7.2 Coordination and Subordination
Conjunctive Adverbs
Another method of joining two independent clauses with related and equal ideas is to use a conjunctive adverb and a semicolon (see Chapter 2, “Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence?” for information on semicolon usage). A conjunctive adverb is a linking word that demonstrates a relationship between two clauses. Read the following sentences:
Original sentences: Bridget wants to take part in the next Olympics. She trains every day.
Since these sentences contain two equal and related ideas, they may be joined using a conjunctive adverb. Now, read the revised sentence:
Revised sentence: Bridget wants to take part in the next Olympics; therefore, she trains every day.
The revised sentence explains the relationship between Bridget’s desire to take part in the next Olympics and her daily training. Notice that the conjunctive adverb comes after a semicolon that separates the two clauses and is followed by a comma.
Review the following chart of some common conjunctive adverbs with examples of how they are used:
| Function | Conjunctive Adverb (notice punctuation) | Example |
| Addition | ; also,
; furthermore, ; moreover, ; besides, |
Alicia was late for class and stuck in traffic; furthermore, her shoe heel had broken and she had forgotten her lunch. |
| Comparison | ; similarly,
; likewise, |
Recycling aluminum cans is beneficial to the environment; similarly, reusing plastic bags and switching off lights reduces waste. |
| Contrast | ; instead,
; however, ; conversely, |
Most people do not walk to work; instead, they drive or take the train. |
| Emphasis | ; namely,
; certainly, ; indeed, |
The Siberian tiger is a rare creature; indeed, there are fewer than five hundred left in the wild. |
| Cause and Effect | ; accordingly,
; consequently, ; hence, ; thus, |
I missed my train this morning; consequently, I was late for my meeting. |
| Time | ; finally,
; next, ; subsequently, ; then, |
Tim crossed the barrier, jumped over the wall, and pushed through the hole in the fence; finally, he made it to the station. |
