When Is Adverb A Conjunction: 7 Facts Read it First

Let’s discuss facts and explanations about ‘When Is Adverb A Conjunction?’

When we use an adverb as a ‘Conjunction’ to link two independent sentences then we call it ‘Conjunctive Adverb’.

1. You are a very good cook; in fact, you are the master chef of cooking gravy.
2. There will be rain in this season at sea side; accordingly, we should plan our holiday.
3. Yesterday I enjoyed rain a lot; consequently, I got cold and started sneezing.
4. We went to mountain trip without any planning; undoubtedly, we had problem to find residential place.
5. We must buy some bread for our dinner; additionally, we must buy some jam to enjoy those breads.

Explanation 1 – Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘in fact’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To describe ideas’.

Explanation 2 – Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘accordingly’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To show reason’.

Explanation 3 – Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘consequently’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To conclude a point’.

Explanation 4 – Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘undoubtedly’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To prove a point’.

Explanation 5- Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘additionally’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘Sequence of ideas’.

Can an adverb be a conjunction?

Yes, an adverb can perform role of a conjunction. When an adverb doesn’t modify action of the sentence but link two clauses can be termed as a ‘Conjunctive Adverb’. There is a major role of ‘Punctuation’ in the use of ‘Conjunctive Adverb’. Adverbs which perform role of a noun can be called with five grammatical terms.

First Grammatical Term –

First grammatical term of an adverb which can function as a ‘Conjunction’ is ‘Conjunctive adverb’.

Second Grammatical Term–

Second grammatical term of an adverb which can function as a ‘Conjunction’ is ‘Adverbial conjunction’.

Third Grammatical Term–

Third grammatical term of an adverb which can function as a ‘Conjunction’ is ‘Subordinating adverb’.

Fourth Grammatical Term–

Fourth grammatical term of an adverb which can function as a ‘Conjunction’ is ‘A Transitional Conjunction’. 

Fifth Grammatical Term–

Fifth grammatical term of an adverb which can function as a ‘Conjunction’ is ‘A Cohesive Conjunction’. 

Example – I told him about the matter; still, he doesn’t regret his decision.

Explanation –

Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘still’. The conjunctive adverb ‘still’ is helping to connect the subordinate clause ‘he regretted his decision’ with the main clause ‘I told him about the matter’. Here, we must note the use of ‘Semicolon’ to connect two clauses. The use of ‘Comma’ after the conjunctive adverb ‘still’ must also be noted.

How can an adverb be a conjunction?

An adverb can become a conjunction by connecting two clauses into one with help of some particular punctuation. Conjunctive adverbs must be included in a sentence with help of some particular punctuation.

First Punctuation Rule –

A ‘Conjunctive Adverb’ must always be preceded by either a ‘Semicolon’ or a ‘Full Stop’.

Second Punctuation Rule –

‘Conjunctive Adverbs’ are mainly followed by ‘Comma’.

We must also keep in mind that not all types of adverbs can be used as ‘Conjunctive Adverbs’. Let’s look at adverbs which can be used as ‘Conjunctive Adverbs’.

List of ‘Conjunctive Adverbs’-

Example – We need to reach the lunch party on time; thus, we should leave now.

Explanation –

Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘thus’. The conjunctive adverb ‘thus’ is helping to connect the subordinate clause ‘we should leave now’ with the main clause ‘we need to reach the lunch party on time’. Here, we must note the use of ‘Semicolon’ to connect two clauses. The use of ‘Comma’ after the conjunctive adverb ‘thus’ must also be noted.

When can an adverb be a conjunction?

An adverb can be marked be marked as a ‘Conjunctive Adverb’ in below listed situations.

Situation One – ‘To Connect Two Sentences’

When an adverb is in use to connect or to join two independent sentences then it can be termed as ‘Conjunctive Adverbs’.

Situation Two – ‘To Link Ideas’

When an adverb is in use to build connection between two ideas to make it a single thought then that adverb can be termed as a conjunctive adverb.

