Which sentence shows correct punctuation with "however" after a semicolon?

• A. I wanted to go; however I stayed home.
• B. I wanted to go; however, I stayed home.
• C. I wanted to go; however, stayed home.
• D. I wanted to go; however, stayed home.

Answer: (B)

When using however after a semicolon to link two independent clauses, you place a comma after however. This gives a clear pause and signals the contrast between the two complete thoughts, with the second clause having its own subject and verb.

The correct sentence reads: I wanted to go; however, I stayed home. The comma after however is essential, and the second clause has a subject and a verb, keeping both parts as complete sentences.

The other options fail because they either omit the comma after however, which disrupts the standard punctuation for conjunctive adverbs, or they leave the second clause missing a subject, turning it into a fragment rather than a complete clause.