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Semicolons before transitional phrases




Use a semicolon before transitional phrases.
 


Semicolon before a Transitional Phrase

This point is closely related to the lesson Extending a Sentence with a Semicolon as it concerns merging two sentences to form one. However, in these examples, there is a short bridge between the first half and the second half. The bridge is known as a 'transitional phrase'. There is always a comma after a transitional phrase. (The transitional phrases are shown in bold below.)

Examples:

Everyone knows he is guilty; of course, it will never be proved.
(The transitional phrase "of course" acts like a bridge between the first half and
the second half.)

Sarah's guest was turned away by the doorman; as a result, she left before the presentations.
("as a result" - transitional phrase) 

Business is booming; for example, Siemens has made 10 orders since
4 o'clock.
("for example" - transitional phrase)

I missed the early plane; however, I still made the meeting.
("however" - transitional phrase)

The paper is stuck in the lift; consequently, we cannot finish the
printing.
("consequently" - transitional phrase)

She does not loathe chess, on the contrary, she quite likes it.
(The term "on the contrary" is a transitional phrase. You cannot merge two
sentences into one with a comma. You must either start a new sentence or
use a semicolon.)

My security guards are not trained in fire-fighting; therefore, we paged the
fire service.

START A NEW SENTENCE NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN

Transitional phrases are common. Most of the time, a transitional phrase will start a new sentence. However, you can use a semicolon if you wish a smoother transition. You should not do this too often.

DEFINITELY NOT A COMMA 


You cannot merge two sentences with a comma. This is a very common mistake.

It is extremely foggy, nevertheless, the game will be played.
 
MAIN CULPRIT IS 'HOWEVER' 

The error described above is called a 'comma fault' or 'run-on error'. This error is most commonly seen with the word 'however'.

I am leaving on Tuesday, however, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.
I am leaving on Tuesday; however, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.
I am leaving on Tuesday.  However, I will be back on Wednesday to collect my wages.

COMMA AFTER 'SO' 

When the word 'so' is used to mean 'therefore', it is a transitional phrase and should be followed by a comma.

We are not in a position to fund the changes. So, the current system will remain until at least April when it will be
reviewed again.

See also:

Commas after a transitional phrase
Extend a sentence
Using semicolons before conjunctions (and, or, but, etc.)
Using semicolons in lists
Using semicolons to extend a sentence

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