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Original practice · Reading and Writing

SAT Punctuation: Use a Semicolon Before However

Identify two independent clauses and choose the punctuation around a conjunctive adverb in an original example.

Reviewed

Before you start

Practice sentence boundaries with an original problem, a complete solution and a transfer check. Try the problem before reading the worked answer.

The original problem

The team expected the prototype to overheat___however, the new cooling system kept its temperature stable.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to Standard English conventions?

Try the question before reading the solution

Choose one answer, then check it.

Answer: A semicolon: overheat; however,

Test the text before the blank

“The team expected the prototype to overheat” has a subject, a finite verb and a complete thought. It is an independent clause.

Test the text after the blank

“The new cooling system kept its temperature stable” is another independent clause. “However” expresses a contrast but is not a coordinating conjunction.

Use a valid boundary

A semicolon joins these closely related independent clauses. The existing comma after “however” separates that introductory transition from the second clause.

A second method or independent check

A period could also separate the clauses if the following sentence began “However,” with a capital H. Here the listed choices and existing lowercase word make the semicolon the valid choice.

Why tempting answers fail

  • A comma alone creates a comma splice between the independent clauses.
  • No punctuation creates a fused sentence.
  • A semicolon immediately followed by a comma adds an unnecessary punctuation mark before “however.”

Try a transfer problem

Fill the boundary: “The first sample was damaged___therefore, the team collected another.” Use one punctuation mark.

Answer: ;

Both sides contain independent clauses. “Therefore” is a conjunctive adverb, so a semicolon before it and the existing comma after it form a valid boundary.

What to practice next

If this was difficult, return to sentence boundaries practice and identify the precise step to improve. These are original PeakSAT teaching examples, not official College Board questions or calibrated score predictions. For official adaptive test practice, use Bluebook (opens in a new tab).

Sources

  1. College Board: Reading and Writing contentsatsuite.collegeboard.org

Sources are linked for reference; they do not endorse PeakSAT. How we prepare our guides