A conjunctive adverb, such as however, therefore, or meanwhile, links two independent clauses and shows how they relate. When it joins two clauses, put a semicolon or a period before it and, in most cases, a comma after it.
Knowing the grammar rules helps you write and speak correctly. A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that connects two separate clauses. Most conjunctive adverbs show a sequence, a cause and effect, a comparison, a contrast, or another relationship between two ideas. Here is how to use them and how to punctuate them.
Rules for using conjunctive adverbs
Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs can move around in the clause they belong to:
However, the weather was perfect.
The weather, however, was perfect.
The weather was perfect, however.
That is an important rule to remember, but there are a few others:
- When a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it is usually set off with a comma on each side.
- When a conjunctive adverb joins two independent clauses, always put a semicolon or a period before it. A comma alone is not strong enough to join two independent clauses: it creates a comma splice.
- When a conjunctive adverb begins the second clause, put a comma after it. After a short one, such as then, thus, or still, the comma is often left out.
- When a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so joins the two clauses, put a comma before the conjunction, as you would without the adverb: It was late, and therefore we went home.
So far, you know that conjunctive adverbs link the ideas in two or more sentences, and that they can show a connection between two independent clauses in one sentence. They can also show a relationship between ideas within a single clause. There are many conjunctive adverbs to keep in mind, but they are easy to recognize and easy to use, as long as you follow the rules above. For other words that are easy to get wrong, see commonly misused words.
The most common conjunctive adverbs
Here are the most common conjunctive adverbs and adverbial phrases, grouped by the relationship they show:
| Relationship | Conjunctive adverbs |
|---|---|
| Addition | additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover |
| Cause and effect | as a result, consequently, hence, therefore, thus |
| Contrast | conversely, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, otherwise, rather, still |
| Comparison | comparatively, equally, in comparison, likewise, similarly |
| Time and sequence | eventually, finally, henceforth, meanwhile, next, now, subsequently, then, thereafter |
| Emphasis | certainly, in fact, indeed, notably, undoubtedly |
| Explanation | namely, that is |
| Place or a new topic | elsewhere, anyway, incidentally |
Examples
Here are some examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences. The conjunctive adverb is in bold:
- Maria was constantly late for work; therefore, she was fired.
- You're supposed to be my best friend; however, sometimes I don't feel like you are.
- It takes a long time to cook dinner; on the other hand, it is more expensive to eat out.
- Your dog keeps coming into my yard; in addition, he makes a mess there.
Notice the semicolon before each conjunctive adverb and the comma after it. A period would work as well: Maria was constantly late for work. Therefore, she was fired. If you are unsure when to use a comma, read the guide to comma rules, and for the semicolon, how to use a semicolon.
As with most grammar and spelling rules, the more you practice, the easier the rules are to remember. Once you use conjunctive adverbs regularly in your writing, you will use them correctly without even thinking about it. The Spell Checker checks punctuation as well as spelling and grammar, if you want a second look.