Special Agent Entrance Practice Exam

What does a semi-colon do in a sentence?

1. Indicates a pause

2. Distinguishes between unrelated ideas

3. Separates two related independent clauses

4. Indicates a list of items

The correct answer is: Separates two related independent clauses

The function of a semi-colon in a sentence is to separate two related independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it contains both a subject and a verb. When linking two independent clauses, a semi-colon suggests a close relationship between the ideas being presented. This differs from a period, which indicates a more distinct separation between thoughts. For example, consider the sentence: "I have a big exam tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight." Here, the semi-colon connects two related thoughts. The second clause expands on the reason for the first clause, establishing a logical link between the two. Using a semi-colon communicates that while each clause could function on its own, they are more effectively understood together. The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary role of the semi-colon. It does not simply indicate a pause, as that can be achieved with other punctuation marks such as commas or periods. Additionally, a semi-colon is not used to distinguish between unrelated ideas; rather, it connects related ones. Lastly, while lists are often punctuated with commas or colons, a semi-colon can separate items in a complex list but is not the standard function in struct