Question

which of the following sentences is punctuated using correct semicolon mechanics? the actor was nervous before he auditioned, therefore; he did not do well the actor was nervous before he auditioned; therefore, he did not do well the actor was nervous before he auditioned therefore, he did not do well the actor was nervous before he auditioned. therefore, he did not do well

Explanation:

A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a conjunctive adverb like "therefore" is used to connect two independent clauses, a semicolon comes before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. In the first option, the placement of semicolon and comma is incorrect. In the third option, there is no punctuation between the two clauses before "therefore" which is wrong. In the fourth option, a period is used instead of a semicolon before "therefore" which is incorrect for this context. The second option correctly places a semicolon before "therefore" and a comma after it to connect the two related independent - clauses.

Answer:

The actor was nervous before he auditioned; therefore, he did not do well.