Conjunctive Adverbs/Adverbial Conjunctions/Transitional Devices

Like a conjunction, it connects ideas, but it is stronger. It shows a more specific relationship and usually acts as a transition between
the clauses. It can combine, compare, contrast, emphasize, summarize, illustrate, show sequence, and concede that the reader already
knows an idea.

Weak: Most Labrador retrievers are friendly, but some can be mean.
Stronger: Most Labrador retrievers are friendly; however, some can be mean.

Because conjunctive adverbs are used to effect a transition from one thought to another and because they may consist of more than
one word, they have also been called transitional expressions, transitional devices or transitional conjunctions.

There are many conjunctive adverbs—in fact, there are many more of these than there are common conjunctions. Here is a
comprehensive list of conjunctive adverbs.

accordingly consequently henceforth likewise similarly

additionally contrarily in addition meanwhile specifically
Again conversely in comparison moreover still
almost elsewhere in contrast nevertheless subsequently
Also equally in other words next then
anyway eventually in the meantime nonetheless thereafter
as a result finally incidentally notably therefore
besides further indeed now thus
certainly furthermore instead otherwise undoubtedly
comparatively hence just as rather uniquely

Beware: This is not a complete list, and all of these words are not always used this way. Memorizing the list is not useful. Analyzing
how words work together in a sentence is the best way to find them.

Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which they appear. When used in the
middle of a sentence, they are called parenthetical expressions.

I know Jeremiah can, in fact, sing very well.

Conjunctive adverbs used as parenthetical expressions include the list above and these common compound ones.

for example on the contrary that is

namely however on the other hand

A parenthetical expression is a phrase or clause that’s inserted within—in effect, it interrupts—another phrase or clause. The larger
structure is complete without the smaller structure, which could be an adverb clause, as in the following four examples, or an added
comment or remark that has no syntactic function in the clause. Note that the expressions are enclosed in (surrounded by) pairs of
punctuation marks: commas or parentheses (round brackets), or dashes:

Strawberry jam, for instance, doesn’t make a good spaghetti sauce.

Uncle Charlie, when he was told about the escaped fleas, broke out in a blush.
The tone of her letter, however, brought tears to Fang’s eyes.

Parentheses (or round brackets) set off material that is inserted as an explanation or comment. The idea is to add information rather
quietly (a brief definition or comment, for example), so as not to distract the reader from the rest of the sentence:

Uncle Charlie (a reformed gargler) met Aunt Min (at that time a mouthwash therapist) at a poltergeists’ convention.
When I can’t think of any appropriate silly examples (for instance, after a strenuous evening with the Boa Brothers), I try
standing on my head.

In the sentence about Uncle Charlie and Aunt Min, no punctuation follows either parenthesis because none would have been used
without the parentheses. In the second sentence, the commas that would ordinarily follow examples come after the closing
parenthesis marks. The rule is that the expression in parentheses should come immediately after the structure it comments on, before
any other punctuation.
A pair of dashes is used to emphasize parenthetical expressions more forcefully:

Monty the Python—a snake in the grass if I ever saw one—often pretends to have fang aches.
Orange-nosed attack frogs—there’s one on your shoulder now—defeat their enemies by sucking out their wits.
If I’m allowed to write a serious example sentence for once—I’ll probably be lynched for it—I’d say that it’s best to use dashes
sparingly.
Jack was injured by a booby-trapped plum—or so he claims.

It’s important to note that the commas that surround phrases and clauses that are inserted between backbone functions don’t violate
the rule that no punctuation can separate subjects and finite verbs: the punctuation “belongs” to the parenthetical expression:

Fang, in fact, was furious.

But, of course, Miss Hiss was amused.
Jumbo, it seems, prefers peanuts in soy sauce.

Always use a period or a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb when separating two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are
not strong enough to join independent clauses without supporting punctuation. Note also that the word following a semicolon is not
capitalized—unless, of course, it is a proper noun.

The CEO gave her a very tempting promotion and compensation package; however, she had already made up her mind.
The CEO gave her a very tempting promotion and compensation package. However, she had already made up her mind.

Commas should immediately follow conjunctive adverbs of two or more syllables. The only exception to this rule is that no comma is
necessary if the adverb is a single syllable (e.g., hence, thus, then, now) unless a strong pause is desired.

The first entertainment on planes began in 1928 when Transcontinental began distributing playing cards; then TWA installed
radios in 1939.

The growing use of handheld phones in cars endangers safety; thus several communities are giving away free bumper stickers
that say “Drive Now, Talk Later.”

She threatened to leave the group; thus the other members stepped up their game to prevent her from doing so.

Other examples:

It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.

Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate.
Sarah did her best; nevertheless, she did not pass her CPA exam the first time.
Equipment expenditures are great this quarter; on the other hand, new equipment will reduce labor costs.
The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more accidents.
Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.

Distinguishing Conjunctive Adverbs From Parenthetical Adverbs

Use semicolons only with conjunctive adverbs that join two independent clauses. Use commas to set off parenthetical adverbs that
interrupt the flow of one independent clause. Notice the differences in these examples:

We believe, however, that cellular phone sales will continue to grow.

(An adverb is used parenthetically.)
We agree that cell phones are convenient; however, they must be used responsibly.
(A conjunctive adverb is used to join two clauses.)
The Federal Reserve System, therefore, is a vital force in maintaining a sound banking system and a stable economy.
(An adverb is used parenthetically.)
The Federal Reserve System is a vital force in maintaining a sound banking system; therefore, it is instrumental in creating a
stable economy.
(A conjunctive adverb joins two clauses.)