Conjunctive Adverbs

The conjunctions that are not exactly conjunctions are conjunctive adverbs. “Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect other words. Therefore, conjunctive adverbs act like conjunctions even though they are not technically considered to be conjunctions…. Conjunctive adverbs are also called transitions because they link ideas” (Rozarkis, 1997, p. 55).

Conjunctive adverbs are words like however, moreover, therefore, and furthermore.

They provide important transitions between ideas and are commonly used to help create a nice, flowing work. Often, you’ll see a conjunctive adverb used after a semicolon to start a new independent clause, as illustrated in this example:

I have several back-up zombie plans in place; however, I am sure my first plan is the best plan.

However, it’s also important to note that you don’t have to use a conjunctive adverb every time you use a semicolon, and you don’t have to use a semicolon to use a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs work well after periods, too.

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