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.