Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one sentence. A conjunctive adverb helps you create a shorter sentence.

When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.

• We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.

Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are: accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, therefore, then, etc.

• The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time.
• There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate.
• It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
• The baby fell asleep; then, the doorbell rang.
• The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more accidents.

Conjunctive adverbs look like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor); however, they are not as strong as coordinating conjunctions and they are punctuated differently.

A conjunctive adverb is also used in a single main clause. In this case, a comma (,) is used to separate the conjunctive adverb from the sentence.

• I woke up very late this morning. Nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school.
• She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her car.
• Jack wants a toy car for his birthday. Meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday.
• They returned home. Likewise, I went home.

[Quiz 27.1]

Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence.

1) Hurry up;                     , you will be late for the train.
2) I studied hard for the exam;                     , I failed.
3) Tom is a sportsman;                     , his brother Tom is athletic.
4) He didn’t go to college.                     , he started his own business.
5) He is not good-looking.                     , he is popular among girls.

View Answers

[27.1]
1) otherwise
2) however
3) likewise
4) Instead
5) Nevertheless