Relating Ideas with Conjunctive Adverbs

Using conjunctive adverbs

A conjunctive adverb is a transition word that

indicates the relationship between the
independent clauses that it joins.

Commonly Used Conjunctive Adverbs

accordingly however moreover
besides indeed nevertheless

consequently instead otherwise

furthermore meanwhile therefore

Independent Clause 1 Independent Clause 2

It has rained for two weeks; consequently, the lake level is high.
 However

The conjunctive adverb however is similar to but:

both words set up a contrast.
Compare …
She was beautiful, popular, and intelligent,
but it seems that she had low self-esteem.

She was beautiful, popular, and intelligent;

however, it seems that she had low self-esteem.

Which sounds more formal?

Notice that a semicolon comes before the
conjunctive adverb and a comma comes after it.
 Therefore

The conjunctive adverb therefore is similar to so:

both words show cause and effect.
Compare . . .
It is impossible to predict exactly where a
tornado will unleash its fury, so all
warnings must be taken seriously.

It is impossible to predict exactly where a

tornado will unleash its fury; therefore,
all warnings must be taken seriously.

Like other conjunctive adverbs, therefore

sounds more formal. It also is preceded by a
semicolon and followed by a comma.
 Using conjunctive adverbs
Furthermore and moreover

The conjunctive adverbs furthermore and

moreover are similar to and: all three words
indicate addition.
Many neuroscientists believe that one’s
capacity for learning another language
diminishes with age; moreover,
furthermore,thethe
early
early
elementary years are the most opportune
time for language learning.

Furthermore and moreover are commonly used in

argumentation to connect multiple lines of
reasoning.
 Placement

Although conjunctive adverbs often come at the

beginning of an independent clause, they can also
appear in the middle or at the end.
Other members of the committee objected to the
solution;
Beginning However, the plan was fine with me.

Middle The plan, however, was fine with me.

End The plan was fine with me, however.

Notice that when a conjunctive adverb appears in the

middle, commas come before and after it. At the end of
a clause, a comma comes before the conjunctive adverb.
 Using conjunctive adverbs

Relate the ideas as indicated in

parentheses.

1. This bush is native to the desert; it needs

less water. (cause and effect)

2. We had hoped to see the antique cars; they

had already passed by. (contrast)

3. Turning the storage room into a lounge would

give students a place to study; a lounge
would be a better use of space. (addition)
 Using conjunctive adverbs

Connect each pair of independent clauses

by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
1. This bush is native to the desert; therefore, it
needs less water. (cause and effect)
[possible answer]

The conjunctive adverb therefore shows cause

and effect. A comma follows it to set it off at the
beginning of the clause.
 Using conjunctive adverbs

Connect each pair of independent clauses

by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
2. We had hoped to see the antique cars; they had
already passed by, however. (contrast)
[possible answer]

The conjunctive adverb however contrasts ideas.

A comma is placed before it to set it off at the
end of the sentence.
 Using conjunctive adverbs

Connect each pair of independent clauses

by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
3. Turning the storage room into a lounge would give
students a place to study; a lounge, moreover,
would be a better use of space. (addition)
[possible answer]

The conjunctive adverb moreover shows

addition. Commas are used both before and
after it to set it off in the middle of the clause.
The End