Little Learnersplay. practice. discover.Grade 9 · Reading & language
Use a semicolon between two closely related clauses that could each stand as a complete sentence.
6 authored questions + worked example
Join these closely related complete sentences: The fog lifted. The boats left the harbor.
Answer: The fog lifted; the boats left the harbor.
The fog lifted and the boats left the harbor are both complete, related clauses.
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: The first plan failed; the team tried another.
The first plan failed is complete, and so is the team tried another.
Question 2
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: The room was quiet; everyone was reading.
Both sides of the correct semicolon can stand as sentences.
Question 3
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: The paint had dried; we removed the tape.
The correct choice links two complete clauses about successive related actions.
Question 4
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: The battery was empty; the lamp would not turn on.
The battery was empty and the lamp would not turn on are complete clauses.
Question 5
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: The fog lifted; the boats left the harbor.
The fog lifted and the boats left the harbor are both complete, related clauses.
Question 6
A semicolon can join two independent clauses; each side must have its own complete main clause.
Answer: Jo packed the tools; Mina checked the map.
Each side names a subject and a complete action.