Semicolons · Year 9
In Year 9 you learn: a semicolon with however and therefore.
A semicolon ; joins two main clauses that are closely linked, where each could be a sentence on its own. It also separates the items of a long list when the items already contain commas. It was raining; we stayed inside.
Key facts
- Before however or therefore joining two main clauses, use a semicolon, with a comma after the word: It rained; however, we went out.
Worked examples
Example 1
Link the two clauses with a semicolon: It was raining. We stayed in.
Answer: It was raining; we stayed in.
Example 2
Is the semicolon used correctly? I was tired; so I went to bed.
Answer: No: use a comma before so: I was tired, so I went to bed.
Example 3
Correct the semicolon: Because it was late; we went home.
Answer: Because it was late, we went home.
Example 4
Use semicolons in the list: We visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Madrid, Spain.
Answer: We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Madrid, Spain.
Example 5
Punctuate with a semicolon and a comma: The tickets sold out however a second show was added.
Answer: The tickets sold out; however, a second show was added.
Example 6
Pick a colon or a semicolon for each gap: He had one fear ___ heights. She loves maths ___ her brother loves art.
Answer: : then ;
Example 7
Combine into one sentence using a colon and semicolons: The trip had three problems. The bus broke down. It rained. We lost the map.
Answer: The trip had three problems: the bus broke down; it rained; we lost the map.