Conjunctive adverbs
Usage
Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect and show the relationship between two independent
clauses (i.e. cause-effect, addition, complete contrast). When connected with a semicolon, the
two clauses form a compound sentence.
The following table indicates the different relationships that can be created using conjunctive
adverbs:
To add a similar idea
also, furthermore, in addition, moreover
To add a partial contrast (weak contrast)
however, nevertheless (“all the same”),
nonetheless, still
To add a complete contrast (opposite
situations)
in contrast, on the other hand, however
To show a result
as a result, consequently, therefore, thus,
hence (formal)
To list ideas in order of time
meanwhile, afterward, then, subsequently
To give an example
for example, for instance
to compare and show similarities
similarly, likewise
Community colleges offer preparation for
many jobs; also (furthermore, in addition,
moreover), they prepare students for
university.
Many new immigrants do not speak French;
however (nevertheless, nonetheless, still),
many speak English or another second
language.
My sister was always great at math; in contrast
(on the other hand, however), I was
absolutely terrible at it.
Some of my students didn’t understand
conjunctive adverbs; therefore (consequently,
as a result), I created some new material to
help them.
Police kept people away from the accident
scene; meanwhile, ambulance workers helped
the victims out of the wrecked car;
subsequently (afterward, then), the victims
were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Colours can have different meanings; for
example (for instance), white is the colour of
weddings in some cultures and of funerals in
others.
Algeria is a country with a rich culture and
history; similarly (likewise), Morocco is very
cultured and historically fascinating.
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To intensify a statement (of contrast)
on the contrary
to indicate a substitute
instead, rather
To give another possibility
on the other hand, alternatively
The medicine didn’t make me feel better; on
the contrary, it made me feel worse.
We originally planned to go to Europe at
Christmas; instead (rather), we went in June.
You can stay with me when you visit Montreal;
on the other hand (alternatively), you could
stay in a hotel.

To indicate a negative consequence

otherwise, or else (informal) (meaning: if not) Students must take the final exams; otherwise
(or else), they will not pass the course.
To add an explanation
in other words, that is Some cultures are matriarchal; that is (in other
words), the mothers are the head of the
family.
To make a stronger statement
indeed, in fact Stress is a common problem; in fact (indeed),
most people suffer from stress at some point in
their lives

(Also consult the list of conjunctive adverbs in your Course Pack)

Punctuating conjunctive adverbs

Punctuation patterns with conjunctive adverbs

a) Independent clause 1; conj. adverb, independent clause 2.

i.e. I enjoy learning English very much; however, I find learning Spanish much easier.

b) Independent clause 1. Conj. adverb, independent clause 2.

I enjoy learning English very much. However, I find learning Spanish much easier.

c) Independent clause 1. Subject, conj. adverb, rest of independent clause 2.

I enjoy learning English very much. My sister, however, finds learning Spanish much easier.

d) Independent clause 1. Independent clause 2, conj. adverb.

I enjoy learning English very much. I find learning Spanish much easier, however.

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Conjunctive adverbs usually occur at the beginning, in the middle (after the subject), or at the
end of the sentence.

1. A semicolon or period is used before the conjunctive adverb when it (the conjunctive adverb)
occurs at the beginning of the (second) independent clause. A comma follows the conjunctive
adverb in both of these cases.
These are the most frequent patterns when using conjunctive adverbs.

Independent clause 1; ca, independent clause 2.

i.e., I couldn’t speak French when I came to Quebec; consequently, I took a language course.
Independent clause 1. Ca, independent clause 2.
I couldn’t speak French when I came to Quebec. Consequently, I took a language course.

2. If the conjunctive adverb occurs after the subject, use a period to separate the two
independent clauses, and separate the conjunctive adverb using a pair of commas.
Independent clause 1. Subject, ca, rest of independent clause 2.
My sister was always very sociable. I, on the other hand, was always very shy.

3. If the conjunctive adverb comes at the end of the sentence, separate the two independent
clauses with a period, and precede the conjunctive adverb with a comma.

Independent clause 1. Independent clause 2, ca.

Driving in Montreal can be challenging. I drive quite often, nevertheless.

Notes/Exceptions
If conjunctive adverbs appear in the middle of the clause, they are normally enclosed in
commas, though this rule is not absolute and is not always applied to very short clauses. Also,
“then” is not always followed by a comma, especially in short clauses.

e.g., Driving at night can be dangerous, which is why, therefore, I only drive during the day.

Further Examples

Partial contrast: however, nevertheless, still

Studies show that cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health; nevertheless, millions of
people continue to smoke. (despite a situation)

Complete contrast: However, on the one hand, on the other hand, in contrast,

 Men smoke less than in the past; however, the number of women who smoke is
increasing. – (opposite result)

Intensifying a statement: on the contrary

 Our last exam wasn’t difficult; on the contrary, it was easy.

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Addition: Moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides, in fact
 Barbara’s biology professor encouraged her to go to graduate school; moreover, he
nominated Barbara for a graduate scholarship.
(Additional information of equal importance)

 Barbara majored in biology because she was fascinated by the subject; besides, she
knew it would help her get a high-paying job in the future.
(Additional, supporting idea)

Make a stronger statement: indeed, in fact

 Barbara passed all her examinations; in fact, she graduated with honors.
(explaining/clarifying with an additional fact to make a stronger statement)

Cause-Result: Therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence

 I can’t speak French very well; therefore, I didn’t enjoy my trip to France.
(consequence/result)

 Thus: Air fares are going down; thus, more and more people are able to afford air travel.
(logical conclusion/result)

 The criminals committed murder and were arrested. Hence, they were sentenced to the
death penalty.
Note that “hence” is very formal (i.e., legal documents, official reports).

Another possibility/condition: otherwise, or else = informal (meaning = if you don’t/if you do –

there is a consequence to an action/event)
 We must find solutions to the problems of pollution; otherwise, we may all be wearing
gas masks one day.
 Don’t be absent from class; otherwise, you will miss the review.

Time order/sequence: then, afterwards, next, subsequently, etc.

First, I went to Zara looking for a new blouse; next, I went to H&M to buy a pair of shorts; finally,
I went home, having bought far more than I should have.

Important advice:

Obviously, some conjunctive adverbs are easier to use as there are exceptions and very nuanced
usage. Being able to understand their meanings and nuances is important even though you
might not use all of them in your own speaking and writing.

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Other conjunctive adverbs

Look at the following list of conjunctive adverbs. What do they express? Look up definitions for
one you are not familiar with, and write down examples of how they can be used. These
conjunctive adverbs follow the same punctuation patterns as those indicated in the table above.

* accordingly (appropriately) * meanwhile

* anyway (no matter what the situation) * moreover
* besides * namely
* certainly * nevertheless
* consequently * next
* finally * nonetheless
* further * now
* furthermore * otherwise
* elsewhere * similarly
* hence (formal) * subsequently
* henceforth (formal) * still
* however * then
* in contrast * thereafter
* incidentally * therefore
* indeed * thus
* instead * undoubtedly
* likewise