Transitions with conjunctive adverbs
key notes :
🔹 What is a Conjunctive Adverb?
A conjunctive adverb is a word or phrase that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between them (such as contrast, cause-effect, sequence, etc.).
🔹 Common Conjunctive Adverbs
| Function | Conjunctive Adverbs |
|---|---|
| Addition | also, moreover, furthermore, in addition |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand, still |
| Cause/Effect | therefore, thus, hence, consequently |
| Time/Sequence | then, next, meanwhile, afterwards, subsequently |
| Comparison | similarly, likewise |
| Emphasis | indeed, certainly, in fact |
🔹 Structure of a Sentence with Conjunctive Adverb:
Independent Clause + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + Independent Clause
🔸 Example:
She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
🔹 Punctuation Tips:
- Use a semicolon (;) before the conjunctive adverb.
- Use a comma (,) after the conjunctive adverb.
- If it’s used within one clause, commas may be optional depending on emphasis.
(e.g., She will, however, join later.)
🔹 Example Sentences:
- I wanted to go out; however, it started to rain.
- The food was delicious; moreover, the service was excellent.
- He didn’t study; consequently, he failed the test.
- She was tired; nevertheless, she finished her project.
Learn with an example
➡️ Complete the text with the better conjunctive adverb.
Writer Zora Neale Hurston struggled to achieve success during her lifetime, and when she died in 1960, she was almost unknown. ____, author Alice Walker later rekindled interest in Hurston’s work, and now Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a classic.
- Furthermore
- However
However better connects the ideas in the text. This conjunctive adverb shows that Hurston’s lack of success during her lifetime contrasts with the fact that her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is now considered a classic.
Writer Zora Neale Hurston struggled to achieve success during her lifetime, and when she died in 1960, she was almost unknown. However, author Alice Walker later rekindled interest in Hurston’s work, and now Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered a classic.
➡️ Complete the text with the better conjunctive adverb.
Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the corpse flower, is rather unpleasant: the flower smells like rotten meat to attract flies as pollinators. ____, the plant is a parasite that steals nutrients from neighbouring vines.
- Furthermore
- For example
Furthermore better connects the ideas in the text. This conjunctive adverb shows that Rafflesia arnoldii is unpleasant not only because it smells like rotten meat but also because it’s a parasite that steals nutrients from neighbouring vines.
Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the corpse flower, is rather unpleasant: the flower smells like rotten meat to attract flies as pollinators. Furthermore, the plant is a parasite that steals nutrients from neighbouring vines.
➡️ Complete the text with the better conjunctive adverb.
When Dylan and Maria visited Scotland, Dylan went to the Cairngorms National Park. ____, Maria took a river-rafting trip and saw wild deer for the first time.
- Besides
- Meanwhile
Meanwhile better connects the ideas in the text. This conjunctive adverb shows that Dylan’s and Maria’s activities happened at the same time.
When Dylan and Maria visited Scotland, Dylan went to the Cairngorms National Park. Meanwhile, Maria took a river-rafting trip and saw wild deer for the first time.
let’s practice!
