CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS: EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
level: Advanced (C1/C2)
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.
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."
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."
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.
1. He tried his best; ________________, he couldn't pass the exam.
Correct answer: still
2. I will try to get a discount; ________________, I won't buy this TV.
Correct answer: otherwise
3. He is a very unlikeable person; ________________, most people seem to like him.
Correct answer: still
4. We got to the beach; ________________, we swam in the ocean.
Correct answer: then
5. He is a great tennis player; ________________, he couldn't beat the top seeded player.
Correct answer: nevertheless
6. I totally disagree with his interpretation; ________________, he's no authority on the subject.
Correct answer: besides
7. George makes a lot of money; ________________, he's a very stingy person.
Correct answer: nevertheless
8. Frank didn't give his brothers presents; ________________, he gave each of them an envelope with $50.
Correct answer: instead
9. I don't like her attitude; ________________, she smokes, which is very unhealthy.
Correct answer: also
10. James finished his degree at Oxford University; ________________, he settled in London and took up a position with a large international bank.
Correct answer: subsequently
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)
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)
Browse all grammar exercises →
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)
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)
Browse all grammar exercises →
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