Loading please wait

The smart way to improve grades

Comprehensive & curriculum aligned

Try an activity or get started for free

Use Semi-Colons Correctly 3

In this worksheet, students practise using semi-colons to take the place of conjunctions.

This content is premium and exclusive to EdPlace subscribers.

'Use Semi-Colons Correctly 3' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 2

Year:  Year 5 11+ worksheets

Curriculum topic:   English

Curriculum subtopic:   Punctuation: Colons, Semicolons & Apostrophes

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

A semi-colon can be used to join two clauses instead of a conjunction.

for example:

I love ice cream because it's so cool on a hot day.

I love ice cream; it's so cool on a hot day.

 

Both these sentences are correct, but using a semi-colon adds variety to writing and makes it more interesting. In a way, the reader understands the word 'because' in the sentence even though it is not actually there.

 

Note that it is not correct to use a comma to join two clauses in this way. This is a very common mistake.

I love ice cream, it's so cool on a hot day. (wrong)

 

A semi-colon should only be used if the sections on both sides make sense in their own right. 'I love ice cream' and 'It's so cool on a hot day' can both stand as independent sentences.

 

If the second part of the sentence adds information to the first part but could not stand on its own as a sentence, then a colon should be used instead.

There is only one flavour of ice cream worth eating: strawberry.

What is EdPlace?

We're your National Curriculum aligned online education content provider helping each child succeed in English, maths and science from year 1 to GCSE. With an EdPlace account you’ll be able to track and measure progress, helping each child achieve their best. We build confidence and attainment by personalising each child’s learning at a level that suits them.

Get started
laptop

Try an activity or get started for free

  • National Tutoring Awards 2023 Shortlisted / Parents
    National Tutoring Awards 2023 Shortlisted
  • Private-Tutoring-WINNER-EducationInvestor-Awards / Parents
    Winner - Private Tutoring
  • Bett Awards Finalist / Parents
    Finalist
  • Winner - Best for Home Learning / Parents
    Winner - Best for Home Learning / Parents