Conjunctive Adverbs

What are Conjunctive Adverbs?

Conjunctive adverbs are modifiers that describe a relationship between two clauses. They act as transitional phrases and connect ideas of one sentence or clause to those of a previous sentence or clause. Conjunctive adverbs can appear anywhere in a sentence.

Two Purposes of Conjunctive Adverbs:

· Show Relationship - The primary purpose of conjunctive adverbs is to show a relationship between ideas in two separate clauses, not simply to join clauses. When two clauses are related by a conjunctive adverb, they must be separated by a period or a semicolon.

Ex: John did not want to go to the library on Friday. However, he knew he needed to write his paper.

Ex: John did not want to go to the library on Friday; however, he knew he needed to

write his paper.

· Provide Transition - All conjunctive adverbs are transitional. They can be used to compare, contrast, show sequence, indicate time, etc.

Ex: The pasta is good; however, the mystery dish is disgusting.

Conjunctive Adverbs Can Be Moved Within a Sentence:

Ex: However, the movie is good.

The movie, however, is good.

The movie is good, however.

Commonly Used Conjunctive Adverbs:

accordingly for example meanwhile otherwise

also further moreover similarly

anyway furthermore namely still

as a result hence nevertheless then

at the same time however next thereafter

besides incidentally nonetheless therefore

certainly indeed now thus

consequently instead on the contrary undoubtedly

finally likewise on the other hand

Remember: The primary purpose of conjunctive adverbs is to show a relationship between ideas in two separate clauses, not simply to join the clauses.