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The previous sections on cohesive devices have already introduced you to two types of transition tools—pronouns and adverbial expressions. There are still other transition words and phrases that you need to learn so that your knowledge of them becomes thorough. Knowing them will make it easier for you to use them with ease and mastery.
Another type of cohesive or transitional device is the conjunctive adverb.
A conjunctive adverb creates a logical connection between two independent clauses or sentences.
Examples:
The man felt disappointed; nonetheless, he obeyed.
In the sentence, the conjunctive adverb nonetheless connects the two independent clauses: “The man felt disappointed” and “he obeyed.”
We are not yet free; however, we have achieved the right not to be oppressed.
In this sentence, the independent clauses “We are not yet free” and “we have achieved the right not to be oppressed” are joined by the conjunctive adverb however.
Like adverbs, conjunctive adverbs can be placed at the beginning of an independent clause. If it occupies the beginning of an independent clause, the conjunctive adverb should be followed by a comma.
Examples:
Meanwhile, Mandela became more active in the African National Congress while he was in prison.
Henceforth, the members were encouraged and inspired to bring an end to apartheid.
In punctuating sentences with conjunctive adverbs, you must observe the following rule:
The first independent clause is followed by a semicolon (;), the conjunctive adverb, comma, then the second independent clause.
Examples:
I was not born with a hunger to be free; nevertheless, I hungered for it for the sake of my brothers and sisters who were not free.
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for his fight for freedom; thus, he became more determined to pursue his dream for his countrymen.