A conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses or sentences. Other adverbs modify or add to a word, but a conjunctive affects two sentences. The word “conjunctive” comes from the Latin for “join together.”
A conjunctive adverb brings together two complete thoughts. Each clause can stand on its own as a sentence. The first clause is followed by a semi-colon. Sometimes there is a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Following is a list of conjunctive adverbs:
also, anyway, besides, certainly, earlier, finally, further, for instance, for example, however, hence, in addition, instead, later, likewise, moreover, namely, next, now, nevertheless, on the other hand, otherwise, perhaps, so, still, then, therefore, thus, and undoubtedly.
Conjunctive adverbs can be grouped according to function. This may help you understand them a bit better:
Conjunctive adverbs are also called adverbial conjunctions. Here are a few examples to further illustrate what they do for sentences.
Conjunctive adverbs can also function as a regular adverb and modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. In this case, they will not need extra punctuation.
Here is an example:
“He was accordingly very interested in jazz.”
In this sentence the word “accordingly” is acting like an adverb and modifying the verb “interested.”
Many times a conjunctive adverb will start a sentence and need a comma after it since it appears before an independent clause. Following are some examples:
Remember, adverbs change or modify verbs. Many end with "ly" which makes them easy to spot. Other adverbs, such as conjunctive adverbs may also end with "ly" (such as accordingly) or may not end in "ly" (such as also, next and before)