Using Types of Conjunctive Adverbs

What Are Conjunctive Adverbs?

Conjunctive adverbs are connecting words. They join only independent or main clauses, which are phrases that can stand alone as sentences and that express a complete thought. Conjunctive adverbs are not used to connect single words, phrases, or other types of clauses. Conjunctive adverbs also modify, or describe, while they join independent clauses.

Conjunctive Adverbs

• Accordingly
• Also
• Besides
• Consequently
• Conversely
• Finally
• Furthermore
• Hence
• However
• Indeed
• Instead
• Likewise
• Meanwhile
• Moreover
• Nevertheless
• Next
• Nonetheless
• Otherwise
• Similarly
• Still
• Subsequently
• Then
• Therefore
• Thus

Conjunctive adverbs include:

• accordingly
• furthermore
• however
• therefore
• thus

There are many other conjunctive adverbs in addition to this list.

Using Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs can perform many different functions. The following is a partial list that reflects the wide variety of jobs conjunctive adverbs can do.

To add or show sequence

• Also
• Besides
• Finally
• Furthermore
• Moreover

To compare

• Likewise
• Similarly

To give examples or illustrate

• Indeed

To indicate time

• Meanwhile
• Subsequently

To show cause or effect

• Accordingly
• Hence
• Then
• Therefore
• Thus

Punctuation

Conjunctive adverbs frequently connect independent or main clauses, and when they do, there are two correct ways to punctuate the sentence.

We could separate the two clauses with a period to form two separate sentences.

Example:

Many people refuse to give up the fatty foods that can cause serious health problems. Consequently, our local hospital offers classes on maintaining a healthy diet.

In this case, there are two independent clauses, and we have placed the conjunctive adverb (consequently) at the beginning of the second sentence. Since the conjunctive adverb in our example is used to introduce the sentence, we have placed a comma after it.

We could also separate the two clauses with a semicolon (;). Note again, the conjunctive adverb is followed by a comma.

The cost of fresh vegetables has been rising steadily for several years; moreover, this trend will probably continue in the future.

Placement in Sentences

Conjunctive adverbs can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause. We can use conjunctive adverbs in any of the following places.

At the beginning of an independent clause and joined to another independent clause

The increased time devoted to after-school jobs is not the only cause of the decline in students' reading ability; however, it is one of the important causes.

At the beginning of an independent clause that stands alone as a sentence

The increased time devoted to after-school jobs is not the only cause of the decline in students' reading ability. However, it is one of the important causes.

Within an independent clause

The increased time devoted to after-school jobs is not the only cause of the decline in students' reading ability; it is, however, one of the important causes.

Notice the use of commas before and after 'however' here. This is because the conjunctive adverb (however) occurs mid-sentence.

At the end of an independent clause

The increased time devoted to after-school jobs is not the only cause of the decline in students' reading ability; it is one of the important causes, however.

In this example, notice the use of a comma before 'however.' This is because the conjunctive adverb (however) occurs at the end of the sentence.