Conjunctive Adverbs - Definition, Types, Uses and Examples

Conjunctive adverbs are words or a group of words that join two independent clauses, functioning as conjunctions and modify the meaning of the main clause, acting as adverbs.

Conjunctive adverbs are a type of adverbs that are similar to conjunctions in the sense that they connect two independent clauses or sentences, and similar to adverbs in the sense that they modify the meaning of the main clause. So, conjunctive adverbs are conjunctions in terms of joining clauses and adverbs in terms of modifying the main clause.

As conjunctive adverbs join two independent clauses, they cannot make sentences complex; rather, they create compound sentences. Continue to read to learn more about conjunctive adverb definition, types, uses and examples.

Conjunctive Adverb - Definition, Types, Uses and Examples 

A conjunctive adverb, as the name suggests, is an adverb which joins two independent clauses (independent clauses are the clauses that have a subject and a predicate.) and modifies them by showing relationship in meaning between the two clauses. 

Conjunctive adverbs are also known as conjuncts, adverbial conjunctions or transitional words. Conjunctive adverbs are also given many names such as connective words or linking words. Have a look at the following example of conjunctive adverb:

• John was sick yesterday; therefore, he couldn't attend the class. 

Explanation:- The word "therefore" in the above-mentioned example sentence is a conjunctive adverb which connects two independent or main clauses, "John was sick yesterday." and "he couldn't attend the class.", shows the relationship of cause and effect by mentioning that the first clause, "John was sick yesterday" is the cause for the second clause, "he couldn't attend the class", which means that John's being sick yesterday is the reason why he couldn't attend the class.  

Conjunctive Adverb Examples

Here are a few examples of common conjunctive adverbs which are frequently encountered when reading short stories, essays, newspapers, magazines, articles, etc. 

• Also 
• Anyway
• As a result
• Besides
• Consequently
• Furthermore
• However
• In addition
• Likewise
• Meanwhile
• Moreover
• Therefore
• Subsequently
• Certainly
• Again 
• Afterward 

Note that some of the above-mentioned conjunctive adverbs can be both normal or pure adverbs and conjunctive adverbs. The word "also" functions as a normal or pure adverb in "John is an actor and also a singer.", and as a conjunctive adverb in "Sofia is a brilliant communicator. Also, she is a well-trained programmer.". 

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs in Sentences 

1. The students couldn't understand the central theme of the book; therefore, the professor first explained it. 
2. I must continuously attend the classes now; otherwise, I'm going to fall short of attendance. 
3. The government made a policy to increase the tax on the imported products; accordingly, the traders and merchants had to make a decision if they would trade in that country or stop it.
4. I was sick yesterday; consequently, I couldn't attend the classes. 
5. John is a great actor. Also, he's a good singer.

Types of Conjunctive Adverbs with Examples 

Based on the functions of conjunctive adverbs, they can be categorized into the following kinds. The types of conjunctive adverbs with examples are given below.

1. Conjunctive Adverbs Adding Ideas 

For example:

1. The writer is demanding better pay. Additionally, he's decreased the number of articles.

2. The laptop is very good. Moreover, its price is reasonable.

3. John is an outstanding singer. Also, he's a great actor. 

2. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Cause and Effect Relationship

For example:

1. I couldn't participate in the competition. Consequently, I didn't get any prize.

2. The class representative was not present; Therefore, the professor gave John the responsibility to inform the students.

3. The university issued a notice that changed the teaching schedule; accordingly, the students changed their schedules.  

3. Conjunctive Adverbs Explaining an Idea

For example:

1. If you don't want, you can stop writing; that is, you can quit the content writing job.

2. Many people are going to suffer; for example, the local people who live there will be adversely affected.

3. There're many ways you can improve your listening skills; namely, you can listen to native speakers and podcasts in English.

4. Conjunctive Adverbs Comparing Two Ideas 

For example:

1. I love to study English literature; similarly, my sister enjoys it.

2. Every student finds it difficult to study literature; likewise, some professors find it difficult.

5. Conjunctive Adverbs Joining Two Contrasting Ideas 

For example:

1. You can quit the job; however, I suggest that you continue to do it.

2. John is not a nice guy; rather, he's dishonest and hard-hearted.

3. Sofia had planned to go on a picnic; instead, she remained at home.

6. Conjunctive Adverbs Emphasizing an Idea 

For example:

1. You can't use your phone inside the classroom; again, it's prohibited.

2. Social media help small businesses grow; of course, they want growth.

3. Attend the classes regularly; certainly, you don't want to fall short of attendance.

6. Conjunctive Adverbs Sequencing Two Happenings 

For example:

1. I'm going to purchase a watch; next, we'll go to the movies.

2. I'll drop you in front of the library; finally, I'll go to the department.

7. Conjunctive Adverbs Summarizing Some Idea 

For example:

1. People have different opinions; in summary, the topic is controversial.

2. We need to attend the classes regularly; in conclusion, 75% attendance must be secured.

8. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Time 

For example:

1. I was reading a book in the classroom; meanwhile, the professor entered the classroom.

2. The professors are allowed to engage the class anywhere; now, many of them engage the class sitting in the garden.

Difference between Conjunctive Adverb and Conjunction 

The main differences between a conjunctive adverb and a conjunction are as follows:

1. A conjunction is a word or a group of words that joins two words, phrases or clauses, whereas a conjunctive adverb joins two independent clauses and modifies them.

