Conjunctive adverbs, like however or also, are transition words used to connect independent clauses or sentences by showing the relationship between them. Conjunctive adverbs smooth the transition between two clauses, but unlike coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or), they alone cannot link two independent clauses together.
Conjunctive adverbs are vital for communication because they bridge the gap from one idea to another. Without them, sentences and clauses would switch topics too abruptly, making things more difficult for the reader. In this guide, we explain how to properly use conjunctive adverbs and give plenty of conjunctive adverb examples.
What is a conjunctive adverb?
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb (e.g., alternatively, moreover) or adverb phrase (e.g., as a result, on the other hand) that connects the ideas in different independent clauses or sentences.
Unlike coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, known as the FANBOYS), conjunctive adverbs cannot grammatically link clauses. Instead, their main purpose is transitioning and describing the relationship between clauses; they are used more to facilitate communication than for grammar.
Conjunctive adverbs can show a variety of relationships, with different words representing different types of connections. Here are some of the most common uses of conjunctive adverbs, with some examples:
- to show contradictions (however, on the other hand)
- to continue the same point (additionally, moreover)
- to introduce examples (for example, for instance)
- to show cause and effect (consequently, as a result)
- to add emphasis (in fact, certainly)
- to show a time relationship (meanwhile, now)
- to organize a sequence or list (next, finally)
How to use a conjunctive adverb
To show you what we mean, let’s look at two sentences that are not connected.
The weather app said it would rain today. No clouds are in the sky.
These sentences are related, but the connection is not quite obvious. We can add a conjunctive adverb to connect the clauses and explain their relationship. The conjunctive adverb however is perfect because it shows a contradiction.
The weather app said it would rain today. However, no clouds are in the sky.
If you want to combine two independent clauses into one sentence, you can also use a semicolon. In this case, you don’t actually need a conjunctive adverb. Technically they are optional . . .
The weather app said it would rain today; no clouds are in the sky.
. . . but as you can see by the example, this sentence doesn’t flow well. The connection between the two clauses is not obvious, so we should use a conjunctive adverb to help explain the relationship.
The weather app said it would rain today; however, no clouds are in the sky.
Now the sentence flows better because it has a smooth transition from one clause to the next. Conjunctive adverbs are especially useful when two clauses are contradictory or if the second clause goes in an unexpected direction, such as in the example above.
If you use a conjunctive adverb to connect two clauses in the same sentence, you must use proper punctuation. Place the semicolon at the end of the first clause and use a conjunctive adverb at the beginning of the second clause. Place a comma after the conjunctive adverb to separate it from the second clause.
[first clause] + ; + [conjunctive adverb] + , + [second clause]
You made your bed; now, you must lie in it.
Keep in mind that you can also use conjunctive adverbs to transition between paragraphs as well as between sentences and clauses. Place the conjunctive adverb at the beginning of the first sentence of a paragraph to show the relationship between the new paragraph’s introduction and the previous paragraph’s conclusion.
Conjunctive adverb list
- accordingly
- additionally
- after all
- also
- alternatively
- anyway
- as a result
- at the same time
- besides
- certainly
- comparatively
- consequently
- conversely
- equally important
- finally
- for example
- for instance
- furthermore
- hence
- however
- in addition
- in conclusion
- in fact
- in summary/summation
- in the meantime
- in the same way
- incidentally
- indeed
- instead
- lately
- likewise
- meanwhile
- moreover
- namely
- naturally
- nevertheless
- next
- nonetheless
- now
- of course
- on the other hand
- otherwise
- predictably
- rather
- regardless
- similarly
- since
- still
- subsequently
- then
- thereby
- therefore
- thus
- typically
- understandably
- undoubtedly
Additionally, ordinal adverbs like first, second, etc. can also act as conjunctive adverbs.
Semicolon and conjunctive adverb examples
My parents are hopelessly indecisive; as a result, it takes over an hour to pick a restaurant.
Before anything else, we need to grease the pan and cut the vegetables; then, we can actually start cooking.
Mona waited to meet her date on Eighth Street and First Avenue; meanwhile, her date waited on First Street and Eighth Avenue.
Conjunctive adverbs vs. subordinating conjunctions
Conjunctive adverbs are often confused with subordinating conjunctions, the words or phrases that link an independent clause to a dependent clause. It’s an easy mistake to make; after all, conjunctive adverbs and subordinating conjunctions both connect clauses to each other.
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases like because, while, if, or as long as. They come at the beginning of a dependent clause to connect it to a separate individual clause.
The main difference is that conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses to each other, whereas subordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses to dependent clauses. In other words, only subordinating conjunctions can be used with dependent clauses. Another major difference is that conjunctive adverbs usually have a comma after them, whereas subordinating conjunctions don’t have any punctuation after them.
Conjunctive adverb FAQs
What is a conjunctive adverb?
Conjunctive adverbs, like however or also, are transition words used to connect independent clauses or sentences by showing the relationship between them. Conjunctive adverbs smooth the transition between two clauses, but unlike coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or), they alone cannot link two independent clauses together.
Is but a conjunctive adverb?
But is not a conjunctive adverb. Instead, it is a coordinating conjunction, one of the famous FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so). That means when but connects two independent clauses, no semicolon is used.
Is although a conjunctive adverb?
Although is not a conjunctive adverb. Instead, it is a subordinating conjunction used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
