Patterns with Semicolons
You can use a semicolon whenever you want to splice two clauses together.
Semicolons are versatile; you can use them just about anywhere; personally, I love them!
Here are some patterns that work especially well with semicolons.
Contrast
Semicolons are great for showing contrast. Study these examples:
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Explain
Here is another useful pattern:
- In the first clause, say something difficult (something that your reader may have trouble understanding).
- In the second clause, explain what you mean (perhaps by giving an example).
- Connect the two clauses with a semicolon in the middle.
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In each of these sentences, the second clause explains the first clause. (It gives you an example of Jill being mean or Carlos being nice).
Now study these examples:
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In each of these sentences, the author has used a difficult word or concept in the first clause. (Not everyone understands what "malleable" means, or the meaning of "acquired taste.") So, just to be sure that we all understand—the author has been kind enough to explain what she means in the second clause.
If you take a close look at our Vocab List, you will notice that many of the example sentences follow this pattern. The author uses the new word in the first clause, then illustrates or explains the word in the second clause.
This is a very useful pattern when you want to use fancy words in your writing, but you also want to make sure that your reader understands what you're saying.
Instructions for Quiz
For each sentence on the quiz, decide which pattern is being used:
- contrast
- explain