Words like however, therefore, and moreover look like they do the same job as but, because, and and. They express similar meanings — contrast, result, addition — but they belong to different grammatical categories. The difference matters because it changes the punctuation and the structure of the sentence.
What conjunctions do
A conjunction connects two clauses into a single sentence. The conjunction sits between the clauses and holds them together grammatically.
Coordinating conjunctions — and, but, or, so, yet — join two equal clauses. When they join full clauses, a comma comes before the conjunction.
Subordinating conjunctions — because, although, if, when, while — attach a dependent clause to a main clause. The two clauses form one sentence regardless of the order.
The key point: a conjunction physically joins the clauses. You cannot move it to the middle of its clause. But must sit between the two ideas — it cannot appear after the subject of the second clause.
What linking adverbs do
A linking adverb (also called a conjunctive adverb) is an adverb that comments on the relationship between two separate statements. It does not grammatically connect them. Common linking adverbs include however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, furthermore, consequently, meanwhile, and otherwise.
Because linking adverbs do not join clauses, the two statements remain independent. Each one needs its own sentence structure — which means stronger punctuation than a simple comma.
Punctuation for linking adverbs
There are three correct ways to punctuate a linking adverb between two ideas.
Full stop + capital letter
The most common pattern. Two separate sentences, with the linking adverb at the start of the second.
Semicolon
A semicolon signals that the two statements are closely related. The linking adverb follows the semicolon and takes a comma after it.
Mid-sentence position
The linking adverb can move inside its clause — between the subject and the verb, or at the end. Commas set it off on both sides.
This flexibility is one of the clearest differences between linking adverbs and conjunctions. A conjunction is fixed in position; a linking adverb can move.
The comma-splice mistake
Using a comma before a linking adverb — as if it were a conjunction — is one of the most common punctuation errors in English. This is called a comma splice.
This is wrong. However is not a conjunction, so a comma cannot hold the two clauses together. The sentence needs a full stop or a semicolon before however.
The comma-splice mistake happens most often with however and therefore, because these words feel like stronger versions of but and so. They express similar meanings, but they follow different punctuation rules.
Quick comparison
| CONJUNCTION | LINKING ADVERB | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | but, and, so, because | however, therefore, moreover |
| Joins clauses? | Yes | No |
| Punctuation | Comma before | Full stop or semicolon before |
| Can move in clause? | No | Yes |
Common linking adverbs by function
Not every linking adverb serves the same purpose. Here are the most useful ones grouped by the relationship they express.
Contrast — the second idea opposes or limits the first. However, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand.
Result — the second idea follows logically from the first. Therefore, consequently, as a result, thus.
Addition — the second idea builds on the first. Moreover, furthermore, in addition, besides.
Time and sequence — the two ideas happen at different times or in parallel. Meanwhile, subsequently, afterwards.
Alternative — the second idea is what happens if the first doesn't apply. Otherwise, alternatively.
Common mistakes
Comma splice with linking adverbs
Missing comma after the linking adverb
Using a conjunction where a linking adverb belongs
Treating a linking adverb as a conjunction