Conjunctive AdverbsKristi Reyes

MiraCosta CollegeNoncredit ESL Program

Review: Conjunctions• Do you remember?

F A N B O Y Sor nd or rut et o

Conjunctions• Can join two or more …•Words: soup or salad• Phrases: go to school, go to work, and go to bed• Sentences: I want to get a better job, so I am learning

English.

Conjunctive Adverbs•Similar to conjunctions, but …•Typically join only sentences•Have different punctuation options•More academic, formal

What are the conjunctive adverbs?• There are many; here are a few and what they

mean (on handout):

• Furthermore• Moreoverand

• However• Nevertheless• Nonetheless

but/ yet

• Therefore• Consequently• Hence• Thus

so

Let’s look at some examples1. You want to introduce your friend to your

teacher. You can’t think of your teacher’s name!

Joined by a conjunction: …teacher, but you can’t remember your teacher’s name!

Joined by a conjunctive adverb: You want to introduce your friend to your

teacher; however, you can’t remember your teacher’s name!

OR You want to introduce your friend to your

teacher. However, you can’t remember your teacher’s name!

Examples2. I was worried about memory loss. I decided

to look into the problem.Joined by a conjunction: … loss, so I decided…

Joined by a conjunctive adverb: I was worried about memory loss; therefore, I

decided to look into the problem.OR

I was worried about memory loss. Therefore, I decided to look into the problem.

Examples3. Glucose helps maintain memory function. Mental

activity helps prevent memory loss.

Joined by a conjunction: …memory function, and mental activity…

Joined by a conjunctive adverb: Glucose helps maintain memory function;

furthermore, mental activity helps prevent memory loss.

ORGlucose helps maintain memory function. Furthermore, mental activity helps prevent memory loss.

Sentence formation and punctuationThe form for using conjunctive adverbs is often one of the following:

• Sentence 1; conjunctive adverb, sentence 2.

• Sentence 1. Conjunctive adverb, sentence 2.

Why use conjunctive adverbs?• No more but, but, but, and, and, and…• Speak and write in a more academic, sophisticated manner…

Who, me?

Any questions?• Let’s practice …