For example: 

1. John and Sofia are good friends.
2. Sitting in the lawn and reading a book is a wonderful experience.
3. John saw a lion and he ran away.
4. You haven't attended many classes; as a result, you've fallen short of attendance.

Explanation: Examples 1, 2 and 3 use the coordinating conjunction, "and" to join two nouns, phrases and clauses respectively, whereas example 4 uses the conjunctive adverb, "as a result" to connect two independent clauses. 

2. Although a conjunctive adverb functions as a conjunction to join two independent clauses, yet it's an adverb, and not a conjunction.

For example:

1. Your son is studying hard; therefore, he's certainly going to fail his exams.
2. You're not listening to me; consequently, you'll suffer a lot.

Explanation: The above-mentioned examples 1 and 2 use the conjunctive adverbs "therefore" and "consequently" which function as conjunctions to connect two independent clauses; however, they are not conjunctions but adverbs.

3. A semicolon or a period (full stop) is used before a conjunctive adverb, and a comma after it, whereas, if used in a lengthy sentence, a comma is used before a conjunction. 

For example:

1. You're not listening to me; consequently, you'll suffer a lot.
2. John is an outstanding singer. Also, he's a great actor.
3. John was playing badminton with his friends after a long time, because he was free the entire day.

Explanation: Examples 1 and 2 use the conjunctive adverbs "consequently" and "also", and before them, a semicolon (;) and a comma (,) are used respectively, whereas example 3 uses the subordinating conjunction "because" to join a dependent clause with the independent clause with a comma before it.

FAQs - Conjunctive Adverb

What is a conjunctive adverb?

A conjunctive adverb is a word such as therefore or a group of words such as as a result that has the characteristics of both a conjunction and an adverb. Conjunctive adverbs function as conjunctions to join two independent clauses and as adverbs to modify the meaning of the first clause. 

What are the top 10 conjunctive adverbs? 

1. Therefore
2. Also
3. Consequently
4. As a result 
5. Meanwhile
6. Similarly 
7. Next
8. In conclusion
9. In summary
10. Again

10 sentences using conjunctive adverbs 

1. You have to attend the classes; otherwise, you're certainly going to fall short of attendance.

2. You're not listening to me; consequently, you'll suffer a lot.

3. John is an outstanding singer. Also, he's a great actor.

4. I'm going to purchase a watch; next, we'll go to the movies.

5. I'll drop you in front of the library; finally, I'll go to the department.

6. People have different opinions; in summary, the topic is controversial.

7. We need to attend the classes regularly; in conclusion, 75% attendance is compulsory.

8. You can quit the job; however, I suggest that you continue to do it.

9. John is not very nice guy; rather, he's dishonest and hard-hearted.

10. Sofia planned to go on a picnic; instead, she remained at home.

Is but a conjunctive adverb? 

No, But is not a conjunctive adverb; rather, it's one of the seven coordinating conjunctions which are FANBOYS. 

Is although a conjunctive adverb?

No, Although is not a conjunctive adverb; rather, it's one of the subordinating conjunctions which join a dependent clause with an independent clause. 

Is conjunctive adverb subordinating conjunction? 

No, conjunctive adverbs are not subordinating conjunctions; rather, they are adverbs which have the characteristics of both a conjunction and an adverb.

Is conjunctive adverb a type of conjunction? 

No, conjunctive adverbs are not a type of conjunctions. A conjunction adverb is basically a type of adverb which has some characteristics of a conjunction.

Are conjunctive adverbs conjunctions? 

No, conjunctive adverbs are not conjunctions; rather, they are adverbs which also function as conjunctions to join two independent clauses.

Are conjunctive adverbs the same as transition words? 

Yes, conjunctive adverbs are the same as transition words, because conjunctive adverbs are also known as transitional words. 

Are conjunctive adverbs used in complex sentences? 

As conjunctive adverbs join two or more independent clauses, they are not used in complex sentences. Conjunctive adverbs don't make complex sentences; rather, they create compound sentences. 

Is because a conjunctive adverb? 

No, Because is not a conjunctive adverb; rather, it's a subordinating conjunction which joins a dependent clause with an independent clause. 

Is So a conjunctive adverb?

No, So is not a conjunctive adverb; rather, it's one of the seven coordinating conjunctions.