New
New
Semi-colons: first function
I can use a semi-colon to join two closely-related main clauses.
Lesson 5 of 8
New
New
- Year 6
Semi-colons: first function
I can use a semi-colon to join two closely-related main clauses.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A semi-colon is a piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
- A semi-colon can be used to join two closely-related main clauses.
- A semi-colon can help to improve text cohesion.
Keywords
Semi-colon - a piece of punctuation that can join two closely-related main clauses
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Text cohesion - how a text flows to maintain the interest of the reader and achieve text purpose
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle with the concept of ideas being 'closely related'.
Semi-colons don't need to show cause and effect or contrast; they are versatile and we should interpret 'closely-related' broadly.
Emphasise the importance of the idea that the words on either side of the semi-colon could be a complete sentence on their own. You may wish to support some pupils in Task B by providing main clauses for them to match together and punctuate.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What piece of punctuation can be used to introduce a list, a question or an explanation?
What piece of punctuation can be used to introduce a list, a question or an explanation?
a comma
a full stop
a question mark
Q2.Which sentence uses a colon to introduce a list correctly?
Which sentence uses a colon to introduce a list correctly?
The lessons we had this morning were: maths, English, spelling and handwriting.
We had many lessons this morning, including: maths, English and spelling.
Q3.Which sentence uses a colon correctly to introduce a question?
Which sentence uses a colon correctly to introduce a question?
We crept deeper into the cave: shivering with fear, would we make it out alive?
We crept deeper into the cave, shivering with fear, would we make it out alive?
Q4.Which of these sentences contain an explanation following the colon?
Which of these sentences contain an explanation following the colon?
Mr Martinez was furious: his face was bright red.
The man smiled: he rarely did.
Q5.Which of these explanation sentences is correctly punctuated?
Which of these explanation sentences is correctly punctuated?
If you must go into town: take this shopping list, I need a few things.
If you must go into town, take this shopping list, I need: a few things.
Q6.Which of the following could complete this sentence as an explanation? 'The cat pounced:'
Which of the following could complete this sentence as an explanation? 'The cat pounced:'
it had sharp claws.
it leapt from the chair.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What must be on either side of a semi-colon?
What must be on either side of a semi-colon?
a gap
an adjective
a noun or noun phrase
Q2.Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'The competition was ferocious. Many players got injured.'
Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'The competition was ferocious. Many players got injured.'
The competition was ferocious; Many players got injured.
The competition was ferocious, many players got injured.
Q3.Match each main clause to a closely-related one to create a sentence that could be joined with a semi-colon.
Match each main clause to a closely-related one to create a sentence that could be joined with a semi-colon.
Q4.Which of the following sentences has the semi-colon in the correct position?
Which of the following sentences has the semi-colon in the correct position?
Laura stopped smiling; as she entered the room she could see them doing a test.
Laura stopped smiling as she entered the room she could see; them doing a test.
Q5.Tick all the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
Tick all the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
As the door creaked open; we froze, the house was completely dark.
Aisha tiptoed down the stairs; which creaked loudly.
Q6.Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly to join two closely-related ideas?
Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly to join two closely-related ideas?
Alex was appalled; he is my next-door neighbour.
