A conjunctive adverb is a type of adverb that serves two functions:
- To connect two parts of a sentence (clauses)
- To indicate the relationship between the two clauses
Conjunctive adverbs are also known as transitional adverbs because they help the reader transition smoothly between different ideas or sections of a text.
Here are some examples of conjunctive adverbs:
- Addition: also, moreover, besides, furthermore, in addition
- Contrast: however, but, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast
- Result: therefore, consequently, hence, thus, so
- Time: then, next, after, before, meanwhile
- Purpose: so that, in order to, with the purpose of, for the sake of
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, on condition that, in case that
Here is an example of a sentence using a conjunctive adverb:
> The weather was terrible, so we decided to stay home.
In this sentence, the conjunctive adverb "so" connects the two clauses and indicates that the second clause (we decided to stay home) is a result of the first clause (the weather was terrible).