What Are Conjunctive Adverbs? (with Examples)

A conjunctive adverb acts as a link between two sentences or two independent clauses. The job of a conjunctive adverb is to make it clear how the ideas either side of the conjunctive adverb are related. It also provides a smooth transition from one idea to the next.

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Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs

The following are conjunctive adverbs:

also
consequently
furthermore
however
incidentally
indeed
likewise
meanwhile
nevertheless
nonetheless
therefore

Conjunctive adverbs are also known as transitional phrases. They act like a bridge (i.e. provide the transition) from one idea to the next idea. The following are also transitional phrases:

as a result
as a consequence
for example
on the contrary

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs in Sentences

Here are some examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences:

The instructor's English is poor; consequently, they all failed the exam.

The instructor's English is poor. Consequently, they all failed the exam.

I know Mr Evans was drunk; however, I am not responsible for his actions.

I know Mr Evans was drunk. However, I am not responsible for his actions.

You failed to meet the deadline; therefore, the deal is off.

You failed to meet the deadline. Therefore, the deal is off.

Do Not Use a Comma before a Conjunctive Adverb

When a conjunctive adverb acts as a bridge between two independent clauses, you cannot precede it with a comma. A conjunctive adverb either starts a new sentence or, if you need a smooth transition between your ideas, is preceded by a semicolon.

Read more about semicolons before transitional phrases.

It is a common mistake to precede a conjunctive adverb between two independent clauses with a comma (especially with the word however.) This is called a run-on error (or a comma fault). For example:

The instructor's English is poor, consequently, they all failed the exam.
I know Mr Evans was drunk, however, I am not responsible for his actions.
You failed to meet the deadline, therefore, the deal is off.

Note: A conjunctive adverb bridging two independent clauses is followed by a comma but not preceded by one.

Interactive Test

Try to Avoid a Run-on Error

The word however routinely starts a sentence. Occasionally, it can be preceded by a semicolon to give a smooth transition between ideas.

Preceding however (or any conjunctive adverb) with a comma and writing a new sentence is a very common mistake (called a run-on error or a comma-fault error. For example:

I normally like toffees, however, I dislike these ones.

Take a longer test on conjunctive adverbs.

Related Pages

What Are Conjunctive Adverbs? (with Examples)