Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021
Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression
The semicolon
Punctuation
Transitional expressions include conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases.
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CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS |
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accordingly |
furthermore |
moreover |
still |
also |
hence |
nevertheless |
subsequently |
anyway |
however |
next |
then |
besides |
incidentally |
nonetheless |
therefore |
certainly |
indeed |
now |
thus |
consequently |
instead |
otherwise |
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conversely |
likewise |
similarly |
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finally |
meanwhile |
specifically |
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TRANSITIONAL PHRASES |
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after all |
even so |
in fact |
as a matter of fact |
for example |
in other words |
as a result |
for instance |
in the first place |
at any rate |
in addition |
on the contrary |
at the same time |
in conclusion |
on the other hand |
When a transitional expression appears between independent clauses, it is preceded by a semicolon and usually followed by a comma.
When a transitional expression appears in the middle or at the end of the second independent clause, the semicolon goes between the clauses.
Transitional expressions should not be confused with the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet, which are preceded by a comma when they link independent clauses. (See 33a.)