Level: B2-C1

Conjunctive Adverbs vs Conjunctions — Practice

Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover) and coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) both join clauses, but they punctuate differently. Conjunctive adverbs use semicolon before, comma after; FANBOYS conjunctions use just a comma. Practice telling them apart in 42 ESL examples.

📝 Conjunctions unit · lesson 7 of 11 ⏱ about 10 minutes 🔊 every example has audio

Builds on Coordinating (FANBOYS) Next in unit Because vs Because Of →

Conjunctive adverbs — quick guide

Words like however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless connect ideas, so ESL learners often treat them as conjunctions. But they’re actually ADVERBS — and the punctuation is different.

Common conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, nonetheless, meanwhile, consequently, otherwise, instead, indeed, also, thus, hence, then

🎯 The punctuation rule

When a conjunctive adverb joins two independent clauses, use a semicolon BEFORE and a comma AFTER:

I was tired; however, I kept working.
It was raining; therefore, the match was canceled.

You can also use them at the start of a new sentence, with a comma after:

It was raining. However, we went out.
Meanwhile, the children were playing outside.

🔀 Compared to coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Coordinating conjunctions — for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — also join two independent clauses, but they use just a comma, not a semicolon. The difference in punctuation is the most reliable way to tell them apart.

Type	Pattern	Example
Coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)	clause, word clause	I was tired, so I went to bed.
Conjunctive adverb	clause; word, clause	I was tired; therefore, I went to bed.

⚠️ Common mistakes

I was tired, however, I kept working.

I was tired; however, I kept working.

It rained, therefore we stayed in.

It rained; therefore, we stayed in.

📖 Want the full explanation? See English Conjunctions → Conjunctive adverbs vs conjunctions on the main grammar page.

How to use this page

🔊 Listen: click the speaker icon to hear the whole line read aloud.
Word audio: click any word to hear it spoken on its own.
🌐 Translate: choose a language then click the globe icon to open Google Translate.
☑️ Select & practice: tick the checkboxes to choose items, then print them, make a worksheet or flashcards, or start a quiz.

HOWEVER — contrast (like "but")
I was tired; however, I kept working. – Conjunctive adverb
The plan sounded good; however, it did not work. – Conjunctive adverb
She studied hard; however, she failed. – Conjunctive adverb
It is cold today; however, the sun is shining. – Conjunctive adverb
The car is expensive. However, it is very reliable. – Conjunctive adverb
THEREFORE — result (like "so")
It was raining; therefore, the match was canceled. – Conjunctive adverb
He did not study; therefore, he failed. – Conjunctive adverb
The bus was late; therefore, I missed the meeting. – Conjunctive adverb
She works hard; therefore, she deserves a raise. – Conjunctive adverb
The road is closed. Therefore, we will take a detour. – Conjunctive adverb
MOREOVER / FURTHERMORE — additional information (like "also")
He is smart; moreover, he is hard-working. – Conjunctive adverb
The hotel is beautiful; moreover, it is affordable. – Conjunctive adverb
The product is high-quality; furthermore, it is eco-friendly. – Conjunctive adverb
She speaks French; moreover, she also knows German. – Conjunctive adverb
The meal was delicious. Furthermore, the service was excellent. – Conjunctive adverb
NEVERTHELESS / NONETHELESS — contrast (like "still")
She studied hard; nevertheless, she failed. – Conjunctive adverb
It was risky; nonetheless, he took the chance. – Conjunctive adverb
The road was icy; nevertheless, they drove home. – Conjunctive adverb
The team was tired. Nevertheless, they won the game. – Conjunctive adverb
MEANWHILE — at the same time
Meanwhile, the children were playing outside. – Conjunctive adverb
She cooked dinner; meanwhile, he set the table. – Conjunctive adverb
I worked on the report. Meanwhile, my partner answered emails. – Conjunctive adverb
The first show started; meanwhile, fans were lining up for the second. – Conjunctive adverb
CONSEQUENTLY — result (like "as a result")
He failed to plan; consequently, the event was a disaster. – Conjunctive adverb
She did not set an alarm; consequently, she missed the meeting. – Conjunctive adverb
The factory closed. Consequently, many lost their jobs. – Conjunctive adverb
OTHERWISE — or else (negative result)
Hurry up; otherwise, we will be late. – Conjunctive adverb
You should study; otherwise, you will fail. – Conjunctive adverb
Take a coat; otherwise, you will freeze. – Conjunctive adverb
INSTEAD — replacement
The restaurant was closed; instead, we ordered pizza. – Conjunctive adverb
I did not want coffee; instead, I made tea. – Conjunctive adverb
She did not take the bus. Instead, she walked. – Conjunctive adverb
THUS / HENCE — therefore (more formal)
The data is incomplete; thus, we cannot conclude. – Conjunctive adverb
He lost his job; hence, he had to sell the house. – Conjunctive adverb
The bridge collapsed. Thus, all traffic was rerouted. – Conjunctive adverb
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) — comma only, no semicolon
I was tired, so I went to bed. – Coordinating conjunction
She studied hard, but she failed. – Coordinating conjunction
It was raining, and the wind was strong. – Coordinating conjunction
You can stay, or you can leave. – Coordinating conjunction
He was tired, yet he kept going. – Coordinating conjunction
We stayed home, for it was late. – Coordinating conjunction
He did not call, nor did he write. – Coordinating conjunction

Where to go from here