Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon with a transitional adverb?

• A. The plan was approved; however, construction will begin next week.
• B. The plan was approved; however construction will begin next week.
• C. The plan was approved, however, construction will begin next week.
• D. The plan was approved; but construction will begin next week.

Answer: (A)

When two independent clauses are joined by a transitional adverb (like however), you link them with a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after it. Here, both parts can stand alone as complete sentences, so the correct form is The plan was approved; however, construction will begin next week. The semicolon shows the close connection between the two thoughts, and the comma after however keeps the flow natural and signals the contrast.

Using a plain comma before and after the adverb disrupts the rule, since a comma alone doesn’t properly separate two independent clauses when a transitional adverb is used. And placing a semicolon before but isn’t correct because but is a coordinating conjunction that normally takes a comma, not a semicolon, between two independent clauses.