Certain adverbs have a meaning that draws a connection between one idea that is being expressed and another idea that comes immediately after. These adverbs are often called “conjunctive adverbs” because of this ability to connect ideas. (The prefix “con-” means “together,” and “junct” means “join.”) For example, the adverb “however” indicates that there is a contrast or a conflict between the first idea being expressed and the idea that comes after it. (“A severe thunderstorm hit the area last night. However, there was minimal damage.”) The adverbs “furthermore” and “moreover” indicate that there is more to be said than what was just said. The adverb “consequently” indicates that the second thing being introduced comes later in time than the first thing and is caused by it. (“The soldiers were not prepared for another attack; consequently, they were unable to adequately defend themselves.”)
Although conjunctive adverbs link ideas, it’s important to note that they don’t make a grammatical link between clauses. That is, they are still only adverbs, not conjunctions. This means they can’t take the grammatical place of words like “and,” “but,” or “so,” and they are often used together with one or the other of these. (“The new highway was still under construction, and therefore an alternative route had to be found.”)
Punctuation
Conjunctive adverbs often begin new sentences and are usually followed by a comma: “Meanwhile, the boys were upstairs sleeping.” “Finally, the passengers were allowed to re-board the plane.” In addition, conjunctive adverbs may directly follow an independent clause ending with a semicolon, as in some of the examples below. Note that a comma rather than a semicolon would be incorrect in punctuating these sentences that use semicolons. This is because a semicolon has the power to link one independent clause with another, while a comma alone does not have that power.
Note the examples with “accordingly” below. The last two correct examples are correct because they contain the conjunction “and” after the comma following the word “storm.” It is that conjunction, not the comma or the conjunctive adverb, that creates the necessary grammatical link between the two clauses.
When conjunctive adverbs follow a conjunction, they can be set off by commas—one comma after the conjunction and one comma after the adverb—as in the final correct example above with “accordingly.” Alternatively, the commas around the adverb can be omitted as in the example that precedes this example. When commas are inserted, they create pauses in the reading and serve to highlight the adverb.
Additional examples of conjunctive adverbs
- furthermore
All residents are advised to evacuate the building. Furthermore, they are advised not to return to their homes until city officials say it is safe to do so. - moreover
The driver of the car was greatly exceeding the speed limit; moreover, he was intoxicated. - therefore
They had won nearly every game that season; therefore, they were full of confidence as they headed into the championship. - however
They attempted to get into the house through a window. However, the windows were securely locked. - subsequently
He decided to donate all his money to one particular charity; but, subsequently, he changed his mind. - consequently
The fire broke out while the school was closed. Consequently, no children or staff were in the building and no injuries were sustained.