The Conjunctive Adverb:

Recognize a conjunctive adverb when you

see one.

Conjunctions have one job: to connect. They join words, phrases, or clauses together to clarify
what the writer is saying. Their presence provides smooth transitions from one idea to another.
When the job of an adverb is to connect ideas, we call it a conjunctive adverb. Here is the list:

accordingly
also
besides
consequently
conversely
finally
furthermore
hence

Conjunctive Adverbs
however
indeed
instead
likewise
meanwhile
moreover
nevertheless
next

nonetheless
otherwise
similarly
still
subsequently
then
therefore
thus

A conjunctive adverb can join two independent clauses. In this situation, the conjunctive adverb
behaves like a coordinating conjunction, connecting two complete ideas. Notice, however, that
you need a semicolon, not a comma, to connect the two clauses:
Independent Clause + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + Independent Clause.
Read these examples:
The dark skies and distant thunder dissuaded Clarice from her afternoon run; moreover,
she had thirty calculus problems to solve for her morning class.
Leon's apartment complex does not allow dogs over thirty pounds; otherwise, he would
have bought the gangly Great Dane puppy playing in the pet store window.

Connections:

Not all of these are conjunctive adverbs. You need to recognize

which will create a fragment.

Connections words and phrases

Connecti
ons that
show
addition,
continuat
ion,
emphasis
, or
examples

Additionally
And
For example
For instance
Furthermore
Indeed
In addition
In fact
Likewise
Moreover

Connecti
ons that
show
cause
and
effect

As a result
Because
Consequently
Leading to
Since
So
Therefore

Connecti
ons that
show
contrast

Connecti
ons that
show
sequence

Although
But
Despite
Even though
However
Nevertheless
On the other hand
Rather
Though
Whereas
While
Finally
First
Ifthen
Last
Later
Next
Second

Thus
Hence

Then

Examples of Conjunctive adverbs

The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for easy identification.
1. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.
2. She went into the store; however, she didnt find anything she wanted to buy.
3. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
4. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
5. Youre my friend; nonetheless, I feel like youre taking advantage of me.
6. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle.

Conjunctive Adverb Exercise

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctive adverbs
work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. Remember that the relationship
matters!
1. You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you wont get a passing
grade.
1. Moreover
2. Otherwise
3. Unless
4. Instead
2. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; ______________________, it rained so we stayed
home.
1. Moreover
2. Unless
3. However
4. Additionally
3. She is a very smart girl; __________________, its not at all surprising that she gets such
good grades.
1. Again

2. Besides
3. Contrarily
4. Therefore
4. Jared is a millionaire; __________________, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.
1. In contrast
2. Accordingly
3. Again
4. Likewise
5. He felt he couldnt tell the truth about what happened; ___________________, he lied.
1. In contrast
2. Likewise
3. Undoubtedly
4. Instead