Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that join words, phrases or clauses. Examples include "still," "next," "consequently" and other adverbs that connect ideas. These could be used for time sequence, comparison, contrast or example. Punctuating conjunctive adverbs that link two main clauses requires a semicolon. An example of the correct use of "consequently" is "I have been running every day for weeks; consequently, I have lost weight." Conjunctive adverbs are excellent transition words.
Students can write specific conjunctive adverbs on note cards and classify the type, such as comparison or contrast, on the back of the note card. This helps students clarify use and scope of conjunctive adverbs. Students can practice further by writing two main clauses on a small poster board. They must include a subject and verb and ensure that the clauses have something in common. They can pick from the pile of conjunctive adverbs and take turns applying appropriate choices to their clauses to make smooth transitions.
Coordinating Conjunctions are more clear-cut. There are seven altogether: and, or, nor, for, but, yet and so. These connectors link words, phrases and clauses. These elements are joined with a comma and one of the conjunctions. If there are three words or phrases, there will be two commas. An example of connecting words or phrases is "Marty likes to dance, to sing and to draw." If coordinating conjunctions combine two independent clauses, they also use a comma. "Maura likes to sing, but she doesn't like to dance" is an example of this.
Students can practice coordinating conjunctions by becoming the conjunctions. Assign students to each of the seven conjunctions and give them a name tag. Students can make posters or use primary texts and jump in as the appropriate conjunction if the poster requires words, phrases or clauses to be combined. If practicing on paper, students can use elbow macaroni as a giant comma to practice the punctuation angle. The tactile learning cements the lesson. This activity can be modified for adult students simply by assigning the conjunctions to the students and having them create an appropriate sentence using their conjunction. They can then be read aloud to the entire class.