Subordinating Conjunctions and Conjunctive adverbs

Question

Is there way to identify which words are Subordinating Conjunctions and which are Conjunctive adverbs, or do we need to memorize it? Both seems similar to me

Subordinating Conjunctions: Although, Because, While etc.
Conjunctive adverbs: Also, Finally, Similarly, Moreover etc.

Answer 1

When a conjunctive adverb begins a sentence, it uses a comma. Hence, try to start a sentence with the word. If you can pause after using it, it's a conjunctive adverb.

For example:

• Buses are an easy form of transport in the city. Similarly, trains are convenient, but they have less stops.

However, if you use a subordinate conjunction like "although" you don't use a pause or comma.

For example:

• Although trains are easy to catch in the city, they offer fewer stops than buses.

Look at examples on this site http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/stonebrink/ESL032/conjunction2/conjunction2.html and you will see the same thing.

Answer 2

Please refer to this page about "conjunctive adverb": http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/conjunctiveadverb.htm

and this about "subordinating conjunction": http://chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateconjunction.htm

I wouldn't advise you to memorize them. For me, the best way to determine them is to know and understand their function.

Let's take for example the word "after." As used in a sentence with another word or other words, it is neither just a preposition nor an adverb nor a conjunction. It depends on how it is used or how it functions when used in a sentence. To illustrate this advice, please see below:

As preposition: after eating, after today, after work

As adverb: graduated the year after, see you after

As conjunction: after she left, after I had eaten, after I attended the meeting