OET Writing Tips: Learning About Conjunctive Adverbs

OET Writing Tips: Learning About Conjunctive Adverbs Developing your letter-writing skills is one of the most critical factors in acing the Occupational English Test. As a test taker enrolled in a review center for OET, it is crucial to seek various writing tips and techniques that can help enhance not only your letter-writing skills but also your learning abilities. For instance, learning about conjunctive adverbs is a practical writing tip that you can apply in your OET exam preparation.

What Is a Conjunctive Adverb?

A conjunctive adverb is a modifier that shows the connection between two independent clauses in a sentence. When using a conjunctive adverb to connect two clauses in one sentence, it is preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.

If you’re a test taker attending review classes in an OET center, it is vital to know everything about the conjunctive adverb, which includes these two functions of conjunctive adverbs:

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There are conjunctive adverbs that display the relationship between ideas in two separate clauses. They can be used to compare, contrast or to conclude ideas in a sentence. Some examples of these conjunctive adverbs are also, likewise, otherwise, instead, and therefore.

See the examples below:

Meg is a talented pianist; also, her sister is a good guitarist. (Compare)

The main course was excellent; likewise, the dessert was delicious. (Compare)

Our law does not allow drunk and drive at all costs; otherwise, there would be many more road accidents. (Contrast)

I didn’t call Bryan; instead, I sent him an e-mail. (Contrast)

Stewie kept talking in our class; therefore, he got in trouble. (Conclude)

Jason did not study; hence, he failed the test. (Conclude)



There are conjunctive adverbs that are transitional. They are used to show sequence, indicate time, or to present an idea in a sentence. Some examples of these conjunctive adverbs are then, afterward, meanwhile, in the meantime, in fact, and moreover. Check these examples:

Snowbell, the cat, ate a bowlful of tuna; then, the girl saw the fat feline fell asleep in the rocking chair. (Show sequence)

You should travel and see the world; afterward, you will be able to put your problems in perspective. (Show sequence)

You start cooking the pork steak; meanwhile, I will make the dessert. (Indicate time)

The next program starts in ten minutes; in the meantime, here’s some booklet to read while waiting. (Indicate time)

Joy likes you a lot; in fact, I think the two of you could be best friends. (Present an idea)

Your research is accurate; moreover, you made some compelling arguments. (Present an idea)

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