3.

Defining and Using Conjunctive Adverbs

An excellent way to join two independent ideas within a sentence is to use a semicolon and
a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs help the reader to understand the transition
from one idea to the next within a sentence; therefore, conjunctive adverbs are also called
transitional expressions. The following provides an example of a sentence that joins ideas
using a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb.

Joining Ideas with a Semicolon and a Conjunctive Adverb

Example: Judy took the dog for a walk; meanwhile, Theo cleaned the kitchen and prepared
dinner.

In the example above, two independent ideas are joined with a semicolon and the
conjunctive adverb meanwhile. The first independent idea is "Judy took the dog for a walk"
and the second independent idea is "Theo cleaned the kitchen and prepared dinner." The
conjunctive adverb meanwhile means "at the same time"; at the same time that Judy
walked the dog, Theo cleaned the kitchen and prepared dinner.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs

consequently means as a result
furthermore means in addition
however means in contrast
instead means in place of
meanwhile means at the same time
nevertheless means in contrast
otherwise means as an alternative
therefore means for that reason

Directions: For each of the following sentences, select the blank line to choose the correct
conjunctive adverb from the dropdown menu. have selected the conjunctive adverb,
answer the question that follows to show that you understand its meaning.

The restaurant owners had no evidence that Zachary stole the money; .... , they fired him
and called the police to accuse him of the crime.

Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "for that reason."

The conjunctive adverb means "as an alternative."
The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."

Chill the pie crust for 45 minutes in the refrigerator;.... , cut five apples and season them
with cinnamon and sugar to prepare them for the pie filling.
Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."

The conjunctive adverb means "in addition."
The conjunctive adverb means "at the same time."

The Islamic Republic of Iran is generally called Iran; .... , before 1935 the country was
known to the western world as Persia.

Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."

The conjunctive adverb means "as a result."
The conjunctive adverb means "at the same time."

Lesley may be at the library right now; ..... , you may be able to find her at the gym.

Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "as an alternative."

The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."
The conjunctive adverb means "for that reason."

The professor tried to gain weight by eating a diet of only cupcakes;..... , he actually lost
27 pounds in the process of his "cupcake experiment."

Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "for that reason."

The conjunctive adverb means "at the same time."
The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."

It is a bad idea for you to get a puppy because you don't have space in your
apartment; ..... , puppies require more time than you have to offer right now.

Which of the following is true of the sentence above?

The conjunctive adverb means "in addition."

The conjunctive adverb means "for that reason."
The conjunctive adverb means "as an alternative."

Answer:
The restaurant owners had no evidence that Zachary stole the money; however, they fired
him and called the police to accuse him of the crime.
The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast." 
 
Chill the pie crust for 45 minutes in the refrigerator; meanwhile, cut five apples and season
them with cinnamon and sugar to prepare them for the pie filling.
The conjunctive adverb means "at the same time."
 
The Islamic Republic of Iran is generally called Iran; however, before 1935 the country was
known to the western world as Persia.
The conjunctive adverb means "in contrast."
 
Lesley may be at the library right now; otherwise, you may be able to find her at the gym.
The conjunctive adverb means "as an alternative."
 
The professor tried to gain weight by eating a diet of only cupcakes; therefore, he actually
lost 27 pounds in the process of his "cupcake experiment."
The conjunctive adverb means "for that reason."
 
It is a bad idea for you to get a puppy because you don't have space in your apartment;
furthermore, puppies require more time than you have to offer right now.
The conjunctive adverb means "in addition."