Should i use a semicolon after however

Didn't find what you need? Search our website or email us. Read our website accessibility and accommodation statement. Punctuation: Semicolons. Print Page Report a broken link. Semicolon Basics Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate parts of sentences. Using commas on both sides of however. Consider the sequence of sentences below.

In the second sentence, however indicates a contrast with the previous thought. We lost the game last night. In that sentence, however is a nonessential element, because you could remove it without affecting the meaning of the sentence. Nonessential elements should be set off with commas. To ensure that you are using the right punctuation mark and positioning it correctly, check a resource guide or ask a knowledgeable colleague. Instead, they guess at the correct way, or they think of how other people have used punctuation in this situation.

Asking someone knowledgeable or checking a reliable guide a book or an online resource can help you avoid embarrassment and can ensure that you will know how to address the situation next time. As a contributing author in this book on leadership, Ken offers insights and tips for managing difficult conversations, providing effective feedback, and being authentic.

Order here. Provides the right words and phrases for any situation - quickly. As far as I understand, a semicolon is used to indicate a slight pause in the sentence, but it's not completed yet, when a full stop would be used.

Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Use of a semicolon before and comma after "however" Ask Question. Asked 8 years, 8 months ago.

Active 7 years, 6 months ago. Viewed k times. Our plane was delayed overnight; however, the airlines reimbursed us for lodging. It looks as though he's upset; however, she told me he always has that look on his face.

I want to find him a nice gift; however, I am a broke until payday. For example, on number 3 I would usually type: I want to get him a nice gift, but I'm broke until payday. Improve this question. Ross Johnston Ross Johnston 1 1 gold badge 2 2 silver badges 3 3 bronze badges. However marks a change of thought more strongly than but , so it really wants the semicolon.

Think of the semicolon as a hinge on which the second half of the sentence turns. StoneyB However, that depends on the sense of however and following one rule in isolation can lead to trouble however well-advised it is in some cases. Example: Bring any two items; however, sleeping bags and tents are in short supply. Rule 3. Use a semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Incorrect: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho, Springfield, California, Alamo, Tennessee, and other places as well. Correct: The conference has people who have come from Moscow, Idaho; Springfield, California; Alamo, Tennessee; and other places as well. Note that a semicolon, rather than a comma, after Tennessee is correct because and other places as well also constitutes a unit of the series.

In this case, attended the meeting is not a unit of the series and therefore is preceded only by a comma. Rule 4. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc.