SAT Writing › Identifying Semicolon Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I was going to go for a run today, however, the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout. No error
today,
was going
however,
me to
No error
The sentence has two independent clauses. Each could be its own sentence: "I was going to go for a run today" and "the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout." They are joined by a conjunctive adverb, "however." (Other conjunctive adverbs include "accordingly," "consequently," "hence," "moreover," "otherwise," "therefore," and "thus.") When two independent clauses are joined by a conjunctive adverb, they require a semicolon after the first clause, not a comma. The corrected sentence would read, "I was going to go for a run today; however, the stormy weather caused me to postpone my workout."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The carousel, originally introduced to Europe during the Crusades, was derived from a jousting game; and later became a staple at fairs and amusement parks. No error
game;
carousel, originally
Crusades,
fairs and amusement parks
No error
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses. In this case, the phrase after the semicolon is not an independent clause but rather a compound predicate of the subject "The carousel." No punctuation is needed here.
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
He ran to and from the store; several times. No error
;
No error
He ran
and
times.
Semicolons are predominantly used to separate two independent clauses. In the sentence above, the semicolon is incorrect because it is not separating two such clauses. The best way to correct this sentence would be to simply remove the semicolon.
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The man walked into the store; bought his groceries, and went back home. NO ERROR
store; bought
The man
NO ERROR
groceries,
back home.
Introductory or interrupting phrases, i.e. phrases that are subordinate and add information to a sentence but are not necessary to the sentence being complete, must be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Using a semi-colon for such a purpose is erroenous. In the sentence above "store; bought" should read "store, bought."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The ceremony began; she lit the candle and passed it to Natasha. No error
No error
The ceremony
began;
lit
passed
"The ceremony began" and "she lit the candle and passed it to Natasha" alone are both independent clauses. A semicolon or a comma with a conjunction can be used to connect the two independent clauses into one sentence. The rest of the sentence is correct as written.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error.
Due to the unresponsiveness of the school board and its inability to make decisions in a speedy manner; Sarah's mother decided to take action on her own. No error
manner;
speedy
her
its
No error
This question requires knowledge of when to use semicolons. Semicolons are used to link two independent clauses together, i.e. two thoughts that could be seperate sentences but have closely linked ideas. In this case, "Due to the unresponsiveness of the school board and its inability to make decisions in a speedy manner" is a sentence fragment and could not stand on its own—it is not a complete thought without including the information in the second half of the sentence. A revised sentence would look like this: "Due to the unresponsiveness of the school board and its inability to make decisions in a speedy manner, Sarah's mother decided to take action on her own."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Nathan has never been known as a shy person; and he proved that again tonight by jumping on stage and singing with the band. No error.
person;
has never been
by jumping
singing
No error
The semicolon after "person" is incorrectly used in this sentence, and should be replaced with a comma.
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I really enjoy eating out with most of my friends; but I don't enjoy spending time with Emmett. NO ERROR
friends;
Emmett.
really
with most
NO ERROR
It is possible to separate two independent clauses with a semi-colon. It is also possible to separate two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction, but you can't mix and match the two methods. The sentence above should read, "I really enjoy eating out with most of my friends, but I don't enjoy spending time with Emmett."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The old tree had been there for forty years; but now John was thinking of cutting it down. No error
years;
had been
was thinking
of cutting
No error
Semicolons link two independent clauses; the phrase "but now John was thinking of cutting it down" is not an independent clause. The use of "but" makes it dependent on the first clause, and means that a comma is more appropriate. Note that coordinating conjunctions should never follow semicolons.
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The old man was extremely tired; he had undergone one of the most arduous ordeals of his long life. NO ERROR
NO ERROR
tired;
The old man
undergone
his long life.
The sentence above consists of two independent clauses. One way to join two such clauses is to use a semi-colon. The sentence above is correct as it is written.