Unit 18
Semi-colons
We can use semi-colons instead of a conjunction or full stop between two sentences which are closely connected: Boats anchor on the reef ; their anchors often smash the coral.
7 Rewrite the sentences which need semi-colons. Not all the sentences need semi-colons. Example: My sister likes swimming ; I prefer sunbathing. 1 We saw a shark now we hope to see manatees. 2 Beatrice saw a stingray so she got back in the boat quickly. 3 I felt nervous I had never been diving before. 4 Kim took a deep breath and jumped into the water. 5 Josh dropped his camera in the water his photos were ruined. 6 Everyone turned round to see the manatee but it had disappeared. 8 Use your own ideas to complete the sentences. 1 Michael was excited; ________________. 2 I looked down into the water; ________________. 3 Do not take pieces of coral from the reef; ________________. 4 It is not safe to swim on your own; ________________. We can join sentences with therefore and however . Therefore shows that the second part of the sentence is the result of the first part: The reef is one of the natural wonders of the world; therefore , there are many visitors. However shows contrast between two parts of sentences: The reef is under threat; however , there is still time to save it.
9 Complete these sentences with however or therefore .
1 I usually enjoy swimming; however , the sea was very cold yesterday. 2 The sea was very rough; _______ , we could not go out to the reef. 3 I looked through the bottom of the boat; _______ , I did not see any fish. 4 Most people are careful; _______ , some do not care if they damage the coral.
5 Manatees are endangered; _______ , they need to be protected. 6 The coral is very fragile; _______ , you should not walk on it.
• Semi-colons: Explain that each part of the sentence must contain a verb. • Exercise 9: However and therefore are transitional words which can be used to link sentences or parts of sentences.
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