2. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect one
clause to another. They are also used to show sequence, contrast, cause
and effect, and other relationships.
Common conjunctive adverbs:
Additionally
Again
Almost
Anyway
As a result
In addition
Besides
Certainly
Comparatively
Consequently
Contrarily
Comparatively
Consequently
Conversely
Elsewhere
Equally
Eventually
Finally
Further
Furthermore
Elsewhere
Hence
Henceforth
However
3. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
Conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which they
appear. This is just one of the things you’ll need to remember; additional rules for
using conjunctive adverbs follow:
- Always use a period or semicolon before the conjunctive adverb when separating
two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are not strong enough to join
independent clauses without supporting punctuation.
- Use a comma if a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so appears between the
conjunctive adverb and the first clause.
- Use a comma behind conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the beginning of a
sentence’s second clause. The only exception to this rule is that no comma is
necessary if the adverb is a single syllable.
- If a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it should be enclosed in
commas most of the time. This is not an absolute rule and does not normally
apply to short clauses.
4. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.
She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy.
I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
You’re my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you’re taking advantage of me.
My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice
vehicle.
5. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Adding Ideas
When you need to add an idea to your first clause, conjunctive adverbs are a great
way to transition between them. Here are some possible conjunctive adverbs to
show addition:
Additionally also besides furthermore in addition moreover
We should talk about Taylor’s grades; additionally, we should discuss her behavior.'.
6. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Cause and Effect
Conjunctive adverbs can show the cause and effect of an action. In these cases, the
first clause is the cause, and the conjunctive adverb transitions to the effect. These
conjunctive adverbs include:
Accordingly consequently hence then therefore thus
Brian didn’t study for the test; hence, he failed.
7. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Clarifying a Point
A strong point often requires examples or evidence to back it up. Conjunctive
adverbs are a great way to transition from your point to the evidence you need. For
example (which is a conjunctive adverb!):
for example for instance namely that is
This book isn’t enjoyable to read; that is, it starts too slowly.
8. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Comparing Two Ideas
You can use conjunctive adverbs to compare two similar ideas. The first clause
poses one idea, and the second idea comes after the conjunctive adverb.
Comparative conjunctive adverbs include:
Likewise similarly
Oliver loves to repair cars; likewise, his brother Simon enjoys it.
9. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Contrasting Ideas
Demonstrating contrast is another helpful function of conjunctive adverbs. They form
a relationship between two opposing ideas. Examples of conjunctive adverbs that
show contrast include:
However instead nevertheless rather regardless still
Enrique didn’t like to study; nevertheless, he worked hard to pass History.
10. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Emphasizing a Point
Conjunctive adverbs can effectively emphasize a point. These adverbs connect two
ideas that are similar, with the second idea being a bit more emphatic. Check out
these conjunctive adverbs that create emphasis:
Again certainly indeed moreover of course
This is a wonderful investment; indeed, you’ll make your money back and then some.
11. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Sequencing Events
Putting events in sequential order can make them easier to understand. Conjunctive
adverbs are helpful ways to transition between the order of events. Examples of
these conjunctive adverbs include:
First next finally
Katie put the finishing touches on her project; finally, she signed her name.
12. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Summarizing an Argument
Once you’ve finished making a point or an argument, it’s effective to sum things up.
Use the following conjunctive adverbs to summarize what you’ve just said:
all in all in conclusion in summary
We packed up the car and drove home; all in all, it was a great trip.
13. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
- Show Time
Finally, conjunctive adverbs can also signify time. They compare when the first
clause occurred versus when the second clause occurred. Examples of conjunctive
adverbs that show time include:
Beforehand meanwhile lately now since
The dogs used to play together on the sidewalk; now, they can play at the dog park.
14. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
- You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a
passing grade.
Moreover Otherwise Unless Instead
- We wanted to spend the day at the beach; ______________________, it rained
so we stayed home.
Moreover Unless However Additionally
- She is a very smart girl; __________________, it’s not at all surprising that she
gets such good grades.
Again Besides Contrarily Therefore
15. Prof. Zelideth Aponte
Make the paragraph more coherent by conjunctive adverbs.
Smoking in restaurants should be banned. _________, when people smoke in
restaurants, the smoke from their cigarettes affects other people. This smoke, called
second-hand smoke, is unhealthy for others to breathe. _________, a 2011 report
from the Johnson Institute stated that second-hand smoke is even more dangerous
than the smoke inhaled by the smokers themselves. _________, smoking negatively
affects how food tastes. It has been proven that the sense of smell contributes to
how people enjoy their food. _________, if the restaurant smells like an ashtray,
eating food in it will not be as enjoyable.
_________, the government should take measures to ensure people are not allowed
to smoke in restaurants. This will create a better dining experience for smokers and
non-smokers.