CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS: EXERCISE 2 (ESL)

C1–C2 · Advanced

More practice choosing the most natural conjunctive adverb to connect two independent clauses. These linking words are more common in formal writing than in everyday speech. Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓

Conjunctive adverbs are used mostly in writing. Using these in every-day conversations would be a little too formal. Choose the best, most natural-sounding conjunctive adverb (adverbial conjunction) for each sentence.

Grammar review As a quick recap: a conjunctive adverb needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it when it joins two complete sentences:
She studied all week; nevertheless, she failed the driving test.

At this level, the real difficulty isn't the punctuation, it's choosing between connectors with close but distinct meanings:
Still and nevertheless both signal contrast, but still is more casual, while nevertheless is stronger and more formal.
Then and subsequently both signal sequence, but subsequently is the more formal, written-register choice.
Besides and also both add information, but besides often implies "in addition to what's already a strong enough reason."

KEEP PRACTICING: MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU
Conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, and moreover are essential for academic and professional writing; these exercises build on that skill.

Related conjunction & connector exercises:
Conjunctive adverbs 1 (B2/C1)
Conjunctive adverbs 3 (C1/C2)
Conjunctions 1 (A2/B1)
Conjunctions 2 (B1/C1)
Subordinating conjunctions 1 (B1/B2)
Because or so? 1 (A2/B1)
Adverb clauses 1 (B2)

Related advanced writing exercises:
Comma or semicolon? 1 (B2/C1)
Comma splices 1 (B2/C1)
Comma splices 2 (C1/C2)

Browse all grammar exercises →