ACT Preparation / Unit 1 ACT 0008 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Transitional Words Are Not Conjunctions
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The idea
However, therefore and other transitional words are not conjunctions. Between two independent clauses, a comma before one joins nothing; a semicolon or period must stand there.
In practice
"The road was closed, however, we found a detour" is a comma splice.
Where people slip
Try but in its place: with but, a comma is enough; with however, it is not.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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