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B. Foundations of Language · Foundations: Grammar, Sentences and Punctuation

Conjunctive Adverbs: Connecting Ideas with Commas

B3.3 B3.1 B3.2 A3.1About 40 minutes
Learning goals
  • I can explain what a conjunctive adverb is and how it differs from a conjunction.
  • I can use commas to set off a conjunctive adverb at the start, in the middle or at the end of a clause.
  • I can join two independent clauses with a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb and a comma.
  • I can choose the conjunctive adverb that shows the exact relationship I mean, in any subject.

Words to know

conjunctive adverb
An adverb that connects the idea of one independent clause to another and shows how they relate: however, therefore, consequently, meanwhile, furthermore, nevertheless, instead, otherwise, similarly.
set off
To separate a word or phrase from the rest of the sentence with punctuation, such as commas on both sides.
cohesive ties
Words that link sentences and paragraphs so a text holds together, like conjunctive adverbs, transitions and pronouns that point back to earlier ideas.
subordinating conjunction
A word like because, although or when that starts a dependent clause.

Glue between ideas

Bees pollinate many crops. Many bee populations are shrinking. Scientists are studying the problem.

These sentences are true, but how do they connect? Watch:

Bees pollinate many crops; however, many bee populations are shrinking. Consequently, scientists are studying the problem.

However shows contrast and consequently shows result. These connecting words are called conjunctive adverbs. They're one kind of cohesive tie: they help a whole paragraph hold together.

A honeybee collecting pollen on a white apple blossom in an orchard in spring.
Bees like this one pollinate many crops; however, many bee populations are shrinking. Conjunctive adverbs show how ideas like these connect. AI-generated image

Remember from Grade 6

You put a comma after transitions at the start of a sentence (However, the game was cancelled.), commas around a transition in the middle (The game, however, was cancelled.), and a semicolon before a transition that joins two sentences (It snowed; however, the buses ran.).

Grade 7 asks you to use commas to set off conjunctive adverbs, and to understand why they're punctuated differently from joining words like but.

RelationshipConjunctive adverbs
Add an ideafurthermore, moreover, besides, also
Contrasthowever, nevertheless, nonetheless, instead
Resulttherefore, consequently, thus, accordingly
Timemeanwhile, subsequently, afterward, finally
Similaritysimilarly, likewise
Conditionotherwise
Emphasisindeed, certainly
Choose the one that shows exactly what you mean.

Conjunctive adverb or conjunction?

Three kinds of words can connect ideas. They follow different rules.

  • Coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so): joins two independent clauses with a comma before it. It can't move. It rained, but we played.
  • Subordinating conjunction (because, although, when, if): makes a dependent clause. Although it rained, we played.
  • Conjunctive adverb (however, therefore...): an adverb, not a joining word. A comma alone can't join two sentences with it. It can move around inside its clause, and it's set off with commas wherever it goes.

The move test: If you can move the word, it's a conjunctive adverb.

  • It rained; however, we played.
  • It rained; we, however, played.
  • It rained; we played, however.

All three are correct. You can't do that with but: ~~It rained, we played but.~~

The move test: however can slide around its clause.It rained; however, we played.It rained; we, however, played.It rained; we played, however.commas travelwith it every timeIt rained, we played but.but can’t move
A conjunctive adverb like however can move inside its clause, and its commas move with it. A joining word like but can't move at all.
coordinating conjunctionIC, butIC.comma before; can’t movesubordinating conjunctionAlthough DC,IC.makes a dependent clauseconjunctive adverbIC; however,IC.semicolon before, comma afterIC = independent clauseDC = dependent clause
Three kinds of connecting words, three punctuation patterns. Only the conjunctive adverb needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it when it joins two independent clauses.
Worked example

Let's punctuate a science paragraph

Add punctuation: Plants need sunlight to make food therefore most houseplants grow best near a window. Some plants however prefer shade. Ferns for example often do well in a dim corner.

  1. Sentence 1 has two independent clauses joined by therefore. Use a semicolon before it and a comma after: ...make food; therefore, most houseplants...
  2. Sentence 2: however sits in the middle of the clause. Set it off with commas on both sides: Some plants, however, prefer shade.
  3. Sentence 3: for example is a transitional phrase in the middle. Set it off too: Ferns, for example, often...

Plants need sunlight to make food; therefore, most houseplants grow best near a window. Some plants, however, prefer shade. Ferns, for example, often do well in a dim corner.

