Conjunctive Adverbs: Important List and Examples in English

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When we want to add coherence to our writing and seamless transitions between thoughts, conjunctive adverbs are our go-to tools. They serve an important function by connecting two independent clauses or sentences, thereby improving the flow of our writing. These adverbs show relationships such as contrast, cause and effect, sequence, and other logical connections.

Understanding Conjunctive Adverbs

Definition of Conjunctive adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs serve a crucial role in writing; they help connect two independent clauses while also showing the relationship between them. These adverbs enhance coherence and can reveal sequence, cause and effect, contrast, or other relationships.

Common Examples:

• Addition: also, furthermore, moreover
• Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless
• Cause and Effect: therefore, thus, consequently
• Sequence: first, next, then

Usage of Conjunctive Adverbs

Connecting Clauses

When we want to connect two independent clauses, conjunctive adverbs serve as a bridge. This means they can transform two short, choppy sentences into one longer, more coherent sentence. For example:

• We wanted to stay outside; however, it started to rain.
• She practiced daily; consequently, her skills improved.

Indicating Relationships

Conjunctive adverbs illuminate the relationship between clauses or sentences. The type of relationship could indicate:

• Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
• Addition: moreover, furthermore, also
• Comparison: similarly, likewise
• Cause-and-effect: therefore, thus, hence

Punctuation and Positioning

We need to be mindful of punctuation when using conjunctive adverbs:

• Between independent clauses: Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after.
  • Example: She was qualified for the job; moreover, she had extensive experience.
• Within a clause: Use commas if the conjunctive adverb interrupts a clause.
  • Example: The results, indeed, exceeded our expectations.

Positioning of conjunctive adverbs can vary, but commonly they are found at the beginning of a clause to maximize their connecting effect.

List of Conjunctive Adverbs With Examples

Learn conjunctive adverbs examples in English.

• Accordingly

The cost of materials rose sharply last year. Accordingly, we were forced to increase our prices.

• Also

There is also a golf course five miles away.

• Anyway

I shall go and see the patient anyway.

• Besides

I need the money. And besides, when I agree to do something, I do it.

• Certainly

A generation ago genetic codes were certainly unknown

• Consequently

My car broke down and consequently I was late.

• Conversely

Conversely, you might say that it is ridiculous.

• Certainly

The design certainly looks good on paper.

• Definitely

The team will definitely lose if he doesn’t play.

• Elsewhere

Can you find anything like this elsewhere?

• Equally

Diet and exercise are equally important.

• Finally

They finally found the cat up on the roof.

• Further

She was unable, or unwilling, to give me any further details.

• Furthermore

I don’t want to go there, furthermore, I have no time to do so.

• Hence

It is very late; hence you must go to bed.

• However

This is a cheap and simple process. However there are dangers.

• In addition

You will, in addition, pay to the Bank any losses, costs, expenses or legal fees.

• Incidentally

Incidentally, I wanted to have a word with you about your expenses claim.

• Indeed

It is indeed a remarkable achievement.

• Instead

He is too busy, let me go instead.

• Likewise

The clams were delicious. Likewise, the eggplant was excellent.

• Meanwhile

Mother went shopping; meanwhile, I cleaned the house.

• Moreover

It was, moreover, a waste of time.

• Namely

Only one boy was absent, namely Harry.

• Nevertheless

He was very tired; nevertheless he went on walking.

• Next

Don’t keep us in suspense-what happened next?

• Nonetheless

Though he’s fool, I like him nonetheless.

• Now

Now I shall go to sleep. Good night.

• Otherwise

Walk slowly on the ice, otherwise you’ll fall.

• Regardless

I threw you abandon me regardless.

• Similarly

Similarly, lawyers parcel out work based on who does that best.

• Still

He still hasn’t paid me the money he owes me.

• Subsequently

He subsequently became chairman of the party.

• Then

When war begins then hell opens.

• Thereafter

Thereafter she wrote articles for papers and magazines in Paris.

• Therefore

Their car was bigger and therefore more comfortable.

• Thus

He didn’t work hard. Thus he was fired.

• Undoubtedly

Undoubtedly, political and economic factors have played their part.

• Yet

I can’t go to the door-I’m not dressed yet.

Conjunctive Adverbs List| Infographic

Frequently Asked Questions

What role do conjunctive adverbs play in connecting clauses?

Conjunctive adverbs serve as bridges between independent clauses, linking them by showing a relationship such as cause-and-effect or contrast. They help us convey the complex relationships between ideas.

How can you identify a conjunctive adverb in a sentence?

You can spot a conjunctive adverb by looking for an adverb that connects two independent clauses and indicates a specific relationship like comparison, addition, or emphasis. Often, they’re followed by a comma when joining two clauses.

What are some examples of sentences that demonstrate the use of conjunctive adverbs?

“For example, he’s a great cook; moreover, he loves experimenting with new recipes.” This sentence shows the conjunctive adverb ‘moreover’ being used to add additional information.

In what ways can conjunctive adverbs enhance the flow of a paragraph?

Conjunctive adverbs smooth the transition from one idea to another, making the text more coherent and helping the reader follow our argument or narrative more easily.

Can you explain how conjunctive adverbs differ from regular adverbs?

Unlike regular adverbs that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs specifically modify whole clauses and show the relationship between them. They play a pivotal role in sentence structure and coherence.