Commas after Conjunctive/Linking Adverbs in Front of a New Sentence

When it comes to punctuation, one of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to include a comma after a conjunctive or linking adverb at the beginning of a new sentence.

Conjunctive or linking adverbs are used to connect two sentences or ideas. They help to show cause and effect, contrast, or transition between thoughts. Some examples of conjunctive adverbs include "however," "therefore," "furthermore," and "instead."

Why the comma is necessary

When a conjunctive or linking adverb is used to start a new sentence, a comma should be placed after it. This is because the comma helps to separate the adverb from the rest of the sentence and signals a pause to the reader.

Let's look at an example:

Incorrect: I was tired however I couldn't sleep.

Correct: I was tired. However, I couldn't sleep.

In the incorrect example, the comma is missing after "however." This makes the sentence run-on and can confuse the reader. In the correct example, the comma after "however" creates a pause, making it clear that two separate thoughts are being expressed.

Remembering to add the comma

It's easy to forget to include the comma after a conjunctive adverb when you're focused on expressing your ideas. However, there are a few tips that can help you remember:

• Pause and read: When you come across a conjunctive adverb at the beginning of a sentence, pause and read the sentence out loud. If it sounds like a complete thought on its own, a comma is needed.
• Use a grammar checker: Tools like Linguix grammar checker can catch errors like missing commas after conjunctive adverbs, helping you to improve your writing and avoid common mistakes.
• Proofread carefully: Before finalizing your writing, always proofread for punctuation errors. Pay special attention to sentences that start with conjunctive adverbs.

Conclusion

Adding a comma after a conjunctive or linking adverb at the beginning of a sentence is a simple but important punctuation rule. Remember to pause and read your sentences, use a grammar checker like Linguix, and proofread carefully to ensure your writing is clear and easily understandable.

With Linguix grammar checker, you can easily catch errors like missing commas after conjunctive adverbs and improve the overall quality of your writing.