Group Work!● Two sentences using a semicolon with two

independent clauses about today's supplemental reading.

● Two sentences using a semicolon and a transitional expression between two independent clauses about the reading.

● One sentence with a comma splice about the reading.

● A sentence using a colon correctly.

Procedural Stuff

● Attendance● Announcements● Writing Tip and/or Welcome Freshman Tip

Semicolons!● ”With educated people, I suppose,

punctuation is a matter of rule; with me it is a matter of feeling. But I must say I have a great respect for the semicolon; it’s a useful little chap.” <--Abraham Lincoln

● Semicolons are a secondary divider. They give you options.

● Semicolons are used between two items of equal grammatical rank not already joined with a coordinating conjunction. They will be joined by a transitional expression.

Sentences!

● Two sentences using a semicolon with two independent clauses about the supplemental reading.

Semicolons!!● Two independent clauses, two phrases,

etc. Test your usage by placing a period between them.

● The train ride is three days; by flight it takes eight hours.

● Many baseball players make it to the majors via hard work; however, he found other means.

Independent Clauses!

● Use a semicolon between related independent clauses that offer contrasting or parellel information that do not have a coordinating conjunction.

● Paul Revere's The Boston Massacre is traditional American protest art; Edward Hick's paintings are socially conscious art with a religious strain.

Sentences

● One sentence with a comma splice about the supplemental reading.

Run On Sentences (An Intro)

● We will talk about this later in the month, but using only a comma or no punctuation between independent clauses will create a run on sentence (specifically a comma splice).

● The sun is high, put on some sunblock. (comma splice)

Sentences

● Two sentences using a semicolon and a transitional expression between two independent clauses about the supplemental reading.

Independent Clauses With Transitional Words

● Use a semicolon before a transitional word or phrase to join two independent clauses.

● The transition will normally be followed by a comma.

● Thomas Jefferson brought two hundred vanilla beans and a recipe for vanilla ice cream back from France; thus, he gave America its all-time favorite ice cream flavor.

● (that's true)

● Pause.● Take a breath.● Questions?

Items In A Series!

● As you'll recall from our discussion of commas, if there are already commas in the list of elements you will add semicolons.

● Laramie, Wyoming; Wyoming, Deleware; and Delaware, Ohio, were three of the places they visited.

Don't Misuse Semicolons!

● Semicolons should be used for our good. Here are some common misuses:

● Between a dependent clause and the rest of the sentence (use a comma!)

● Introducing a list [use a colon! (stay tuned!)]● Between two independent clauses joined

by coordinating conjunctions (use a comma!)

● Do not use a semicolon to introduce a quote.

Colons!● Colons are used to introduce a series of

elements. According to Strunk & White, they have ”more effect than the comma, less power to separate than the semicolon” (7-8)

● It will be precedded by a complete sentence● Waiting tables requires three skills: Memory,

speed, and balance.● Colons will also be used to introduce

explanatory material.● She had one dream: To play professional

basketball.

Sentences

● A sentence using a colon correctly.

Quiz Answers

Supplemental Material

● Grammar Girl on semicolons.