Connectors I-Subordinating conjunctions

II-Coordinating conjunctions III-Transitions

Subordinating conjunctions:

Adjective clauses:
when, where

who, whom, which, that, whose,

Adverb clauses:
time: before, after, as soon as, since, until, while, whenever reason: as, because, since condition: as if, even if, if, unless contrast: although, even though, despite the fact that, whereas purpose: in order that, so that manner: as if, as though

A complex sentence adds a subordinate clause to a simple sentence. The subordinate clause is called a dependent clause while the simple sentence is called the independent clause.

Use subordinating conjunctions:

Robert wanted to study at Harvard. His parents preferred Yale. We ate a large lunch. We had skipped breakfast. Computers are an important part of many peoples lives. Some people in the world have never seen one.

Coordinating conjunctions

For: reason, means because And: connects 2 sentences with similar ideas (positive/ negative) Nor: connects 2 negative sentences with inverted word order But: connects 2 sentences with contrasting or opposite ideas Or: connects 2 sentences that express alternatives or choices Yet:surprise so: connects a reason and a result

Coordinating conjunctions
Join two main clauses. They come between the clauses and are preceded by a comma

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by a comma and a coordinating word or by a semicolon.

Addition: My father loves kitchen gadgets, and he buys a new one every week. Contrast: A few of the gadgets are useful, but most of them just take up space. Result: We ran out of space for them in the kitchen, so he started to store them in the living room. Choice: My mother asked my father to please stop buying gadgets, or she would throw them out. Surprise: Of course, Dad came home the next week with three new ones, yet Mom wasnt upset.

Reason:Maybe she realized that buying little gadgets is harmless, for none of them cost a lot of money.
Addition (negative): After all, he doesnt buy sports cars, nor does he bring home a new yacht every week.

Japanese food is delicious to eat, and ___________________. Do you prefer living alone, or ___________________________.

Paired coordinating conjunctions

Both and -

addition

Not only but (also) Either or

addition

positive choices

Neither nor

negative choices

Content connected by coordinating conjunctions must be parallel. They must belong to the same grammatical category. (e.g. adjective, adverb, noun phrase, verb phrase, infinitive or gerund phrase).

The Italian film Life Is Beautiful made me both laugh and cry. It contained not only comic but also tragic scenes. Either my father or my mother will meet me at the airport. Neither my father nor my mother will meet me at the airport.

I dont like country western music, nor Interest rates continued to rise, yet The children were hungry, but We decided to go shopping, for The hurricane was approaching, so

Use appropriate conjunctions:

The skier broke his leg. He couldnt compete in the Olympics. Butter is very expensive. Most people buy margarine. Taking the bus is cheaper than driving. It conserves energy. Robert is a lazy student. He misses a lot of classes.

Use paired coordinating conjunctions: Say something constructive.

Dont say anything at all (either or)

Americans pay income tax. They are charged high sales taxes in some states. (not only, but also)

He didnt ask for permission. He didnt give me an explanation of his action. (neither,nor)

Using Too or So

Subject + auxiliary + too I can dance the Tango, and my husband can too
So + auxiliary + subject I can dance the Tango, and so can my husband.

Using Not either or Neither

Subject + modal + not + either The teacher isnt here, and the students arent either.
Neither + modal + subject The teacher isnt here, and neither are the students.

(not either) - I dont have my book. Claudia doesnt have her book. (too) - John has been to South America. Karen has been to South America. (so ) - My nephew lost his passport. My sister lost her passport. (Neither) - You havent done your homework. I havent done my homework.

Transitions

A transition word can be used with a semicolon to make clearer the relationship between the two sentences.

Transitions

Result: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus Contrast : however, on the other hand, nonetheless, nevertheless

Time: before that, after that, meanwhile, afterward, first

Addition: moreover, furthermore, in addition Condition: otherwise Exemplification: for example, for instance

You must use a semicolon (;)before and a comma (,) after the transition word to join it and its clause to another independent clause. His first class begins at 8 AM; therefore, he leaves home at 7:30 AM to get there on time.

Use transitions
People should exercise regularly. They will get out of shape. I would like to take an English literature course. I havent had the prerequisites yet.

Working part time gives you more free time. You dont earn as much money as full time workers do.

The end!