1.

Introduction to Semicolons
The Semicolon

Example: Lupita spoils her pet; the dog is poorly behaved.

In the example above, the semicolon (;) joins two independent ideas: "Lupita spoils her pet" and "the
dog is poorly behaved." Each of these ideas could stand alone as a sentence, but they are connected by
the semicolon because they are related ideas. Notice that the word "the," which comes after the
semicolon, is not capitalized.

Directions: Examine the following visual, paying special attention to when and where a semicolon is
used. Then, using the rules outlined above, complete the sentences about the visual by selecting the
blank lines and choosing the correct answers from the dropdown menus.

In the visual above, a semicolon is used in the sentence "Your dog deserves the best care when you're
away; we provide the best services for pampered pets." The semicolon.... in this sentence. "Your dog
deserves the best care when you're away" is.... and "we provide the best services for pampered pets"
is..... .

Directions: Carefully read each sentence in the following table, and select whether the sentence
correctly or incorrectly uses the semicolon. Remember: The semicolon separates two independent
ideas, each of which could stand alone as a sentence.

Sentence Correct Semicolon Use Incorrect Semicolon Use

1. Guide dogs are allowed on airplanes; they help their blind owners to navigate the narrow aisles.

2. Pet Airways is; an airline just for pets flights depart several times a week from at least eight U.S. cities.

3. The Presidential Pet Museum was founded in 1999; it is a place where visitors can learn all about the
pets of every U.S. president.
4. Many cities are forced to control animal populations one common way to control animal populations
is; to spay and neuter animals in shelters.
5. Several cities; ban residents from owning pit bulls this breed is restricted in Denver and Miami.

6. The neighbor's dog barked all night; Carrie and Joe could not sleep a wink.
7. Ramone was allergic; to hairless cats he was disappointed because he had heard they did not cause
allergies.
8. Coyotes have started to make their homes in suburban Boston communities; they have been seen
carrying away and killing cats and small dogs.

Answer:

1. Introduction to Semicolons

      1. Correct Semicolon Use

      2. Incorrect Semicolon Use

      3. Correct Semicolon Use

      4. Incorrect Semicolon Use

      5. Incorrect Semicolon Use

      6. Correct Semicolon Use

      7.  Incorrect Semicolon Use

      8. Correct Semicolon Use