Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences

Semicolon Usage Practice 
 
Place a semicolon where needed in the following sentences. 
1. Mike wanted to go to the party
; 
Susan wanted to stay home. 
2. I love to read current fiction
;
Susan Howatch is my favorite author. 
3. Procrastination is my worst habit
;
consequently, I often fail to do my best. 
4. We have been to the Hard Rock Café locations in Atlanta, Georgia
;
Houston, Texas
;
and 
Chicago, Illinois. 
5. My aunt, who doesn't like spicy foods, will not eat peppers
;
but she grows them in the garden 
for everyone else to enjoy. 

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North Harris College Writing Center 
Page 11 
6. They said they didn't see him there
; 
however, he had signed the registration log. 
7. Jane and Mark are in the same English class
;
they each have to write a research paper. 
8. You must remember to water the plants
;
they are starting to wilt. 
9. Students are usually given a syllabus on the first day of class
;
then there is often a reading 
assignment to complete before the second class meeting. 
10. The pilots knew something was wrong
;
however, they didn't want to alarm the passengers. 
11. The robber, who had been caught, surrendered to the police
;
he was placed under arrest. 
12. You should review all of the material
; 
furthermore, we are having a quiz next week. 
13. The puppy, who was adopted a week ago, needed much attention
;
so the family played with 
him each morning, after lunch, and each evening. 
14. You should review the vocabulary from chapters 1, 2, and 3
;
answer the questions from 
sections A, B, and C from each chapter
;
and study charts 4, 5, and 6 on your handout. 
15. We wanted to take her shopping
;
instead, she wanted to stay home and sleep.