Linguapress English Grammar

However, therefore and conjunctive adverbs

Coordinating and subordinating words 2 :
Conjunctive adverbs such as however or therefore

► For other types of connectors, see conjunctions.

Definition :

Conjunctive adverbs belong to the family of words known as connectors; they are a type of sentence adverb used in order to express a particular relationship between a first clause and a second clause that follows. In most cases, the two clauses will be separated by a semi-colon (;) .

Conjunctive adverbs : example however

Conjunctive adverbs are very similar to subordinating conjunctions. The biggest difference is that conjunctive adverbs can frequently (but not always) be used in a variety of positions within the subordinate clause, whereas subordinating conjunctions MUST stand at the start of the subordinate clause.

Examples:

Conjunctive adverb : the position in the clause is flexible

They bought a new car; it was however still too small for their family.
They bought a new car; it was still too small for their family, however
They bought a new car; however it was still too small for their family.
They bought a new car; it was still too small however for their family.

Compare with subordinating conjunctions; only one position is possible

Although they bought a new car, it was still too small for their family.

Conjunctive adverbs can express different relations between two clauses, including addition consequence, comparison, contrast, emphasis or clarification. Here are some of the most common examples

main conjunctive adverbs

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In most cases, a conjunctive adverb will come at the start of the clause that it introduces; however this is not essental, and with most conjunctive adverbs other positions are possible

More Examples:

They played some music by the Beatles; also they did some songs by Elvis Presley.
They played some music by the Beatles; they also did some songs by Elvis Presley
He's one of the directors ; accordingly he gets a BMW and a free parking space.
He's one of the directors ; he gets a BMW and a free parking space accordingly.
You should have seen the doctor by now; if not you should make an appointment.
You should have seen the doctor by now; you should make an appointment if not.
Yes I loved that cocktail; nevertheless I won’t have another one, thankyou!
Yes I loved that cocktail; I won’t have another one, however!
The best students will all get prizes ; certainly you'll be one of them
The best students will all get prizes ; you'll certainly be one of them
You need to work less ; i.e. you should take a holiday (no other position is possible).

Sentence structure and word order :

While they are both "connectors", It is important to distinguish between conjunctive adverbs and subordinating conjunctions, as they are not used in the same way. There are differences at two levels, as this table shows.

Secondary clause.....	With a conjunctive adverb	With a subordinating conjunction
Examples	Also, however, therefore, in fact, nevertheless, moreover, so (meaning therefore or and the same is true for)	Although, as, because, before, until, while, since, so* (in the sense of purpose), so that
Sentence structure: Position of the secondary clause in the sentence	Fixed: It must follow the main clause	It can either precede or follow the main clause
Woprd order: Position of the connector (adverb or conjunction) within its clause.	Often but not always flexible	Fixed: It must come at the start of the secondary clause

The special case of too

Too means the same as also, but is used after the clause to which it applies (examples 15 and 16 below). Too can also be used as an intensifier at the end of a secondary clause introduced by and .

Different meanings of so

So, as a conjunctive adverb, can either express

a consequence (see example 5), as a synonym of therefore or hence, or
an additional action (see example 6 ) , where it is a synonym of as.

When so, is used to introduce an additional action, it is necessary to invert the subject and the auxiliary . The same goes for the negative equivalent of so, which is nor. (Examples 6 et 7).
For so with the meaning of purpose, see subordinating conjunctions.
For a general overview , see specific page on Uses of So .