Grammatically Correct 11/9/04
A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors.
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
Conjunctive adverbs—what they are and how to use them
by Shawn Brett
Understanding the proper use of conjunctive adverbs allows a writer to provide clear and meaningful transitions between ideas.

Conjunctive adverbs are “joining” words used to create complex relationships/transitions between ideas. They are often confused with coordinating conjunctions, but require additional punctuation in order to be used appropriately when connecting independent clauses: A semicolon is required to link the two main clauses and a comma is needed to set-off the conjunctive adverb.

Ex: These things really happened; otherwise, I wouldn't have claimed to have seen them.

It is also acceptable that some sentences begin with a conjunctive adverb. Once again, a comma is still required after the conjunctive adverb. In this case the period takes the place of a semicolon.

Ex: The couple arrived at the party over an hour late. Therefore, there was no food left for them to eat.
Ex: The couple arrived at the party over an hour late; therefore, there was no food left for them to eat.

There is flexibility concerning the location of a conjunctive adverb within a sentence.

Ex: These things really happened; I wouldn’t have claimed to have seen them otherwise.

Here is a list of the most commonly used conjunctive adverbs:
accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also, hence, namely, still, anyway, however, nevertheless, then, besides, incidentally, next, thereafter, certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, now, thus, finally, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly, further, meanwhile

Definitions

Clause
A group of words containing both a subject and a predicate, but not necessarily a complete sentence.

Independent clause
A clause that can stand alone as a sentence.

Coordinating conjunction
A simple conjunction (joining word) used to connect two clauses of the same type. The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You can remember these conjunctions by using the acronym FANBOYS--For-And-Nor-But-Or-Yet-So

Recommended Grammar Website of the Week
by Shawn Brett

In addition to our own website, this week we recommend Franklin and Marshall College’s Writing Center. This website offers tips on eliminating wordiness, avoiding common word misuses, and general tips regarding constructing a research paper (thesis, introduction, conclusion, and analysis).

Visit The Writing Center at http://www.fandm.edu/Departments/WritingCenter/resources.html
Test Your Knowledge
by Shawn Brett
Test your understanding of conjunctive adverbs by correcting the following sentences if an error exists.

1. The government has cut university budgets, consequently, class sizes have been increased.

2. The crowd waited patiently for three hours; finally the doors to the stadium were opened.

3. We will have a difficult time driving at night in the rain; we must be there by morning, however.


Answers

1. The government has cut university budgets; consequently, class sizes have been increased.

2. The crowd waited patiently for three hours; finally, the doors to the stadium were opened.

3. This sentence is correct. Remember that it is possible to have a conjunctive adverb somewhere other than at the beginning of an independent clause.

 

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe/View Archive