Using semicolons with transitional expressions

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When independent clauses are linked by transitional expressions, use a semicolon between the clauses. The second independent clause may also be treated as a separate sentence.

The patient was prescribed erythromycin for her URI; however, she informs me that she has had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
OR
The patient was prescribed erythromycin for her URI. However, she informs me that she has had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

NOTE: Use a comma after the transitional expression when it occurs at the start of the second clause.

No comma is necessary after hence, then, thus, so and yet, unless a pause is wanted at that point.

We're going to give therapy another month to see what progress is made; then we can evaluate the patient's progress.

An independent clause introduced by so or yet may be preceded by a comma or a semicolon. Use a comma if the two clauses are closely related and there is a smooth flow from the first clause to the second. Use a semicolon or a period if the clauses are long and complicated or if the transitional calls for a long pause or a strong break.

The patient's condition is critical, so treatment should be initiated immediately.
The patient's condition has slowly been progressing to the point where it is critical; so a treatment plan the patient will accept needs to be formulated and initiated immediately.

If both a coordinating conjunction and a transitional expressoin occur at the start of the second clause, use a comma before the conjunction.

There are a number of disadvantages to the treatment plan, and furthermore the patient wishes to be referred to hospice care.

With For Example, Namely, That Is, etc.

Generally, when two independent clauses are linked by a transitional expression such as for example (e.g.), namely, or that is (i.e.), use a semicolon before the expression and a comma after.

The patient is an ideal candidate for this treatment protocol; that is, she meets the qualifications for age, history and risk factors.
The patient is an ideal candidate for this treatment protocol; i.e., she meets the qualifications for age, history and risk factors.
The patient is an ideal candidate for this treatment protocol; namely, she meets the qualifications for age, history and risk factors.

Use the abbreviated forms e.g. (ergo) and i.e. only if dictated.

Examples of transitional expressions