LoginConjunctive Adverbs
Dive deep into the rules and nuances of conjunctive adverbs like 'however', 'therefore', and 'meanwhile'. Detailed explanations, advanced exercises, and a quiz to test your understanding.
What Are Conjunctive Adverbs?
A conjunctive adverb (also called adverbial conjunction, or subordinating adverb) is an adverb or adverbial phrase that is used to connect ideas and show the relationship between two independent clauses in a sentence.
Common Conjunctive Adverbs
Some common examples of conjunctive adverbs in English are:
Now take a look at some examples:
It rained all night; consequently, the game was canceled.
This is an unpleasant disease. However, it can be treated easily.
Similarity with Conjunctions
A conjunctive adverb acts like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), i.e. it brings together two complete thoughts. They use the second clause to modify the first clause like an adverb.
She slept late at night but she managed to wake up on time.
He studied for hours; however, he still didn't feel prepared for the exam.
Difference with Conjunctions
Conjunctions (such as "and," "but," and "or") connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal syntactic importance. They do not modify the clauses they connect; rather, they simply join the clauses together.
Conjunctive adverbs, on the other hand, connect two independent clauses and show the relationship between them. They are used to indicate logical connections between ideas and can modify the clause that comes after them, and they are usually set off by a comma or semicolon.
Take a look at the examples:
I peactice everyday, but I don't seem to improve at all.
She is very rich; however, she wears cheap clothing.
Conjunctive Adverbs: Uses
A conjunctive adverb is a part of speech that is used to connect one clause to another. Conjunctive adverbs can serve a number of purposes:
express cause and effect
add details
compare
contrast
provide examples
summarize
show sequence
show emphasis
indicate temporal relationship
1. Expressing Cause and Effect
Some conjunctive adverbs can indicate a cause and effect relationship between two clauses. In this case, the first clause expresses the cause, and the second clause expresses the effect. These conjunctive adverbs include:
consequently
as a result
therefore
as a consequence
for this reason
wherefore
Take a look at some examples:
She had broken her legs; as a consequence, she couldn't attend the swimming competition.
They have had many problems; as a result, their marriage turned into a failure.
The company saw a decrease in profits this quarter; therefore, they have decided to implement cost-cutting measures.
2. Adding Details
Conjunctive adverbs can also add an idea or a detail to the first clause. Here are some of the conjunctive adverbs used to add details:
also
besides
moreover
additionally
furthermore
in addition
We have used wood to make this bridge. Also, we have used glitter to make it shine.
I study Italian; in addition, I work as an English instructor.
3. Comparison
Conjunctive adverbs can also be used to compare two ideas. One idea is in the first clause, and the second idea comes after the conjunctive adverb. Examples of comparative conjunctive adverbs are:
similarly
likewise
equally
comparably
The company values innovation; equally, it encourages creative risk-taking.
The mushrooms were delicious. Likewise, the potatoes were awesome.
4. Contrast
Indicating contrast between two ideas is another use of conjunctive adverbs. Look at some examples of conjunctive adverbs that show contrast:
however
in contrast
nonetheless
conversely
on the other hand
on the contrary
She studied diligently; however, she failed the exam.
Cats are independent; conversely, dogs crave constant attention.
5. Providing Examples
In order to clarify what you mean or to support an argument, you can provide examples or clarifications. You can use conjunctive adverbs to introduce these examples:
for example
for instance
that is
Take a look at the following examples:
There are a lot of things we can do to help the environment; for example, we can reduce our waste.
We have to consider the consequences; that is, what will happen if we implement this plan.
6. Summarizing
Sometimes you need to sum up your argument after stating all the details. You can use some conjunctive adverbs to do that:
in conclusion
in summary
in brief
in short
We talked and I cried and then he started making excuses. In brief, I can say we broke up.
These small particles can cause cancer and different kinds of disease. In summary, they are really dangerous.
7. Showing Sequence
Sometimes, for example, while narrating, you need to put events in sequential order to make them easier to follow. Using conjunctive adverbs is one way to do that. Examples of these conjunctive adverbs are:
first
second
next
then
finally
My cousin cooked the dinner; then, he put the turkey on the table.
She was acting weird. Finally, I asked her what's wrong.
8. Showing Emphasis
Conjunctive adverbs can be used to put emphasis on a clause. Emphatic conjunctive adverbs connect two similar thoughts, with the second thought being more emphatic. Take a look at some examples of these adverbs:
indeed
again
of course
She's a talented musician; of course, she practices for hours every day.
He said he would try his best; and indeed, he meant it.
9. Indicating Temporal Relationship
Conjunctive adverbs can also show the time of two actions or events in relation to one another. They tell us when the first clause happened and when the second clause happened. Examples of conjunctive adverbs that show temporal relationship are:
previously
afterward
later
subsequently
meanwhile
at the same time
She finished her thesis; afterward, she celebrated with friends.
Liam is getting married in June. Meanwhile, he's still looking for a job.
Conjunctive Adverbs: Placement
Conjunctive adverbs commonly appear:
at the beginning of the clause
between the subject and the first verb
at the end of the clause
She already had a lot of experience. Therefore, she seemed the best candidate for the job.
This isn't a task that needs team work; a single person, therefore, may suffice.
They evacuated quickly; the storm hit afterward.
Conjunctive Adverbs: Punctuation
Before conjunctive adverbs, we can have either a semicolon or a full stop (a period). After them, we usually have a comma.
It was the truth; however, you shouldn't have said that.
It was the truth. However, you shouldn't have said that.
Nina runs a catering company. Also, she plans parties.
You need to try harder; otherwise, you won't get a passing grade.
Two Commas?
As already discussed, a conjunctive adverb can come in different positions in the sentence. When it appears in the middle of the clause, it is usually set off by commas on either side.
John cooked dinner; Sarah, meanwhile, set the table.
You had every right to say that. It was, nonetheless, a little insensitive to say out loud.
Review
Using conjunctive adverbs helps join two independent clauses with each other and increase cohesion of the text by establishing clear relationships between clauses. Conjunctive adverbs can express a variety of relationships between clauses, including:
Function | Examples |
|---|---|
cause and effect | consequently, therefore |
contrast | however, in contrast |
showing sequence | next, then |
addition | moreover, besides |
providing examples | for example, namely |
comparison | similarly, likewise |
summarizing | in conclusion, in short |
emphasis | indeed, of course |
time | previously, afterward |
Quiz:
Which sentence does not contain a conjunctive adverb?
I was tired, but I kept working.
He missed the train; therefore, he arrived late.
They studied hard; similarly, their friends did well too.
She brought her umbrella; however, it didn't rain.
Match each sentence with the correct function the conjunctive adverb.
Complete each sentence using the appropriate conjunctive adverb. (There are two extra options.)
She forgot her umbrella;
, she got wet.
I enjoy reading novels.
, I love writing them.
The meal was amazing.
, the dessert was delicious.
We were tired;
, we kept walking.
The results were shocking;
, they changed the entire research direction.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Which sentence does not use correct punctuation with a conjunctive adverb?
It started to rain; therefore, we stayed inside.
He was late. Nevertheless, he finished the job.
She loves dancing, furthermore she is a great choreographer.
Everyone agreed on the solution. I, however, disagreed.
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