To Use a Semicolon or a Comma
Knowing when to use a semicolon instead of a comma is a difficult and confusing lesson
for many people. This handout will make the two punctuation marks a little clearer.
A semicolon is used in an English sentence either to separate closely related
independent clauses (complete sentences) or to correct a run-on sentence. One of the uses
of the comma is to link independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, (i.e. and,
or, but, yet). If the coordinating conjunction can be removed, creating a run-on sentence,
separate the two clauses with a semicolon.
For example:
I work part time, and I am going to school part time. ("I work part time" is
an independent clause. "I am going to school part time" is also an independent
clause. The word "and" is a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, to combine the
two sentences into one sentence, use a comma.)
I work part time; I am going to school part time. (This is the same two independent
clauses, minus the coordinating conjunction, which created a run-on sentence. In order to
correct the run-on sentence, separate with a semicolon.)
Examples:
1. Because Jack wanted to do something nice for his wife, Lisa, he decided to take her
to a movie; they saw Men in Black II.
(Explanation: "Because Jack wanted to do something nice for his wife, Lisa, he
decided to take her to a movie" can stand alone as a sentence. "They saw Men
in Black II" is also able to stand on its own as a sentence." Since there
is no coordinating conjunction between the two, separate with a semicolon.)
2. Kim, who is attending school in Seattle works for a local company on her summer
vacation, and her boss is her father.
(Explanation: "Kim, who is attending school in Seattle, works for a local company on
her summer vacation" is an independent clause. "Her boss is her father" is
an independent clause, too. The coordinating conjunction "and" connects the two
to form one sentence. Therefore, it is necessary to place a comma before the conjunction.)
Practice:
Place either a comma or a semicolon in the blank space:
1. Mark asked his boss for a raise ___ his request was turned down.
2. Chris and Courtney went to Seattle to watch the Mariners ___ but the game was sold
out.
3. Lisa is my best friend ____ and she is my sister.
4. My niece and nephew are taking swimming lessons this summer ____ they are enjoying
their instruction.
If this handout is making sense to you, your answers will be:
1. semicolon
2. comma
3. comma
4. semicolon
Assignment:
Now try a few by yourself. Place the correct punctuation mark in the blank space:
1. Denzel Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor this year ____ Halle Berry
won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2. Charity was adopted by a local attorney ____ however, she does not like him.
3. Jessica and Megan work together _____ but they do not like each other.
4. Elizabeth wants to be a schoolteacher _____ she is studying to become a lawyer.
5. English 101 Online is a difficult course _____ if you pass the class, you will be
ready for English 210.
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