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New
Semi-colons: second function
I can use the semi-colon in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
- Year 6
Semi-colons: second function
I can use the semi-colon in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
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 separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
- A semi-colon can help to avoid ambiguity in a detailed list.
Keywords
Semi-colon - a piece of punctuation that can separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas
Ambiguity - when the meaning of a sentence or text is unclear to the reader
Colon - a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or question
Comma - a piece of punctuation used to separate nouns in a list and to demarcate a non-finite clause or a relative clause
Common misconception
Pupils may use commas instead of semi-colons to separate detailed list items.
Reinforce the idea that it would be confusing to separate items containing commas using commas.
In the second Learning Cycle, ensure that the children note down their ideas when you feel appropriate, building towards the final task.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What can a semi-colon join together?
What can a semi-colon join together?
two words
two adjectives
two verbs
Q2.Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'We really enjoyed ourselves. My mum was less impressed.'
Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'We really enjoyed ourselves. My mum was less impressed.'
We really enjoyed ourselves my mum; was less impressed.
We really enjoyed ourselves; My mum was less impressed.
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?
Pausing at the door; the headteacher smiled he was so impressed.
Pausing at the door the headteacher smiled he was; so impressed.
Q5.Select all of the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
Select all of the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
Wincing in pain; Jacob lay on the floor, it had been a hard tackle.
Mr Martinez smiled; as Jun answered it was a very impressive response.
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 passed the ball to me first; he lives in the next village over.
Miss O'Neill drives to school by car; her house is very small.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following pieces of punctuation might we need to punctuate a detailed list?
Which of the following pieces of punctuation might we need to punctuate a detailed list?
inverted commas
Q2.Why does the following list not need semi-colons? 'I bought several items: eggs, milk, cheese and cream.'
Why does the following list not need semi-colons? 'I bought several items: eggs, milk, cheese and cream.'
because the items are common nouns
because the items already contain commas
because the list is introduce by a colon
Q3.Why does this list need semi-colons? 'The landscape was filled with exciting noises: the loud, shrill squawk of a bird; the harsh, low growl of a puma; and the chirp of a rodent, scurrying away.'
Why does this list need semi-colons? 'The landscape was filled with exciting noises: the loud, shrill squawk of a bird; the harsh, low growl of a puma; and the chirp of a rodent, scurrying away.'
the items in the list are very long
the items in the list contain colons
Q4.For what reasons are there commas in this list? 'She saw incredible things: bright jewels, shimmering in the darkness; mummies, whose bandages were pure white; and beautiful, golden treasures.'
For what reasons are there commas in this list? 'She saw incredible things: bright jewels, shimmering in the darkness; mummies, whose bandages were pure white; and beautiful, golden treasures.'
to introduce the list
Q5.Using semi-colons in lists helps reduce ambiguity. What does this mean?
Using semi-colons in lists helps reduce ambiguity. What does this mean?
there are fewer words in the list
Q6.Which language features are used in the following list item? 'a vast, ice-covered mountain, towering above her head'
Which language features are used in the following list item? 'a vast, ice-covered mountain, towering above her head'
a relative clause
an adverbial clause
