Conjunctive Adverbs - 3

Conjunctive adverbs (or sentence connectors or transitional words) join sentences, not parts of sentences. In choosing a conjunctive adverb to use in connecting sentences, the relationship between the sentences that are to be connected is very important.

When what happens in one sentence is a contrast to what happened in the preceding sentence, only a few conjunctive adverbs can be used. The most common ones for this

situation are however, in contrast, and on the other hand, but they are not used in exactly the same way:

1. Direct Contrasts (Opposite Situations)

When two sentences show opposite situations, however, in contrast, and on the other hand may all be used:

Sandra is wonderful at algebra; however, her cousin

is terrible at it.

Sandra is wonderful at algebra; in contrast, her cousin

is terrible at it.

Sandra is wonderful at algebra; on the other hand,

her cousin is terrible at it.

2. Weak Contrasts

When two sentences show weak contrasts (for example, when one sentence is affirmative and the other is negative, or when the sentences show ideas that contrast but are not opposite), however can be used, but in contrast and

on the other hand can't:

Sandra is wonderful at algebra; however, it's not her favorite subject in school.

I'd like to buy a new phone; however, I can't afford one right now.

Robert really wanted to stay in bed; however, he got up and went to work.

Samantha would like to buy a new BMW; however, she can only afford a Ford.

Special Note:

Sentences such as those above may also be combined in other ways, but with different punctuation (commas,not semicolons):

Sandra is wonderful at algebra, but it's not her favorite subject in school.

Sandra is wonderful at algebra, yet it's not her favorite subject in school.

While Sandra is wonderful at algebra, it's not her favorite subject in school.

Although Sandra is wonderful at algebra, it's not her favorite subject in school.

Though Sandra is wonderful at algebra, it's not her favorite subject in school.

Even though Sandra is wonderful at algebra, it's not her favorite subject in school.