English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Semicolons, colons, and commas review
Semicolons, colons, and commas review
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between the functions of semicolons, colons, and commas in complex sentences.
Correctly use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses.
Correctly use a colon to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation.
Apply comma rules for separating items in a series, joining independent clauses with a conjunction, and setting off nonessential clauses.
Analyze sentences from literature to identify and explain the author's strategic use of these punctuation marks.
Revise their own analytical writing to correctly and effectively incorporate semicolons, colons, and commas to enhance clarity and style.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.The protagonist confronted the villain.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence; it relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning.Although she was afraid...
Conjunctive AdverbAn adverb that connects two independent clauses and shows a relationship between them (e.g., cause and effect, contrast). Common examples include 'however,' 'therefore,' 'consequently,' and 'moreover.'The evidence was compelling; therefore, the jury reached a verdict.
Nonessential ClauseA clause that provides additional, non-critical information to a sentence. If removed,...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Semicolon to Join Independent Clauses
Independent Clause + ; + Independent Clause.
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). This punctuation mark suggests a stronger link between the ideas than a period would.
Colon to Introduce
Independent Clause + : + List / Quotation / Explanation.
Use a colon after a complete sentence (an independent clause) to formally introduce something that illustrates or explains the preceding clause. Never use a colon after an incomplete thought like 'The characters are:'.
Comma with a Coordinating Conjunction
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But...
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Challenging
Read the following paragraph from a student's essay and choose the best revision. 'The author uses symbolism throughout the novel, the green light represents an unattainable dream. This symbol is powerful: it connects to themes of hope, wealth and the past. The protagonist reaches for it; but he can never grasp it.'
A.The author uses symbolism throughout the novel; the green light represents an unattainable dream. This symbol is powerful, it connects to themes of hope, wealth, and the past. The protagonist reaches for it, but he can never grasp it.
B.The author uses symbolism throughout the novel: the green light represents an unattainable dream. This symbol is powerful; it connects to themes of hope, wealth, and the past. The protagonist reaches for it; but he can never grasp it.
C.The author uses symbolism throughout the novel; the green light represents an unattainable dream. This symbol is powerful: it connects to themes of hope, wealth, and the past. The protagonist reaches for it, but he can never grasp it.
D.The author uses symbolism throughout thenovel, the green light represents an unattainable dream. This symbol is powerful: it connects to themes of hope, wealth, and the past. The protagonist reaches for it, but, he can never grasp it.
Challenging
Evaluate the following sentences. Which one demonstrates the most sophisticated and grammatically correct use of semicolons, colons, and commas to enhance analytical writing?
A.The protagonist's flaw is his hubris; this excessive pride leads him to his tragic downfall: the loss of his family, his kingdom, and his honor.
B.The protagonist's flaw is his hubris, this excessive pride leads him to his tragic downfall; the loss of his family, his kingdom, and his honor.
C.The protagonist's flaw is his hubris: this excessive pride leads him to his tragic downfall, the loss of his family, his kingdom, and his honor.
D.The protagonist's flaw is his hubris; this excessive pride leads him to his tragic downfall, the loss of his family; his kingdom; and his honor.
Challenging
In the sentence, 'The character's motivations are complex; moreover, they shift as the plot develops,' the conjunctive adverb 'moreover' and the preceding semicolon work together to establish what kind of relationship between the two clauses?
A.relationship of contrast, showing how the two ideas oppose each other.
B.cause-and-effect relationship, where the first clause causes the second.
C.sequential relationship, indicating the order of events.
D.relationship of addition or amplification, where the second clause adds to and reinforces the first.
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