Situation Three – ‘Do Not Modify Action’

When any adverb of a sentence doesn’t modify action of a verb/adverb/adjective of a sentence then rather is in use to conjunct two sentences then that adverb can be termed as conjunctive adverb.

Situation Four – ‘To Show Reason’

Conjunctive adverbs help to show reason or cause behind any effect or activity by joining two independent clauses.

Situation Five – ‘To Conclude a Point’

Conjunctive adverbs help to conclude a point of main clause by joining it with another independent clause.

Situation Six – ‘To Prove a Point of an Argument’

When an adverb helps to prove a point of an argument by joining two clauses then it can be termed as conjunctive adverbs.

Situation Seven – ‘To Show Sequence of Events’

When an adverb helps to create sequence of events between two independent sentences then also it can be termed as conjunctive adverb.

Situation Eight – ‘To Demonstrate Ideas’

Conjunctive adverb helps to demonstrate ideas by joining two sentences into one.

Example – Pijush is not serious about his further higher study; however, his father always tries his best to provide best education to him.

Explanation –

Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘however’. The conjunctive adverb ‘however’ is helping to connect the second clause ‘, his father always tries his best to provide best education to him’ with the main clause ‘Pijush is not serious about his further higher study’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To Conclude a Point’.

Where can an adverb be a conjunction?

An adverb can be a conjunction where we don’t need to modify action of any verb/adverb/adjective/phrase or any sentence with the help of adverb. An adverb can be termed as conjunctive adverb/adverbials for below listed reasons.

Reason 1 – To connect two independent sentences.

Reason 2 – To complete the meaning of the first sentence with the help of second sentence.

Reason 3 – To show the argument in the first sentence and the concluding point in the second sentence.

Reason 4 – To show arrangement of ideas with help of two independent clauses.

Reason 5 – To connect adverbials with the main clause.

Reason 6 –To show cause-effect relationship, consequences, result, argument ,demonstrate ideas, clear opposite ideas etc.

Example – Pijush always demands to have some tasty and spicy food; nevertheless, his mother is always ready to cook some tasty pizza.

Explanation –

Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘nevertheless’. The conjunctive adverb ‘nevertheless’ is helping to connect the second clause ‘his mother is always ready to cook some tasty pizza’ with the main clause ‘Pijush always demands to have some tasty and spicy food’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘Cause and Effect’.

Adverb as a conjunction example –

Example 1 – Rina always received second prize in dance performance; nonetheless, she is determined to get the first prize this time.

Explanation – Here, the adverb which is performing role of a conjunction is ‘nonetheless’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To Show Reason’.

Example 2 – I like to have veg meal in my lunch; however, I can manage with non-veg meal also.

Explanation – Here, the adverb which is performing role of a conjunction is ‘however’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To prove a point’.

Example 3 – Today I am going to order a cup of coffee; instead , of my regular black tea.

Explanation – Here, the adverb which is performing role of a conjunction is ‘instead’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘Change of idea’.

Example 4 – Don’t ask me if I am going to do the trekking or not; certainly, I am going to do the mountain trekking as I love it.

Explanation – Here, the adverb which is performing role of a conjunction is ‘certainly’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To prove a point’.

Example 5 – Sandip never study the subject English; as a result, he became very week in English.

Explanation – Here, the adverb which is performing the role of a conjunction is ‘as a result’. Here, the concept presented with the help of conjunctive adverb is ‘To show reason’.

Difference between adverb and conjunction –

Let’s look at some basic differences between adverb and conjunction.

Difference 1 – An adverb helps to modify action of any verb, adverb, adjective or any sentence while a conjunction helps to join two sentences.

Difference 2 – An adverb doesn’t connect sentences but conjunctions connect sentences.

Difference 3 – When we use adverbs as conjunctions then they perform the role of a conjunction. A conjunctive adverb connect two independent clauses.

Conclusion –

Two punctuation rules must always be kept in mind while using adverb as a conjunction. First rule is to add a semicolon or full stop before adding the conjunctive adverb and second rule is to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb.