IXL | Join sentences with semicolons, colons, and commas

Consider the comma in bold, which is used to connect two sentences. If it is not the best choice, replace it with a different punctuation mark.

;:,

Before beginning his tenure at Saturday Night Live, actor Bill Murray got his start the same way many other SNL cast members have, he performed at The Second City, an improvisational comedy group in Chicago.

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Learn with an example

question

Consider the semicolon in bold, which is used to connect two sentences. If it is not the best choice, replace it with a different punctuation mark.

;:,

Barry woke up in a cold sweat after this disturbing dream; he was giving a presentation at work when he suddenly realized that he was still in his pajamas!

key idea

Semicolons, colons, and commas can all be used to join two sentences.

Use a comma to connect two sentences that are joined with a coordinating conjunction, such as and, or, but, or so.

Hannah enjoys hiking and rock climbing, but Jim prefers to stay inside with a book.

Use a semicolon to connect two sentences that are joined with a conjunctive adverb, such as consequently, however, or therefore.

Hannah enjoys hiking and rock climbing; however, Jim prefers to stay inside with a book.

Use a colon or a semicolon to connect two closely related sentences that are not joined with a conjunction. A colon is the best choice when the second sentence explains, defines, or illustrates the meaning of the first sentence. A semicolon is better when the second sentence is related to the first in another way.

Hannah enjoys hiking and rock climbing: she has climbed Mount Rainier three times.

Hannah enjoys hiking and rock climbing; Jim prefers to stay inside with a book.

Also use a colon after a phrase like this, the following, or as follows if the phrase refers to what comes after the colon.

Chelsea's reasoning was as follows: if they raised enough money with the bake sale, they might be able to afford new uniforms.

solution

Use a colon. A colon is normally used after a phrase like this, the following, or as follows if the phrase refers to what comes after the colon.

$Confetti$

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Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

MM.1Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses

PP.2Identify coordinating conjunctions

FF.5Is it a complete sentence or a fragment?

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