News & Events
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive Adverbs
A conjunctive adverb (also known as adverbial conjunction) is an adverb that is used to link two independent clauses together in a similar way standard coordinating conjunctions do. Adverbial conjunctions are a type of “transition” word that, as their name suggests, function as both adverbs and conjunctions.
- They work as conjunctions because they link independent clauses.
- They also work as adverbs because they convert the clause they introduce into a description of the verb phrase in the previous clause.
In the following sentences, for instance, “therefore” is the adverbial conjunction that links the two independent clauses.
“He didn’t have much experience; therefore, he was hesitant to take on the leadership role.”
“He studied diligently. Therefore, he scored well on the exam.”
List of Adverbial Conjunctions:
accordingly furthermore meanwhile similarly
also hence moreover still
besides however nevertheless subsequently
consequently indeed next then
conversely instead nonetheless therefore
finally likewise otherwise thus
Adverbial conjunctions can be used to illustrate a connection between two independent clauses, but because they are not coordinating conjunctions (for/and/nor/but/or/yet/so: FANBOYS), they cannot be used to link those two independent clauses as a single sentence.
- Using only a comma to separate two independent clauses is a grammatical error known as a comma splice.
- Incorrect/Comma Splice: Tom did a good job identifying the relevant facts, however, his analysis was a bit flawed.
Due to the fact that adverbial clauses illustrate a relationship between clauses, semicolons are often used to link those clauses, but using a period would also be correct.
- Correct: Tom did a good job identifying the relevant facts; however, his analysis was a bit flawed.
- Also Correct: Tom did a good job identifying the relevant facts. However, his analysis was a bit flawed.
Proper Comma Usage:
Adverbial conjunctions can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of an independent clause. Use a comma after the adverbial conjunction if it begins a sentence:
- “Nonetheless, I agree with the defense’s argument.”
Use commas around an adverbial conjunction if it appears between the subject and main verb in a sentence:
- “I, nonetheless, agree with the defense’s argument.”
Lists of Conjunctive Adverbs Organized by Purpose:
- Addition: again, also, besides, finally, further, furthermore, additionally, moreover
- Contrast: however, instead, nevertheless, contrarily, conversely, nonetheless
- Time: meanwhile, next, then, now, thereafter
- Result: accordingly, consequently, hence, henceforth, therefore, thus, subsequently
- Specificity: namely, specifically
- Comparison: likewise, similarly
- Confirmation: indeed
- Recognition: undoubtedly, certainly
- Return to argument after a concession: still, nevertheless
More Examples:
- “She studied hard for her exam; however, she still felt unprepared.”
- “He enjoys playing basketball; moreover, he excels at it.”
- “They wanted to go to the beach; nevertheless, it rained all weekend.”
- “She woke up early; consequently, she was able to catch the first train.”
- “They went for a hike; as a result, they were tired but satisfied at the end of the day.”
- “She wanted to learn Spanish; accordingly, she enrolled in a language course.”
- “He missed the bus; hence, he arrived late to the meeting.”
- “She forgot her umbrella; consequently, she got soaked in the rain.”
Selected and Edited by: Nasibeh Nouri
Javidan Language Centre
www.rashtielts.ir