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Impress Someone; Use a Semicolon Semicolons are impressive; not many people know how to use them correctly. However, there is a little-known secret about the semicolon: it is an easy punctuation mark to learn to use. It can be used in several ways, but it has one primary use—which you will soon discover for yourselves. Here is what a semicolon looks like:
; (like a comma with a period above it.)
Section A (semicolons used correctly) 1. John wanted to rent the DVD Pirates of the Caribbean; Jenny wanted to rent The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. 2. Today I’m going to make my plans; tomorrow I’m going to act. 3. Jeremy adored his little sister Shelly; in fact, he spoiled her rotten. 4. Sam puzzled over the decision for days; he simply couldn’t make up his mind. 5. Nicole was hoping Michael would ask her to the dance; however, she agreed to go with David when he asked her.
Section B (semicolons used incorrectly) Wrong:
1. There are several ways to ask someone for a date; a phone call, a written invitation, a simple question, begging.
Wrong:
2. I never want to see you again; and I wish you would go jump in a lake.
Wrong:
3. He raced to the finish line; sweat pouring down his face.
Wrong:
4. I hate apricots; I’m going to get a new coat for my birthday.
Section C (semicolons used correctly) 1. He begged his father to buy him a new car; however, his father refused. 2. Cream the butter and brown sugar; add the milk to the mixture and beat well. 3. She wants to be president of the United States when she grows up; she also wants to be a quarterback and a princess. 4. Mr. Cabella loves to watch “Dancing with the Stars” on Monday nights; on Sunday nights he loves to watch “Desperate Housewives.”
Ideas That Really Work! •Copyright © 2009 Cottonwood Press, Inc. • 800-864-4297 • www.cottonwoodpress.com
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