Examples

Follow the steps in each example to determine how the sentence needs to be punctuated correctly.

1. Casinos used to operate legally in only a few states(; however,/, however, )they are now springing up all over the country.

   Step 1. however is the conjunctive adverb.
   Step 2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause, and make sure there is a comma after the conjunctive adverb: Casinos used to operate legally in only a few states; however, they are now springing up all over the country.

2. Gaming is one of the fastest growing industries(; in some areas,/, in some areas,) it is a major employer.

   Step 1. in some areas is the transitional phrase.
   Step 2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause, and make sure there is a comma after the transitional phrase: Gaming is one of the fastest growing industries; in some areas, it is a major employer.

3. Legalized gambling takes many forms(; for example,/, for example,) bingo, lotteries, and video games are run under government supervision in many states.

   Step 1. for example is the conjunctive adverb.
   Step 2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause, and make sure there is a comma after the conjunctive adverb: Legalized gambling takes many forms; for example, bingo, lotteries, and video games are run under government supervision in many states.

4. Law enforcement problems associated with legalized gambling get a lot of public attention; the moral and psychological problems(; however, /, however,) may deserve more attention.

   Step 1. however is the conjunctive adverb.
   Step 2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause: Already done.
   Step 3. In this sentence, the conjunctive adverb appears within the second clause. In this case, the conjunctive adverb should be set off from the second clause with a pair of commas: Law enforcement problems associated with legalized gambling get a lot of public attention; the moral and psychological problems, however, may deserve more attention.

5. State lotteries generate income(; at the same time, /, at the same time,) they may also encourage people to gamble unwisely.

   Step 1. at the same time is the transitional phrase.
   Step 2. Insert a semicolon after the first main clause, and make sure there is a comma after the transitional phrase: State lotteries generate income; at the same time, they may also encourage people to gamble unwisely.