How do you usually punctuate conjunctive adverbs?

Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that act as conjunctions to link two independent clauses together. Unlike traditional conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs usually require particular punctuation.

Semicolon and Comma

When the conjunctive adverb links two independent clauses, the conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. The semicolon links the two clauses, and the comma separates the conjunction from the second independent clause. For example:

It rained; consequently, we saw many puddles while we walked.

Her grandmother died; now, she does not want to go to the dance.

The two sentences stand alone, but the conjunctive adverb helps to demonstrate the relationship between the clauses.

Em dash or Period

A conjunctive adverb can still link two clauses if an em dash (—), a long hyphen, or period is used, with either mark taking the place of the semicolon to separate the independent clauses. For example:

It rained— consequently, we saw many puddles while we walked.

Her grandmother died. Now, she does not want to go to the dance.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs

    accordingly,    furthermore,    moreover,       similarly,
    also,           hence,          namely,         still,
    anyway,         however,        nevertheless,   then,
    besides,        incidentally,   next,           thereafter,
    certainly,      indeed,         nonetheless,    therefore,
    consequently,   instead,        now,            thus,
    finally,        likewise,       otherwise,      undoubtedly,
    further,        meanwhile.

Examples of Using Conjunctive Adverbs with Punctuation

How to punctuate conjunctive adverbs:

When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses in one sentence, it is followed by a semicolon and then usually a comma.

Example: Alice read her book; therefore, she was able to go to the party.

As you can see, semi-colon is put after book, and because therefore is the adverb, we follow it with a comma.

Due to budget cuts, critics on rotten tomatoes may lose their jobs; consequently, their finances may fall apart.

If a conjunctive adverb is used in any other position in a sentence, it is set off by commas.

Example: Meanwhile, Alice continues to read Science Fiction while soaking her feet in the bath.

Bruce Springstien, however, maintains a huge smile as he walks through the vacant house.

The adverbs used here are meanwhile and however: when used properly, they are almost always followed by a comma.

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Works Cited

Gutenberg Punctuation Rules

The Conjunctive Adverb

University of Wisconsin Writing Handbook

Language Portal of Canada

Purdue Owl's Clauses