Grammar: Using the Right Word, Using Transition Words with the Semi-Colon

Grammar

Using the Right Word

Using Transition Words/Phrases with the Semi-Colon

Using Transition Words/Phrases with the Semi-Colon

We have been creating compound sentences.

We have been using the coordinating conjunction with the use of a comma to join two independent clauses.

We have used solely the semi-colon to join two independent clause.

Now use the semi-colon with a transition word(s)/phrase to join two independent clauses.

Example:

Courtney didn’t listen in class; consequently, she didn’t do the assignment correctly.

With these transition words, you need to also have a semi-colon, a comma after it, and an additional clause ( a complete sentence). 

The transition words/phrases include:

for example, for instance, that is, besides, accordingly, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, however, consequently, instead, and hence

Construct sentences using the semi-colon and transition word(s)/ phrases

Not to confuse matters, some of these transition words can also be referred to as conjunctive adverbs.

Using the Right Word

a, an

a is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. 

A pear fell from the table.

an is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

An apple fell from the tree.

affect, effect

The verb effect means “to produce”.

Affect means “to influence”.

Nathaniel’s giggle affected the teacher.

Nathaniel’s giggle effected a laugh from his classmates.

allusion, illusion

Allusion is an indirect reference to something.

Illusion  is a false picture or idea.

The person who makes many allusions to his strength tries to establish the illusion that he is strong.

a lot

A lot is not one word.

a lot is a vague descriptive phrase which should probably not be used too often.

You can observe a lot just by watching.

good, well

Good is an adjective.

Well is nearly always an adverb.

quiet, quit, quite

Quiet is the opposite of noisy.

Quit means “to stop”.

Quite means “completely or entirely”.

than, then

Than is used in a comparison.

Then tells when.

their, there, they’re

Their is a possessive personal pronoun. That is their house not mine. 

There is an adverb used to point out location. There is their house.

There is a contraction of “they are”. They’re going to Holland.

threw, through

Threw is the past tense of “throw”.

Through means “passing from one side of something to the other.”

to, too, two

To is a preposition that can mean “in the direction of”.

To also is used to form an infinitive----to run---to talk----to walk

Too means “also” or “very”.

Two is the number.

your, you’re

Your is a possessive pronoun.

You’re is a contraction for “you are.”