Conjunctive Adverbs - “However,” etc.

Watch Out

Another word that can join two independent clauses is the conjunctive adverb. You probably use these words in your writing style: however, therefore, furthermore, nevertheless, and others.

If you use a conjunctive adverb to join two independent clauses, then use a semicolon, followed by the conjunctive adverb, followed by a comma:

The committee had heard these arguments before; therefore, it turned its attention to other matters.

The agency trusted the report; however, the report proved faulty in its scientific method.

One of the most common mistakes in writing involves the use of a comma (not a semicolon) and a conjunctive adverb to join independent clauses:

Wrong: The agency trusted the report, however the report proved faulty in its scientific method. Right: The agency trusted the report; however, the report proved faulty in its scientific method.

Frankly, most modern writers avoid these structures. Instead, they use coordinating conjunctions, often beginning the next sentence with a conjunction. As we’ll see below, top writers do not begin sentences with “However” and a comma.

 

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