Common Conjunctive Adverbs
consequently	means	as a result
furthermore	means	in addition
however	means	in contrast
instead	means	in place of
meanwhile	means	at the same time
nevertheless	means	in contrast
otherwise	means	as an alternative
therefore	means	for that reason

Another excellent method of joining ideas is to use a semicolon and a special kind of adverb. This special adverb is called a conjunctive adverb be cause it is part conjunction and part adverb.

(a) Melody is failing history; however, (b) her parents haven't grounded her.

• However adds idea (b) to idea (a).

• The sentence might have been written, "Melody is failing history, but her parents haven't grounded her." 

• However is stronger and more emphatic.

• Note the punctuation pattern.

• The conjunctive adverb is preceded by a semicolon.

• It is followed by a comma.

Ben studies for four hours every night; consequently, he gets straight A's.

• A semicolon and a conjunctive adverb join two independent ideas.

• Use a semicolon only when the conjunctive adverb joins two independent ideas.

Independent idea	; consequently,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; furthermore,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; however,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; instead,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; meanwhile,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; nevertheless,	independent idea.
Independent idea	; therefore,	independent idea.

 

Independent idea	; conjunctive adverb,	independent idea.
Ben studies four hours every night	; consequently,	he gets straight A's.

Resource:

Fawcett, Susan and Alvin Sandberg. Grassroots: The Writer's Workbook Fourth

     Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1991.