Punctuation

Exercise 1:
Rewrite the following sentences, inserting semi-colons where you think it appropriate.
  1) Michelle is loyal, discreet and conscientious I can thoroughly recommend her for the job.
Correct:
Michelle is loyal, discrete and conscientious; I can thoroughly recommend her for the job.

  2) An ideal employee needs to be enthusiastic, tactful, hardworking and loyal finding all these qualities in one person can be difficult.
Correct:
An ideal employee needs to be enthusiastic, tactful, hardworking and loyal; finding all these qualities in one person can be difficult.

  3) Will all staff note the following: only trained staffs are allowed to use the computers training courses will be provided for staff wishing to acquire necessary computer skills and employees wishing to undergo training should inform their manager.
Correct:
Will all staff note the following: only trained staffs are allowed to use the computers; training courses will be provided for staff wishing to acquire necessary computer skills and employees wishing to undergo training should inform their manager.

Exercise 2
Now see if you can write 3 examples for yourself of sentences using semi-colons.
  1) She is extremely beautiful; her heart is brighter; her mind is the brightest.
  2) He has not a house; therefore, he will rent a room.
  3) When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

Exercise 3:
Photocopy 3 pages from a chapter of a text book of your choice. Using different colors highlight any commas, semi-colons and colons in the piece.

Discuss with another learner or your tutor how they have been used.
She was one of those pretty and charming girls born, as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans. She had no marriage portion, no expectations, no means of getting known, understood, loved, and wedded by a man of wealth and distinction; and she let herself be married off to a little...