Grammar Tutorial
Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs:
Simple sentences can also be connected with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb. A conjunctive adverb is a word or phrase that works like a conjunction. As with conjunctions, it is important to choose the right conjunctive adverb to say what you mean.
Conjunctive Adverbs:
To Show Contrast: however, otherwise, nevertheless; on the other hand
To Explain: for example, furthermore, besides; in other words, in fact, moreover
To show a result: consequently, as a result, then, therefore
These words are used like conjunctions to connect sentences. Place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb. Put a comma after all conjunctive adverbs except 'then'.
Food prices keep rising; in fact, our weekly grocery bill is 10 dollars is higher than last year.
Chen took tennis lessons; then he beat me all the time.
Semicolon without Conjunctions:
Two simples sentences can also be connected without using a conjunction or a conjunctive adverb. A semicolon shows that the ideas are connected.
Bob likes barbecue. Ribs are his favorite.
Forming Compound Sentences:
You've seen that compound sentences can be formed in three ways:
1. using conjunctions and commas
2. using conjunctive adverbs and semicolons
3. using semicolons
One common error in forming compound sentences is caused by forgetting to use one of these methods. The result is a run-on-sentence.
Incorrect: Dorsy needed new shoes she bought some at the sale.
Run-on's can be corrected by using one of the methods you've learned for forming compound sentences:
Correct: Dorsy needed new shoes, so she bought some at the sale.
Correct: Dorsy needed new shoes; consequently, she bought some at the sale.
Correct: Dorsy needed new shoes; she bought some at the sale.
A second common error in forming compound sentences caused by stringing several sentences together with the word and.
Incorrect: She went on vacation to Mexico and visited Pueblo villages and saw hot-air balloons and rode on a tram up the mountain.
Correct: She went on vacation to Mexico and visited Pueblo villages; he saw hot-air balloons and rode on a tram up the mountain.
A third common error in forming compound sentences is caused by the comma splice. A comma splice occurs when a semicolon connecting two sentences is replaced with a comma.
Incorrect: I keep sneezing, I think I'm catching a cold.
Correct: I keep sneezing, so I think I'm catching a cold.
Correct: I keep sneezing; I think I'm catching a cold.
© 2014 Copy Rights Reserved at Online Tutor For English
Appositives in Complete Sentence
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
An Example of a Four-Paragraph Essay
An Example of a Three-Paragraph Essay
How to Write a Business Letter
Examples of a Well-Written Paragraph
Steps to Write a Three-Paragraph Essay
How to Write a Good Main Topic Sentence
How to Write Good Supporting Sentences
