Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon with a transitional adverb?

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)

Using a semicolon before a transitional adverb like however is the way to join two independent sentences cleanly. When the second clause starts with however, you place a semicolon before that word and a comma after it: The plan was approved; however, construction will begin next week. The semicolon signals a strong break between the two statements, while the comma after however keeps the flow and flags the contrast.

If you leave out the comma after however, the sentence loses the proper separation and sounds off because the second clause isn’t clearly marked as a separate idea. Replacing the semicolon with just a comma after the first clause (The plan was approved, however, construction will begin next week) isn’t the standard construction for connecting two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb in this context. And using a semicolon before but isn’t typical here; when a coordinating conjunction like but connects two independent clauses, a comma before but is the normal choice (The plan was approved, but construction will begin next week).