When main clauses are joined with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase, the sentence must be punctuated with a semicolon at the end of the first main clause. Using a comma instead of a semicolon results in a comma splice error. Follow these steps to punctuate the sentence correctly.

1. Identify the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase that joins the clauses.

   Main clause 1: A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident
   Conjunctive adverb: consequently
   Main clause 2: many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

   Main clause 1: A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident
   Transitional phrase: in an effort to decrease accidents
   Main clause 2: many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause. Make sure there is a comma after the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.

   A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; consequently, many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

   A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; in an effort to decrease accidents, many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

3. A variation on this pattern is to put the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase later in the second clause. In this case, the two clauses are still separated by a semicolon; the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase is set off from the second clause with a pair of commas.

   A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; many countries, in an effort to decrease accidents, are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

Remember: When main clauses are connected with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase, use a semicolon at the end of the first main clause.

Copyright © 1995-2010, Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Longman Legal and Privacy Terms