Conjunctive adverb
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that connects two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs show cause and effect, sequence, contrast, comparison, or other relationships. The adverbs and adverbial phrases that fit the criteria for a conjunctive adverb are always modifiers of the predicate in the first independent clause.
Conjunctive adverbs can only be used to connect independent clauses, and are one of several methods of doing so. Conjunctive adverbs also do not exclude the possibility of having a dependent clause making a compound-complex sentence. As with other types of adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved within the sentence or clause they appear in.[1]
Common conjunctive adverbs
- certainly
- comparatively
- consequently
- contrarily
- conversely
- elsewhere
- equally
- eventually
- finally
- further
- furthermore
- hence
- henceforth
- however
- in addition
- in comparison
- in contrast
- in fact
- incidentally
- indeed
- instead
- just as
- likewise
- meanwhile
- moreover
- namely
- nevertheless
- next
- nonetheless
- notably
- now
- otherwise
- rather
- similarly
- still
- subsequently
- that is
- then
- thereafter
- therefore
- thus
- undoubtedly
- uniquely
- whereas
- on the other hand
Many common examples listed above are of adverbial phrases, particularly containing prepositions, that are not exclusively a single conjunctive adverb; however, its function and mechanics are identical.
Punctuation
The following rules are considered to be correct punctuation for conjunctive adverbs:
- If a conjunctive adverb is used wisely, the independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon followed by the verb.
- After a conjunctive adverb must be a comma which precedes the second independent clause being connected.
Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may move around in the clause (or sentence) in which they appear. When they appear at the end of the clause, they are preceded by a comma.
Examples
The sentences in question are using an independent clause, follow by a semicolon, the conjunctive adverb, then a comma and the second independent clause.
- He can leap tall buildings in a single bound; furthermore, Dwight is a hog.
- Bret enjoys video games; therefore, he is a crazy nerd.
- He went to the store; however, he did not buy anything.
- Stephanie lent me a barrel of pickled plums; consequently, she is my girlfriend.
- I sat down alongside Adam. Thereafter, he sang.
- Elaine wanted to high-five the friendly giant; consequently, she had to jump to reach him.
- Jade was talking in class; therefore, she got in trouble.
See also
- Grammatical conjunction
- Transition words
References
- ↑ "Conjunctive Adverbs". Retrieved June 1, 2014.