Conjunctive adverbs are essential tools in English grammar. They connect ideas between two sentences or clauses while adding meaning, such as contrast, cause and effect, or time. Learning a list of conjunctive adverbs helps you make your sentences more cohesive and expressive, improving both your writing and speaking skills.
As someone who has worked with English learners, I know how challenging it can be to understand the different roles of conjunctive adverbs. That’s why this post provides a clear, categorized list of conjunctive adverbs, along with examples to help you use them confidently. From words like “however” and “therefore” to “meanwhile” and “indeed,” these adverbs will give your sentences flow and clarity.
Let’s dive into this practical guide to learn how conjunctive adverbs can transform your English communication. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this list will be your go-to resource!
1. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Addition
These indicate that something extra or additional is being mentioned.
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Additionally
- Also
- Besides
- Likewise
- Similarly
- What’s more
- In addition
- To boot
2. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Contrast
These highlight a difference or contradiction between two ideas.
- However
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Still
- Conversely
- On the other hand
- Instead
- On the contrary
- Even so
- Regardless
3. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Cause and Effect
These indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas.
- Therefore
- Thus
- Consequently
- Accordingly
- Hence
- As a result
- For this reason
- Because of this
4. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Time or Sequence
These indicate the order or timing of events.
- Meanwhile
- Then
- Subsequently
- Thereafter
- Finally
- Next
- Afterward
- Earlier
- Previously
- In the meantime
- At the same time
5. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Emphasis
These strengthen or emphasize an idea.
- Indeed
- Certainly
- In fact
- Of course
- Truly
- Surely
- Without a doubt
- Undoubtedly
6. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Condition
These indicate a conditional relationship between ideas.
- Otherwise
- If not
- Or else
Conjunctive Adverbs List with Examples
1. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Addition
Examples:
- Moreover: She is highly qualified; moreover, she has years of experience.
- Furthermore: The weather is perfect; furthermore, the view is stunning.
- Additionally: The project is overdue; additionally, it exceeds the budget.
- Also: He is a talented singer; also, he plays the guitar well.
- Besides: I don’t feel like going out; besides, I have a lot of work to do.
- Likewise: He completed his task on time; likewise, you should do the same.
- Similarly: She enjoys reading; similarly, her brother loves books.
- What’s more: The movie is entertaining; what’s more, it’s educational too.
- In addition: He’s great at sports; in addition, he excels academically.
2. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Contrast
Examples:
- However: The task was challenging; however, we managed to complete it.
- Nevertheless: It was raining; nevertheless, they decided to play soccer.
- Nonetheless: He wasn’t feeling well; nonetheless, he went to work.
- Still: She apologized; still, he seemed upset.
- Conversely: He prefers tea; conversely, she enjoys coffee.
- On the other hand: This option is faster; on the other hand, it’s more expensive.
- Instead: We didn’t go hiking; instead, we stayed home and relaxed.
- Even so: The evidence is weak; even so, the case was reopened.
- Regardless: He went ahead with his plans, regardless of the risks.
3. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Cause and Effect
Examples:
- Therefore: She worked hard; therefore, she was promoted.
- Thus: He didn’t study; thus, he failed the exam.
- Consequently: The team lost their star player; consequently, they couldn’t win the match.
- Accordingly: The weather was bad; accordingly, the event was canceled.
- Hence: He was overworked; hence, he needed a vacation.
- As a result: The product was defective; as a result, sales dropped significantly.
- For this reason: The guidelines were unclear; for this reason, many made mistakes.
- Because of this: The deadline was missed; because of this, the client was dissatisfied.
4. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Time or Sequence
Examples:
- Meanwhile: She was cooking; meanwhile, her husband set the table.
- Then: He finished his homework; then, he went to bed.
- Subsequently: The company launched the product; subsequently, sales increased.
- Thereafter: He moved to New York; thereafter, he started a new job.
- Finally: The meeting lasted for hours; finally, it ended.
- Next: We’ll review the first draft; next, we’ll make revisions.
- Afterward: They had dinner; afterward, they watched a movie.
- Earlier: She called me earlier to confirm the plan.
- Previously: I met him previously at a conference.
- In the meantime: You can wait here; in the meantime, I’ll get the documents.
- At the same time: The kids were playing; at the same time, the parents were chatting.
5. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Emphasis
Examples:
- Indeed: The view is breathtaking; indeed, it’s one of the best I’ve seen.
- Certainly: This project is challenging; certainly, it will require extra effort.
- In fact: He didn’t just meet the deadline; in fact, he submitted the work early.
- Of course: She’s qualified for the job; of course, she was hired.
- Truly: It was a memorable experience; truly, one I’ll never forget.
- Surely: He worked hard; surely, he deserves the award.
- Without a doubt: The film was excellent, without a doubt, the best of the year.
- Undoubtedly: This is a masterpiece; undoubtedly, it will win awards.
5. Conjunctive Adverbs Showing Condition
Examples:
- Otherwise: Study hard; otherwise, you might fail the exam.
- If not: Take the umbrella; if not, you might get wet.
- Or else: Leave now; or else, you’ll miss the train.
Conclusion: Conjunctive Adverbs List
Mastering conjunctive adverbs is a key step toward improving your English fluency. These versatile words connect ideas, clarify relationships, and make your sentences flow smoothly. By practicing this list of conjunctive adverbs, you’ll be able to add contrast, emphasize points, and show cause and effect with ease.
From “however” to “therefore” and “meanwhile,” each conjunctive adverb serves a specific purpose in expressing your thoughts clearly. Keep practicing their usage in your daily conversations and writing to build confidence. Remember, understanding these adverbs is a great way to take your English skills to the next level.
You’re doing an amazing job! Keep exploring and applying these words in your language learning journey.