A conjunctive adverb is a word (or short phrase) that provides a link to the previous sentence or previous independent clause. Conjunctive adverbs are also known as transitional phrases because they act like a bridge (i.e., provide the transition) from one idea to the next idea.

Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs:

• also
• consequently
• furthermore
• however
• incidentally
• indeed
• likewise
• meanwhile
• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• therefore

They can also be phrases:

• as a result
• as a consequence
• for example
• on the contrary

Examples

• The instructor’s English is poor; consequently, they all failed the exam.
• Mr. Jallah is my father; however, I am not responsible for what he says.
• You failed to meet the deadline. Therefore, the deal is off.
• Orthodox medicine has not found an answer to your complaint; however, luckily for you, I happen to be a quack.
• The police could not be everywhere. Therefore, it employed informants.
• Not all chemicals are bad. For example, without hydrogen and oxygen, there’d be no way to make water, a vital ingredient in beer.
• To a pagan, there is no purpose to suffering; as a result, he lives a life of loneliness and frustration.
• I think; therefore, I am.

Note: that a conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semicolon when it joins two independent clauses but a period (full stop) when it joins two sentences.