Worked example

Let's choose the right conjunctive adverb

Choose therefore, nevertheless or meanwhile: (a) The hike was long and steep; ____, everyone reached the top. (b) Dad grilled the burgers; ____, I set the table. (c) The library is closed on Mondays; ____, we'll go on Tuesday.

  1. (a) Long and steep, yet everyone made it → contrast → nevertheless.
  2. (b) Two things happen at the same time → time → meanwhile.
  3. (c) It's closed, so we change our plan → result → therefore.

(a) nevertheless, (b) meanwhile, (c) therefore.

When *however* isn't a conjunctive adverb

Sometimes however means "in whatever way" or "no matter how". Then it's an ordinary adverb, and it needs no comma after it:

  • However hard we pulled, the sled wouldn't move. (no matter how hard)
  • However, the sled wouldn't move. (contrast, comma needed)

Read it aloud: the conjunctive adverb has a pause after it.

Just for fun

I was going to tell you a joke about however; however, it kept moving around the sentence, and I couldn't find it.

Hands-on activity

Cohesion chain

You need: your science, history or geography notebook (or a news article), a pencil and a highlighter (or coloured pencil).

  1. Choose a paragraph of at least five sentences.
  2. Highlight every cohesive tie: conjunctive adverbs, transition phrases and pronouns that point back to an earlier idea (this, these, it, they).
  3. Find two places where the link between sentences is unclear. Add a conjunctive adverb from the table, with the correct punctuation.
  4. Read the original and your revision aloud to a family member. Ask: "Which one is easier to follow?"

What to look for: the chosen adverb matches the real relationship (don't write therefore unless the second idea really is a result), and commas or semicolons are in place.

Your turn

1

Add commas: The test was hard. Most students nevertheless finished on time.

2

Join with a semicolon and consequently: The pipes froze. We had no water for a day.

3

Comma splice or correct? I forgot my lunch, however, my friend shared hers.

4

Choose a conjunctive adverb that shows similarity: Wolves live in packs; ____, orcas live in family groups called pods.

5

Conjunction or conjunctive adverb? so in It was late, so we left.

6

Move therefore to the middle of the second clause: I missed the bus; therefore, I walked.

7

Add punctuation if needed: However you decide to solve it show your work.

More practice: warm-up

1

Name two conjunctive adverbs that show result.

2

Name two conjunctive adverbs that show contrast.

3

Add the comma: Furthermore the trip is free.

4

Which mark comes before a conjunctive adverb that joins two independent clauses?

5

Which mark comes after it?

More practice: on your own

1

Choose the best word (instead, meanwhile, moreover): The bike path is safe; ____, it's the fastest route to school.

2

Choose the best word (instead, meanwhile, moreover): We didn't go to the beach; ____, we visited the science centre.

3

Punctuate: Rivers were the main travel routes in the fur trade the Hudson's Bay Company therefore built many trading posts along rivers.

4

Explain why this is wrong: We studied hard, therefore we passed.

5

Rewrite with a subordinating conjunction instead of a conjunctive adverb: It was −25°C; nevertheless, we went skating.

Challenge

1

Write a three-sentence paragraph about a science topic you know. Use two different conjunctive adverbs correctly.

2

Explain the difference in meaning: (a) The road was icy; therefore, we drove slowly. (b) The road was icy; nevertheless, we drove quickly.

3

Fix all the errors: The volunteers cleaned the shoreline, consequently the beach reopened. Many families however stayed away, they were worried about the water.

Check your understanding

Quiz

1.

Which word is a conjunctive adverb?

2.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

3.

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

4.

Which conjunctive adverb shows that two things happen at the same time?

5.

Which sentence needs no comma after however?

6.

How can you tell a conjunctive adverb from a coordinating conjunction?

For parents and teachers

What this lesson is about: conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, consequently, meanwhile) and the commas that set them off, a Grade 7 punctuation expectation. It extends Grade 6 work on transitions.

How to help at home:

  • When your child writes a science or history paragraph, ask: "How does this sentence connect to the one before? Is it a result? A contrast?" Then choose a precise conjunctive adverb.
  • Use the move test to tell conjunctive adverbs from but, and, so.

Common difficulties:

  • Comma splices with however or therefore (..., however, ...). Two independent clauses need a semicolon or a period.
  • Using a fancy word with the wrong meaning (e.g. therefore where there's no cause and effect).
  • Missing the second comma when the adverb is in the middle.