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Commas with Conjunctive Adverbs
Using a Comma after a Conjunctive Adverb like "However"
A conjunctive adverb sits at the start of a sentence to act like a bridge to an idea in the previous sentence. For example:- She is a fantastic cook. However, she uses too much salt. (The word "however" prepares us for a contradictory sentence. It acts like a bridge to the previous sentence. Note that a conjunctive adverb is followed by a comma. A conjunctive adverb is not preceded by a comma.)
Using a Comma before a Conjunctive Adverb
A conjunctive adverb is followed by a comma, not preceded by one.- She is a fantastic cook, however, she uses too much salt.
Using a Semicolon before a Conjunctive Adverb
It is possible to use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb for a smoother transition between your "sentences."- She is a fantastic cook; however, she uses too much salt. (The sentences have now become independent clauses. Don't use semicolons like this too often. It gets annoying really quickly.)
Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs and Commas
- Bruce Leonard spent 4 years in Japan studying Kung Fu. As a result, he is often able to predict moves by Japanese opponents.
- Mark was separated from his twin sister when they were both one. Of course, it was often said that the girl next door looked a little like him, but no one had any reason to think they might be related.
- We are only looking for 6 new people. In summary, 70% of you will fail the course.
- I was her personal butler for over 10 years. Therefore, I will not tolerate sloppy work.
- He missed half of the classes while training for the Olympics. Consequently, his techniques are flawed.
- To Bruce's relief, the shark slowly swam off, however, Bruce suspected that the shark had just made its first pass.
- He missed half of the classes while training for the Olympics; consequently, his techniques are flawed.

Don't Use a Comma before "However"
The word "However" is a common conjunctive adverb. It is just like the other conjunctive adverbs, but it deserves a special mention because writers often mistakenly precede it with a comma. For example:- I don't like cake. However, I love scones.
- I don't like cake; however, I love scones.
- I don't like cake, however, I love scones.
Don't Overuse Semicolons
Conjunctive adverbs are useful because they keep ideas flowing between sentences. Most of them should be preceded by periods (full stops). If you use semicolons before every conjunctive adverb, you will annoy your readers. Semicolons are great in moderation. Hold them back for when you want a really smooth transition between two sentences. Read more about using semicolons.You Will See a Comma before "However"
Like the other conjunctive adverbs, the word "however" can be used like a mid-sentence parenthesis. For example:- Toby likes fishing. Trevor, however, is a fanatic.
A Video Summary on Using Conjunctive Adverbs
Here is a short video on how to use conjunctive adverbs like "however":Help Us Improve Grammar Monster
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