Conjunctive adverbs and coordinating conjunctions seem to work the same way. Consider these:
He enjoys playing tennis, but he’s not very good at it.
He enjoys playing tennis; however, he’s not very good at it.
Both join independent clauses. The clause of which they’re part is always sequenced second. Both seem to fall at the beginning of the independent clause. Both express variety of relationships, some of which overlap: and and moreover express addition, so and therefore express reason, and but and however express contrast.
The two, however, are different in many ways.
Conjunctive adverbs, coordinating conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions link clauses, and hence they’re often termed linkers. Learn the difference between other two pairs of linkers:
- Conjunctive adverb vs. subordinating conjunction
- Coordinating conjunction vs. subordinating conjunction
1. They’re different parts of speech.
As the name suggests, a conjunctive adverb is an adverb, and a coordinating conjunction is a conjunction – two different parts of speech.
Being an adverb, conjunctive adverb is a clause element – adverbial. Remember, a clause can have up to five clause elements – Subject, Verb, Object, Complement, and Adverbial (SVOCA) – of which adverbial is usually optional.
A coordinating conjunction, on the other hand, is not a clause element: It can’t be subject, object, verb, complement, or adverbial.
2. They’re punctuated differently.
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, it is usually preceded by a comma. When it joins phrases though, it is usually not accompanied by a comma. Examples:
He finished his report early, so he decided to take a long lunch break.
The cake looked delicious, but it didn’t taste as good as expected.
The cat and the dog are playing in the backyard. [No comma to join phrases]
When a conjunctive adverb links two independent clauses, the clauses are separated by a semicolon or period. Examples:
She was tired; however, she stayed up late to finish the project.
She was tired. However, she stayed up late to finish the project.
The punctuation shows how closely the two ideas are linked. A comma in case of coordinating conjunction shows that the two ideas are closely linked. A semicolon or period in case of conjunctive adverb though shows a looser connection between the two ideas.
3. Conjunctive adverb is usually mobile in a clause; coordinating conjunction is not.
A conjunctive adverb can be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of an independent clause or sentence, with the beginning position being most common followed by end. A coordinating conjunction, in contrast, is always placed at the beginning of second (or third) independent clause.
The job offers a great salary; moreover, it comes with excellent benefits.
The job offers a great salary; it comes with excellent benefits, moreover.
She wanted to join the team, but she didn’t have enough time.
She wanted to join the team; she didn’t have enough time but. [Incorrect]
Flexibility in placing a conjunctive adverb can be used as a tool to change the focus (or stress) of a sentence. In the first sentence, for example, excellent benefits is stressed more than in the second. That’s because of principle of end focus: Word or phrase at the end of a clause or sentence is stressed more. Experienced writers thus are deliberate about placement of conjunctive adverbs so as to stress particular part of a sentence.
4. Coordinating conjunction can join words, phrases, or dependent clauses; conjunctive adverb can’t.
Coordinating conjunctions can join units smaller than independent clause: They can join words, phrases, or dependent clauses. A conjunctive adverb though can’t join units other than independent clauses. Examples:
Tom and Sarah went hiking in the mountains.
You can choose chocolate cake or ice cream for dessert.
If you study hard and if you manage your time well, you will pass the exam.
5. Coordinating conjunction can join more than two independent clauses; conjunctive adverb can’t.
Few coordinating conjunctions can join more than two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs can link two – but not three – independent clauses. Examples:
He finished his homework, and he cleaned his room, and he went for a walk.
We could take a road trip, or we could fly to our destination, or we could just stay in town.
She wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining, so they stayed home instead.
6. Coordinating conjunction can express only limited relationships; conjunctive adverb, many.
Conjunctive adverbs far outnumber coordinating conjunctions, enabling them to express far more relationships. (Although we recognize seven coordinating conjunctions – FANBOYS – strictly speaking there are just three – ABO.)
