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.
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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.
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