
3. I like vanilla ice cream.  My mom makes good spaghetti.

Determine whether a comma or a semicolon should be used. 

1. Before going to bed ( , or ; ) I always brush my teeth. 
2. My roommate made a cake ( , or ; ) it was terrible. 
3. I saw the thief speed away ( , or ; ) and I even got his license plate number. 
4. I like pretzels ( , or ; ) however, I love potato chips. 

Separate the items in the list. 

1. We saw:   Alligators
                      Baboons
                      Camels
                      Ducks
2. They visited:     Tulsa, Oklahoma
                              Chicago, Illinois
                              Memphis, Tennessee
                              Dayton, Ohio

Answers

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