Worksheet #1

Instructions: In the following sentences, underline the conjunctive adverb.

1. Jason did not study; hence, he failed the test.

2. You can go when the chores are done; otherwise, you will miss the party.
3. We took blankets for the picnic; also, Sally brought food.
4. The rain was pouring down; still, no one left the beach.
5. You start cooking the steaks; meanwhile, I will make the dessert.
6. I really like that puppy; however, my landlord does not allow pets.
7. My dad spends a lot of time on the yard; therefore, our house has the nicest yard on the block.
8. Jose did not read the instructions; so, he did not assemble the shelves properly.
9. She got 20 presents for her birthday; nevertheless, she was not happy.
10. I am sorry you can't go to the park today; besides, the weather forecast calls for rain.

Worksheet #2

Explanation: Conjunctive adverbs put two independent clauses or sentences together and make a new
sentence. The first sentence usually ends with a semicolon, and the conjunctive adverb is then followed
by a comma.

Example: George had to sell his horse; thus, his riding days were over.

Instructions: Place the proper punctuation in these sentences.

1. The snow kept Sally from jogging anyway she had homework to do.
2. The dance finished early finally we could get something to eat.
3. It is very hard to learn to swim of course it will be worth it in the end.
4. Bob really wants a new car however he can not afford it.
5. We will go to a movie then we will have some dinner.
6. He stayed up all night playing games consequently he overslept this morning.
7. You need to eat you vegetables otherwise you will not be healthy.
8. She did not try her best so she did not make the team.
9. Let's go for a walk meanwhile the roast will finish cooking.
10. Bob and Ellen decided not to go to the party likewise I changed my mind, too.

Worksheet #3

however, anyway, besides, later, instead, so, next, still, also

1. He complained a lot; __________, no one helped him.

2. I really wanted the red one; __________, I bought the blue one.
3. I wanted to go; __________, I saved my money.
4. There are many reasons to work hard; __________, play can be fun.
5. I will walk to the park; __________, I will stop for a hamburger.
 Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are words that join independent clauses into one sentence. A conjunctive
adverb helps you create a shorter sentence.

When you use a conjunctive adverb, put a semicolon (;) before it and a comma (,) after it.

 We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.
 The due date for the final paper has passed; therefore, I could not submit mine on time.
 There are many history books; however, none of them may be accurate.
 It rained hard; moreover, lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
 The baby fell asleep; then, the doorbell rang.
 The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime; otherwise, there would be many more
accidents.


Conjunctive adverbs look like coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor); however, they
are not as strong as coordinating conjunctions and they are punctuated differently.

A conjunctive adverb is also used in a single main clause. In this case, a comma (,) is used to
separate the conjunctive adverb from the sentence.

 I woke up very late this morning. Nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school.

 She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her car.
 Jack wants a toy car for his birthday. Meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday.
 They returned home. Likewise, I went home.

[Quiz 27.1]

Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence.

1)Hurry up; , you will be late for the train.

2)I studied hard for the exam; , I failed.
3)Tom is a sportsman; , his brother Tom is athletic.
4)He didn’t go to college. , he started his own business.
5)He is not good-looking. , he is popular among girls.

View Answers
1) otherwise
2) however
3) likewise
4) Instead
5) Nevertheless
1. You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.

1. Moreover

2. Otherwise

3. Unless

4. Instead

Answer: 2. You need to put more effort into your work; otherwise, you won’t get a passing grade.

2. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; ______________________, it rained so we stayed

home.

1. Moreover

2. Unless

3. However

4. Additionally

Answer: 3. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; however, it rained so we stayed home.

3. She is a very smart girl; __________________, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good
grades.

1. Again

2. Besides

3. Contrarily

4. Therefore

Answer: 4. She is a very smart girl; therefore, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good
grades.

4. Jared is a millionaire; __________________, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

1. In contrast

2. Accordingly

3. Again

4. Likewise

Answer: 1. Jared is a millionaire; in contrast, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

5. He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; ___________________, he lied.

1. In contrast

2. Likewise

3. Undoubtedly

4. Instead

Answer: 4. He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; instead, he lied.
Exercises Part 2

You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.

1. I love to eat toffees; _____________, people often give them to me at holidays.

A. nevertheless B. accordingly C. however D. also
2. The tree has developed a large crack over the years; ____________, it will have to be cut down for
safety’s sake.
A. for example B. however C. eventually D. likewise
3. It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica: ________________, it would be
fun to hike the Swiss alps.
A. on the other hand B. as a result C. indeed D. therefore

Answer Key:
1 – B. I love to eat toffees; accordingly, people often give them to me at holidays.
2 – C. The tree has developed a large crack over the years; eventually, it will have to be cut down for
safety’s sake.
3 – x. It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica;on the other hand, it would be
fun to hike the Swiss alps.

1. Bianca wore her rain boots; _________, her feet stayed dry during the storm. (however, therefore,
on the other hand)

2. I love the color red; _________, this shade seems a little too bright. (therefore, nonetheless, in fact)

3. You have to be on time; _________, you’ll miss the train. (nonetheless, however, otherwise)

4. Teresa likes to read; _________, her sister Julia prefers to watch TV. (however, in contrast, again)

5. She really wanted to eat ice cream; _________, she had a salad. (however, likewise, instead)

6. We were working hard; _________, Jill and Jerry were lounging by the pool. (meanwhile, instead,
therefore)

7. He is a weak leader; _________, he has plenty of supporters. (otherwise, moreover, nevertheless)

8. She has an incredible voice; _________, she will go far in her music career. (otherwise,
undoubtedly, similarly)

9. Natalie wanted to make pie but didn’t have apples; _________, she decided to bake a cake.
(therefore, namely, in contrast)

10. We had hoped to go to Spain; _________, we ended up in France. (otherwise, instead, again)

Answers: 1 – therefore, 2 – nonetheless, 3 – otherwise, 4 – contrast, 5 – instead, 6 – meanwhile,

7- nevertheless, 8 – undoubtedly, 9 – therefore, 10 – instead