Name: Date:

Period:

G9-12.ECRS.B10-A: Connecting Clauses with
Semicolons
Link to the ECRS: (COP24D):Recognize inappropriate use of colons and semicolons
Introduction:
Imagine a world where you eat nothing but pizza. Yum, right? Breakfast, lunch, dinner,
snacksall pizza. After those first few yummy, pizza-filled days, pizza would be sooo boring.
Well, different writing has different flavors, too, just like food does. And even really good
writing can get sooo boring really fast if its all the same flavor.
This is where the semicolon comes in to add new flavor to your writing.

Key Information:
As you remember, semicolons along with a conjunctive adverb can connect two
independent clauses: Ferrets make good pets; however, weasels do not.
ind. clause conj. adv. ind. clause semicolon comma period
If youre going for a different flavor, though, you can use a semicolon without a
conjunctive adverb: Ferrets make good pets; weasels do not.
ind. clause ind. clause semicolon period
Two important things to remember:
1. The clauses must be independent. (Independent clauses are full sentences with subjects
and verbs.)
Independent: The motorcycle took the corner too quickly.
Dependent: The fast motorcycle. This is just an adjective and a noun.

2. The clauses must be related in their subject matter.
Correct: The motorcycle took the corner too quickly; it toppled over and slid on the
pavement.
Incorrect: The motorcycle took the corner too quickly; the bike was a deep purple.


The Basics:
Clearly mark with an I if the clause is independent (a full sentence) or with a D if the
clause is dependent (an incomplete sentence). If the clause is independent, underline the
verb.
Examples:
A crying woman. D
The teacher ran down the hallway. I
1. Lost in the details. D
2. The cup of coffee sat on the table. I
3. The phone beeped. I
4. The movie starts in five minutes. I
5. Among the winners of the night. D


Practice:
Underline the verbs in each clause. Then clearly add the semicolon (and comma, if necessary)
where needed.
Example: ;
The painting supplies cost a lot of money Tina spent $140 on brushes and canvas.

1. Josie dressed up for the party, however; her friend wore jeans.
2. Ana leaves for Japan in two months, consequently; she is learning Japanese now.
3. My father works at Jewel ; my mom works at Dominicks.


Add the correct punctuation where necessary. If two clauses should not be joined by a
semicolon, add a period and capital letter in the correct places instead.
Example: . S
The door slammed shut snow fell heavily from the sky.

4. He arrived late to class. He had trouble catching up.

5. Juan is good at math, however; he wants to be an accountant.

6. Al went to the store, however; he forgot to buy bread.

7. The teacher handed out candy. Sugar is addictive.

8. Juliet mouthed off to her mom, consequently; she was grounded.


Writing Connection:
Underline the two related sentences. Create two new sentence flavors by joining the clauses
with a semicolon alone (Semicolon) and a conjunctive adverb with a semicolon (Conj.
Adv.). Dont forget the punctuation.
Example:
I saw Mary at the library. Libraries have lots of books and DVDs. Mary did not see me.
Semicolon: Conj. Adv.:

I saw Mary at the library; Mary did not see me.
I saw Mary at the library;_however, Mary did not see me.

1. Apples are sold by the bag. Oranges are sold by the pound. The dark liquid ruined the
tablecloth.
Semicolon: _Apples are sold by the bag; oranges are sold by the pound . Conj. Adv.: Apples are sold by the bag; while,oranges are sold by the pound._
2. The shampoo bottle was empty. Our dog howled at the moon. Mom will buy more
tomorrow.
Semicolon: _The shampoo bottle was empty; mom will buy more tomorrow. Conj. Adv.: _The shampoo bottle was empty; so mom will buy more tomorrow.



How it looks on the EPAS (EXPLORE, PLAN or ACT):
Certain words and/or phrases below are underlined and numbered. In the
right-hand column, you will find alternatives for the underlined part. If the
original version is best, choose NO CHANGE.

The Texas Revolution was a military conflict between
Mexico and settlers in the Texas portion of Mexico. The war
lasted less than a year and finished in 1836, however, a war
1.
at sea between Mexico and Texas continued into the 1840s.


Animosity between the Mexican government and the American
settlers in Texas began in 1835 when the Mexican president
passed a constitution that gave more power to the federal
government. The new laws were unpopular throughout Mexico
2.
the residents of Texas began to organize to revolt.
2.
War began in Texas on October 2, 1835, with the Battle of
Gonzales; the American settlers in Texas were called Texians.
3.
The war ended when General Sam Houston led the Texas Army
to victory over a portion of the Mexican Army. The conclusion
of the war brought the creation of the Republic of Texas in
1836.





1. A. NO CHANGE
B. 1836; however; a war
C. 1836 however a war
D. 1836; however, a war






2. A. NO CHANGE
B. throughout Mexico, the residents
C. throughout Mexico; the residents
D. throughout Mexico the residents;



3. A. NO CHANGE
B. Gonzales, the American settlers
in Texas were called Texians.
C. Gonzales; at the same time,
the American settlers were
called Texians.
D Gonzales.
Whats the Rule?
To connect clauses with a semicolon, the clauses must be clauses, and they must be
independent clauses_ .


Clauses connected by a semicolon do / dont (circle one) always
need a conjunctive adverb with the semicolon.