Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one
sentence. A conjunctive adverb helps you create a shorter sentence.
When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.
- We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.
Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are:
accordingly, also, besides,
consequently, finally, however, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile,
moreover, nevertheless, next, otherwise, still, therefore, then, etc.
- The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time.
- There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate.
- It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
- The baby fell asleep; then, the doorbell rang.
- The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more accidents.
Conjunctive adverbs look like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or,
so, for, yet, nor); however, they are not as strong as coordinating
conjunctions and they are punctuated differently.
A conjunctive adverb is also used in a single main clause. In this case,
a comma (,) is used to separate the conjunctive adverb from the
sentence.
- I woke up very late this morning. Nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school.
- She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her car.
- Jack wants a toy car for his birthday. Meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday.
- They returned home. Likewise, I went home.
[Quiz 27.1]
Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence.
1) Hurry up;
, you will be late for the train.
2) I studied hard for the exam;
, I failed.
3) Tom is a sportsman;
, his brother Tom is athletic.
4) He didn’t go to college.
, he started his own business.
5) He is not good-looking.
, he is popular among girls.
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