Understanding Conjunctive Adverbs: Usage & Examples

1. Conjunctive Adverbs

2. What are Conjunctive Adverbs? • Conjunctive Adverbs: Explain the relationship between two ideas. Sometimes they explain better than "and," "but," or "or.” • They can start a sentence. •  John refused to apply for the job. Subsequently, he regretted his decision. ("Subsequently" shows a time relationship. • They can join two sentences into a longer sentence • He went to the store; however, he did not buy anything.     ("however" shows that something unexpected happened)

3. How to Use Conjunctive Adverbs • If the conjunctive adverb comes at the beginning of a sentence, follow it with a comma. • John was tired after a long day at school. Therefore, he immediately took a nap when he got home. • If you are joining two sentences, a semicolon (;) comes before the conjunctive adverb and a comma comes after it. • The school doesn’t allow pets; otherwise, I would have brought my puppy with me.

4. Some Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs Result: therefore, consequently, hence, accordingly  Concession (even though this is true, this other thing is true too): nevertheless, still  Addition: furthermore, also, similarly, besides Time: then, this time, finally Contrast: however, instead, otherwise Summary: thus

5. Examples of Joining Sentences • Begin with two sentences that are related • My mother works as an accountant and a real estate agent. • She sometimes does some interior decorating. • Join them using a conjunctive adverb • My mother works as an accountant and a real estate agent; furthermore, she sometimes does some interior decorating.

6. Another Example • Begin with two sentences that are related • My dad does not go to sports events or concerts.  • He watches them on television. • Join them using a conjunctive adverb • My dad does not go to sports events or concerts; instead, he watches them on television.

7. Your Turn • Here are two sentences that contrast. • Deshawn thought Maria was hot. • He was too scared to ask her out • Join them with a conjunctive adverb that shows contrast. (Don't forget your semicolon and comma.)

8. Your Turn • Here are two sentences that are related by time. • I plan to eat pizza for dinner. • I intend to play Black Ops for the remainder of the evening. • Leave the first sentence alone. Begin your second sentence with a conjunctive adverb.

9. Your Turn • Here are two sentences where one action results in another. • Jorge forgot to do his homework. • He won’t get to go on the field trip this week. • Choose how to use your conjunctive adverb. Either join the sentences or begin your second sentence with a conjunctive adverb.

10. Problem Sentences Sometimes we use "and" but we really need to show a relationship in time. Incorrect: Tom went to soccer practice when school ended and completed his homework.  Correct: Tom went to soccer practice when school ended; after that, he completed his homework. Why is the second version correct?

11. Some More Problem Sentences Incorrect: Foreman’s basketball team is undefeated, but they still have to practice every day. Correct: Foreman’s basketball team is undefeated; nevertheless, they still have to practice every day. Why is the second version correct? How are the meanings of "but" and "nevertheless" different?

12. Review • The are used to connect two independent clauses (complete sentences) or to elaborate. • To correctly punctuate remember that a semicolon (;) goes before the conjunctive adverb and a comma (,) goes after when joining 2 sentences. • When elaborating and starting a new sentence a period(.) follows the first sentence and a comma (,) follows the conjunctive adverb that starts the second sentence.