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Do you use a semi colon or comma before however?

You use a semicolon before "however" when it introduces a contrasting idea in a compound sentence. Here's the breakdown:

* Compound Sentence: A sentence with two or more independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as complete sentences).

* Contrasting Idea: The second clause (after "however") presents an idea that is in opposition to the first clause.

Example:

* Incorrect: I was tired, however, I still went to the party. (The comma is incorrect because it connects two independent clauses.)

* Correct: I was tired; however, I still went to the party. (The semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses, and "however" shows the contrast.)

Other Uses of "However":

* You can use a comma before "however" when it introduces a dependent clause (a clause that can't stand alone).

* You can use a period before "however" when it starts a new sentence.

Example:

* Dependent Clause: The weather was bad, however, the show went on.

* New Sentence: The weather was bad. However, the show went on.

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