Grammar for writing: using semicolons to link main clauses

In this lesson, we will revise the use of semicolons and explore how they can help to improve the clarity and cohesion of our writing.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What should all sentences start with?

capital letterprepositionsubjectdirect object

1/10

Q2.What is the subject of a sentence?

the main characterwho or what the sentence is aboutthe action being completedwho or what the action is done to

2/10

Q3.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "It is never too late to master your grammar."

compoundcomplexsimple

3/10

Q4.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Because it improves the clarity and quality of your writing, you should use a variety of sentence structures where you can."

compoundcomplexsimple

4/10

Q5.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Deliberate practice and recall of core knowledge will help you to write more accurately so you should make a start now!"

compoundcomplexsimple

5/10

Q6.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Your writing communicates your opinions and ideas; your thoughts matter."

compoundcomplexsimple

6/10

Q7.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contain more than one main clause and they are joined by a conjunction (or semicolon)"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

7/10

Q8.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contains one main clause"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

8/10

Q9.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contains at least one subordinate clause"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

9/10

Q10.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "doesn't contain a main clause and can't stand alone as a complete thought"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

10/10

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.What should all sentences start with?

capital letterprepositionsubjectdirect object

1/10

Q2.What is the subject of a sentence?

the main characterwho or what the sentence is aboutthe action being completedwho or what the action is done to

2/10

Q3.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "It is never too late to master your grammar."

compoundcomplexsimple

3/10

Q4.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Because it improves the clarity and quality of your writing, you should use a variety of sentence structures where you can."

compoundcomplexsimple

4/10

Q5.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Deliberate practice and recall of core knowledge will help you to write more accurately so you should make a start now!"

compoundcomplexsimple

5/10

Q6.Is this sentence compound, complex or simple? "Your writing communicates your opinions and ideas; your thoughts matter."

compoundcomplexsimple

6/10

Q7.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contain more than one main clause and they are joined by a conjunction (or semicolon)"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

7/10

Q8.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contains one main clause"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

8/10

Q9.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "contains at least one subordinate clause"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

9/10

Q10.Which key word(s) match the following definition: "doesn't contain a main clause and can't stand alone as a complete thought"

compound sentencecomplex sentencesimple sentencefragment

10/10

Video

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Using semicolons to link main clauses: Quiz

Complete the questions below to check your understanding.

Q1.What is a main clause?

a clause that makes sense on its owna clause that doesn't make sense on its own

1/5

Q2.What is a subordinate clause?

a clause that makes sense on its owna clause that doesn't make sense on its own

2/5

Q3.Which of the statements below is true?

You always need a capital letter after a semicolon.You need a capital letter after a semicolon if it is the start of a new clause.You need a capital letter after a semicolon if the first word is a proper noun.You should never use a capital letter after a semicolon.

3/5

Q4.Which statements are true?

A semicolon joins two main clauses; they have to be linked or related to each other.You do not need a capital letter after a semicolon unless the first word is a proper noun (the name of a person or place).You should use a semicolon to separate a subordinate clause from a main clause.

4/5

Q5.Which of these sentences use semicolons correctly?

Summer is my favourite time of year; The weather is (mostly) glorious!Hard work has many benefits; one of which is success.Tears of joy ran down her face; she was free.

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Using semicolons to link main clauses: Quiz

Complete the questions below to check your understanding.

Q1.What is a main clause?

a clause that makes sense on its owna clause that doesn't make sense on its own

1/5

Q2.What is a subordinate clause?

a clause that makes sense on its owna clause that doesn't make sense on its own

2/5

Q3.Which of the statements below is true?

3/5

Q4.Which statements are true?

4/5

Q5.Which of these sentences use semicolons correctly?

Summer is my favourite time of year; The weather is (mostly) glorious!Hard work has many benefits; one of which is success.Tears of joy ran down her face; she was free.

5/5

Lesson summary: Grammar for writing: using semicolons to link main clauses

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The next lesson in:
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Grammar for writing: the colon

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Grammar for writing: using semicolons to link main clauses

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Video

Using semicolons to link main clauses: Quiz

Using semicolons to link main clauses: Quiz

Lesson summary: Grammar for writing: using semicolons to link main clauses

It looks like you have not completed one of the quizzes.

Time to move!

The next lesson in: Grammar for Writing is: Grammar for writing: the colon

Browse Oak's lessons:

The next lesson in:
Grammar for Writing
is:
Grammar for writing: the colon