We can connect two sentences using adverb conjunctions. An adverb conjunction is an adverb that also serves as a conjunction. Clauses introduced by adverb conjunctions are subordinate or dependent clauses. They cannot be used alone and cannot be followed immediately by a comma.
Adverb conjunctions indicate ideas such as time, place, reason, cause, contrast, concession, manner, condition, purpose etc.
Study the example given below.
- I support free education for all because it will help the poor sections of the society.
Because is a dependent conjunction that introduces the dependent clause ‘it will help the poor sections of the society’.
Since a dependent clause cannot be a sentence alone, it must be connected to the independent clause I support free education for all. Together they all form part of the same sentence. Look at the pattern of this sentence: Independent clause + dependent conjunction + dependent clause.
Note that a dependent clause must be introduced by a dependent conjunction. Removing because from the above example will create a run-on sentence which is not grammatically correct.
- I support free education for all it will help the poor sections of the society. (Run-on sentence)
Run-on sentences must be eliminated from your writing. One way of doing this is to use an appropriate conjunction. Another way is to separate the clause using a semi-colon.
- I support free education for all; it will help the poor sections of the society.
You can also write them as two independent sentences separated by a full stop.
- I support free education for all. It will help the poor sections of the society.
However, if you eliminate conjunctions altogether your writing will be full of short sentences which indicates limited knowledge of the language.
