SAT Reading & Writing: Semicolons Between Independent Clauses
39+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
A semicolon connects two complete, closely related independent clauses. It functions grammatically identically to a period.
- 2
If you can replace a semicolon with a period and both sides make sense as full sentences, the semicolon is used correctly.
- 3
You cannot use a semicolon with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). "Sentence; and sentence" is incorrect.
- 4
You CAN use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover), followed by a comma. "Sentence; therefore, sentence."
- 5
Never place a semicolon between an independent clause and a dependent clause/phrase.
- ✗ Using a semicolon because a pause "feels right" even though the second half is not a full sentence.
- ✗ Using a semicolon and a comma interchangeably.
SAT-style practice
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
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