3rd Method: Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are effective in showing the relationship between the two clauses that are to be joined into once sentence. The most commonly used conjunctive adverbs and their usual function are shown below.

Addition:

1. also
2. besides
3. furthermore
4. indeed
5. likewise
6. moreover
7. then

Contrast or Exception:

1. anyhow
2. anyway
3. however
4. nevertheless
5. still

Result:

1. accordingly
2. consequently
3. hence
4. therefore
5. thus

Alternatives:

1. instead
2. otherwise

**Note: The usual function of the seven most common coordinating conjunctions are listed below in the same categories, except the coordinating conjunction for.


Addition:

1. and
2. nor

Contrast or Exception:

1. yet
2. but

Result:

1. so

Alternatives:

1. or

For introduces a reason or shows evidence in support of the first clause, or it explains the first clause.

Example: We didn’t stop to see Dr. Hill, for we had to meet Uncle Ed for supper.

**Note: If the conjunctive adverb begins the second clause, then a comma may or may not follow it.

Example: The earrings were prettier than the bracelet; besides they were less expensive. (You don’t want the reader to pause.)

If the conjunctive adverb is intended by the author to be a parenthetical expression, (has no grammatical construction, but is used to provide transition of thought or colour to the meaning of the sentence) then use the comma.

Example: Mr. Dickson thought the plan was dangerous; he agreed, however, to join the group of rescue workers.

For the purposes of learning, examples of the previously mentioned conjunctive adverbs are used in the following sentences.

Addition Examples:

1. Thanks to Jane for suggestions; also thanks go to John for rewriting. OR: Thanks to Jane for suggestions; thanks go, also, to John for rewriting.
2. It is far better to endure patiently a pain which nobody feels but yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will extend to all connected with you; besides the Bible bids us return good for evil.
3. The man was thought crazy by his neighbours; furthermore the court found him insane.
4. The question of what we are doing to change our reserve structure is irrelevant; indeed, the whole question of the accountability and legislative foundation of the Wheat Pool goes far beyond the amendments on the table.
5. The A and B at the beginning of the melody are each higher than their neighbours; likewise the high C and E are higher too.
6. I’ll keep you from the edge of the gulf too; moreover, I’ll maintain that distance between you and myself most conductive to our real mutual advantage.
7. He waited until the latrine are was momentarily; then he slipped across the naked ground and under the wire and into the jungle.

Contrast and Exception Examples:

1. The thief didn’t realize the door would be unlocked; anyhow he had brought all his tools along.
2. He didn’t have the price of a ticket; anyway he still smiled as if he did.
3. These last, English in name, were past the gym; however they were in my mind American.
4. By the time he was twenty-two, it was clear that he wasn’t going to be a rookie star; nevertheless he had learned useful thinks throughout the year.
5. There were sundry questions about tonnage and poundage, and ship-money, which most of them appeared unable to answer; still, every little difficulty was solved instantly when it reached Burns.

Result Examples:

1. Her naturally bright intelligence had begun to admit the fatalistic convictions common to field-folk and those who associate more extensively with natural phenomena than with their fellow-creatures; accordingly, she drifted into that passive responsiveness to all things her lover suggested.
2. The Camerons are among a growing number of Canadian families from all social and economic groups who are convinced that the actions of individuals can have a powerful collective effect on the world; consequently, they are making ethical decisions about their lives and how they spend their money.
3. For the time being, he intends to concentrate on securing for the note holders the same legal status; hence, they will receive the same compensation package, as the FIC-AIC investors.
4. Most things free-born will submit to anything for a salary; therefore, keep to yourself, and don’t venture on generalities of which you are intensely ignorant.
5. After several rejections, the story was sold to a British publisher; thus was born the world’s best-known and most-loved fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes.

Alternative Examples:

1. The teenagers would be expecting us to double back in our car; instead, Sergeant King and I decided to approach on foot.
2. Be sure to rinse your jacket well after bleaching; otherwise it smells awful.