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Punctuation. Semi-colons. Semi-colons connect two independent clauses containing similar or contrasting ideas Often the two clauses are also similar in structure Semi-colons are used WITHOUT coordinating conjunctions Do NOT capitalize the first word after the semi-colon.
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Semi-colons • Semi-colons connect two independent clauses containing similar or contrasting ideas • Often the two clauses are also similar in structure • Semi-colons are used WITHOUT coordinating conjunctions • Do NOT capitalize the first word after the semi-colon. • Semi-colons can also be used to avoid confusion with commas already in use in the sentence.
Semi-colon examples • Martha Washington was the first First Lady; she was married to George Washington. • We think of Washington, D.C. as our nation’s capital; however, the capital used to be in New York City. (uses conjunctive adverb) • Abigail Adams read inspirational works, like the Bible, and philosophy; religious sermons and essays; nonfiction, including historical accounts; and she turned to her husband, John, for further instruction.
Periods • The most common end mark • Used for declarative sentences, mild imperatives, and indirect questions. • Also used for abbreviations • Most abbreviations end with a period, but some do not (ex. States) • Used after numbers and letters in outlines
Period examples • There are more than 10,000 species of birds. • My father asked whether we saw the bald eagle. (indirect question) • Fill the birdfeeder first, and then hang it in the tree. (imperative statement) • The speaker will be Adam Martin, Jr. (note - you do not use a double period) • I. Maintaining your pet’s health • A. Diet • 1. For a puppy • 2. For a mature dog
Commas • Used before coordinating conjunctions in sentences • Used in a series with adjectives and nouns • Except in cases with adjectives that must stay in a specific order (ex. Second-oldest building or long ticket line) • Used with introductory words, phrases, or clauses (especially if five or more words) • Used in parenthetical expressions • Used to set off nonessential expressions or information • Used in geographical names • Used in the date between the day and year • Used with people’s titles • Used in addresses between the city and state • Used after friendly greetings or salutations • Used in numbers larger than three digits • Used to indicate the words of an elliptical are left out • Used to set off a direct quotation • Used to prevent readers from misreading a sentence
Comma examples • I like to put pepperoni, cheese, and tomato sauce on my pizza. • We explored the city by bus, by train, and by car. • The survey revealed that many New Yorkers were satisfied with the mayor, that they supported the new laws, and that they wanted the fiscal policy to continue. • A tall, majestic building rose above the skyline. • Oh, did he really say that? • Certainly, you may borrow my book. • Walking slowly, she reached the subway in ten minutes. • When the team got off the plane, hundreds of onlookers began to cheer. • Inside the house, walls began to crumble.
Comma examples cont. • The tennis match, therefore, was held after the rain shower. • We took the subway, not the bus, to work. • The part was played by Henry Fonda, the famous actor. • His reasoning, therefore, was faulty. • My uncle lives in New York, New York. • Today is Thursday, September 26. • On April 8, 1999, my brother was born. • Theresa Kelly, M.D., is my doctor. • We sent a package to Emma Chandee, 1237 Oakland Parkway, New York, New York 10583. • Dear Jimmy, • 186,000 miles per second • Tom read the paper quickly; Rachel, more slowly. • “I finished my report on the Empire State Building,” Linda stated. • For New York police, horses have been a mode of transportation. • In today’s high school classrooms, there are more computers.
Colons • Colons are used to introduce a list following an independent clause • Colons are used to introduce a formal or lengthy quotation that does not use “he said/she said” or similar expression. • Colons are used to introduce a sentence that summarizes or explains the sentence before it. • Colons are used in formal appositives • Colons are used in certain special situations
Colon Use Examples • The Unites States government has three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. • Helen Taft said about her husband: “It has always been my ambition to see Mr. Taft President of the United States.” • Mary Todd Lincoln was very active during the Civil War: She visited hospitals, read to the soldiers, wrote them letters, and raised money. • Mrs. Lincoln strongly supported the main Union policy: antislavery.
Game • http://mrnussbaum.com/semicolonwars-play/ • Please play once through and notify Mrs. Beidler of your score. • You may then play again to try to win. • If you do win, please print your certificate!