Relating Ideas with Conjunctive Adverbs Using conjunctive adverbs
Review A
Review B
Using conjunctive adverbs
One difference between informal speech and
formal writing is how we connect ideas.
When speaking, we state ideas without
showing how they relate.
Idea 1 Some actors will not say the name Macbeth.
Idea 2 I think they are just superstitious.
Like this one!
In formal situations, however, writers signal how
ideas connect with conjunctive adverbs.
Using conjunctive adverbs
A conjunctive adverb is a transition word that
indicates the relationship between the
independent clauses that it joins.
Commonly Used Conjunctive Adverbs
accordingly
however
moreover
besides
indeed
nevertheless
consequently
instead
otherwise
furthermore
meanwhile
therefore
Independent Clause 1
Independent Clause 2
It has rained for two weeks; consequently, the lake level is high.
Using conjunctive adverbs
Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains a verb
and its subject and is used as part of a sentence.
Subject
Part of
Verb
a Sentence
As the
This
second
play
play is
is
scene
is set
set
set in
in
makes
Scotland.
Scotland.
clear,
this play is set in Scotland.
An independent clause (or main clause)
expresses a complete thought and can therefore
stand by itself as a sentence.
Independent
Clauses
Macbeth was a real king of Scotland.
Scotland;
much of the play is fiction, however.
Much
however.
Using conjunctive adverbs l
a
G
r
a
m
m
a
r
G
.
.
.
s
y
Sa
These transition words are
called adverbs because they
modify the verb of the sentence.
It has rained for two weeks;
consequently, the lake level is high.
Using conjunctive adverbs
However
The conjunctive adverb however is similar to but:
both words set up a contrast.
Compare …
She was beautiful, popular, and intelligent,
but it seems that she had low self-esteem.
She was beautiful, popular, and intelligent;
however, it seems that she had low self-esteem.
Which sounds more formal?
Notice that a semicolon comes before the
conjunctive adverb and a comma comes after it.
Using conjunctive adverbs
Therefore
The conjunctive adverb therefore is similar to so:
both words show cause and effect.
Compare . . .
It is impossible to predict exactly where a
tornado will unleash its fury, so all
warnings must be taken seriously.
It is impossible to predict exactly where a
tornado will unleash its fury; therefore,
all warnings must be taken seriously.
Like other conjunctive adverbs, therefore
sounds more formal. It also is preceded by a
semicolon and followed by a comma.
Using conjunctive adverbs
Furthermore and moreover
The conjunctive adverbs furthermore and
moreover are similar to and: all three words
indicate addition.
Many neuroscientists believe that one’s
capacity for learning another language
diminishes with age; moreover,
furthermore,
thethe
early
early
elementary years are the most opportune
time for language learning.
Furthermore and moreover are commonly used in
argumentation to connect multiple lines of
reasoning.
Using conjunctive adverbs
Placement
Although conjunctive adverbs often come at the
beginning of an independent clause, they can also
appear in the middle or at the end.
Other members of the committee objected to the
solution.
Beginning
However, the plan was fine with me.
Middle
The plan, however, was fine with me.
End
The plan was fine with me, however.
Notice that when a conjunctive adverb appears in the
middle, commas come before and after it. At the end of
a clause, a comma comes before the conjunctive adverb.
Using conjunctive adverbs Connect each pair of independent clauses
by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
1. This bush is native to the desert; it needs
less water. (cause and effect)
2. We had hoped to see the antique cars; they
had already passed by. (contrast)
3. Turning the storage room into a lounge would
give students a place to study; a lounge
would be a better use of space. (addition)
Using conjunctive adverbs Connect each pair of independent clauses
by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
1. This bush is native to the desert; therefore, it
needs less water. (cause and effect)
[possible answer]
The conjunctive adverb therefore shows cause
and effect. A comma follows it to set it off at the
beginning of the clause.
Using conjunctive adverbs Connect each pair of independent clauses
by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
2. We had hoped to see the antique cars; they had
already passed by, however. (contrast)
[possible answer]
The conjunctive adverb however contrasts ideas.
A comma is placed before it to set it off at the
end of the sentence.
Using conjunctive adverbs
Connect each pair of independent clauses
by adding a conjunctive adverb. Relate the ideas as
indicated in parentheses. Be sure to use correct
punctuation.
3. Turning the storage room into a lounge would give
students a place to study; a lounge, moreover,
would be a better use of space. (addition)
[possible answer]
The conjunctive adverb moreover shows
addition. Commas are used both before and
after it to set it off in the middle of the clause.
Using conjunctive adverbs
On Your Own
For each of the following sentences, replace the
underlined conjunction with a conjunctive adverb that
relates ideas in the same way. Change the punctuation
as necessary.
1. These shoes are cheaper, but the other pair will last
longer.
2. The elevator was taking too long to arrive, so we
took the stairs instead.
3. Keira brings more experience to the position, and
she has worked in law enforcement before.
[End of Section]
Using conjunctive adverbs
Possible Answers
For each of the following sentences, replace the
underlined conjunction with a conjunctive adverb that
relates ideas in the same way. Change the punctuation
as necessary.
1. These shoes are cheaper; however, the other pair
will last longer.
2. The elevator was taking too long to arrive;
therefore, we took the stairs instead.
3. Keira brings more experience to the position;
furthermore, she has worked in law enforcement
before.
Review A
Complete the following chart by providing other
conjunctive adverbs that relate ideas in the same way.
Consult your textbook or a dictionary if needed.
Relationship
Conjunctive Adverbs
Contrast
however
Cause and
Effect
therefore
Addition
furthermore moreover
Review A
Complete the following chart by providing other
conjunctive adverbs that relate ideas in the same way.
Consult your textbook or a dictionary if needed.
[possible answers]
Relationship
Conjunctive Adverbs
Contrast
however
instead
otherwise
Cause and
Effect
therefore
consequently thus
Addition
furthermore moreover
indeed
Review B
Conjunctive adverbs are especially useful for
explanations and argumentation. Set forth a serious
argument about a controversial issue. Use three
conjunctive adverbs, placed in different positions, in
your writing.
Review B
Conjunctive adverbs are especially useful for
explanations and argumentation. Set forth a serious
argument about a controversial issue. Use three
conjunctive adverbs, placed in different positions, in
your writing.
[possible answer]
The amount of oil left in underground deposits is limited;
therefore, increasing attention is being paid to other
sources of energy. Some people worry that promoting
alternative fuels will harm the petroleum industry. Several
innovative petroleum companies, however, are researching
new fuels even as they process oil. Furthermore, since
many of these other energy sources produce less pollution,
developing them can help the environment.
The End