What Are Conjunctive Adverbs?
Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that ensure a smooth transition of elements or ideas in a sentence. Their job is almost similar to that of conjunctions. Conjunctive adverbs can be defined as those adverbs that perform the task of joining and connecting two or more clauses in a sentence. The presence of conjunctive adverbs in sentences is necessary to convey a clear sense of what is being expressed.
Other than simply connecting the clauses, adverbs are also sometimes used to demonstrate the sequence of element in a sentence, show the cause and effect relationship, and contrast or compare different ideas in a sentence.
Basic Rules for Conjunctive Adverbs' Use
Conjunctive adverbs can either join two main clauses, break or introduce a single clause, or show any other relationship between the elements within sentences. In almost all of these cases, conjunctive adverbs are moveable and can convey a proper sense even from more than one position in a sentence.
In written form, a comma or semicolon always precedes a conjunctive adverb that is joining two independent main clauses. A comma is also used in case these adverbs are used in the sentences alongside conjunctions. If these conjunctions are consisting of more than one syllable, then a comma is used before them when they are used at the start of the second clause in a sentence. A conjunctive adverb placed in the middle of any clause is surrounded by a full stop. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and usually only applies to longer clauses.
Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs
Here are some of the most commonly used conjunctive adverbs in the English language:
- Therefore
- Whatsoever
- However
- In fact
- Nevertheless
- In Addition
- Nonetheless
- Indeed
- On The Other Hand
How to Conjunctive Adverbs for Ideas?
Conjunctive adverbs are words that are used to join two or more clauses together in a sentence. The presence of these conjunctive adverbs bring coherence in lengthy statements and also serve the function of making the meaning clearer for the readers. Most of the times, these conjunctive adverbs are used to join two independent clauses together in a sentence with the second clause introducing a new idea or topic within a single sentence.
Some of the most commonly used conjunctive adverbs in the English language include however, beside, nonetheless, indeed, in fact, likewise, furthermore, finally, conversely, etc. Here are some ways these adverbs can be used to introduce ideas:
Adding a Sub-idea to a Main Idea
Most commonly used conjunctive adverbs are used to join two main clauses and add more to the main idea. In such cases, the first clause in the sentence usually talks about one basic or generic thing. This clause is followed by a conjunctive adverb which is followed by another clause. The second clause that comes after the conjunctive adverb is the new idea, but is a subordinate to the basic information dispelled in the first clause of the sentence. Examples of such conjunctive adverbs include moreover, furthermore, otherwise etc.
Adding an Opposite Idea to a Main Idea
Conjunctive adverbs are also used to join two clauses in such sentences where the second clause following the conjunctive adverb introduces an idea that is in contradiction to whatever has been explained in the first clause before the conjunctive adverb. Examples of such conjunctive adverbs include instead, however, nevertheless, and conversely.
Adding a Condition to a Main Idea
Often these conjunctive adverbs are used to introduce an idea with some condition in the sentence. The idea with the conditions can start with any of the conjunctive adverb depending on the nature of the sentence and usually comes in the second part of the sentence.