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How to connect sentences?

June 9, 2012 pdf

One of the easiest ways of changing sentence structures is to connect them using a coordinating conjunction or a subordinating conjunction.

There are several coordinating conjunctions, but the most important among them are often referred to as FANBOYS. The FANBOYS are:

F – for

A – and

N – nor

B – but

O – or

Y – yet

S – so

Note that when you connect two clauses using a coordinating conjunction, you will get a compound sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions are used to create complex sentences. A complex sentence has at least one main clause and one subordinate clause. The conjunctions commonly used to form complex sentences include the following: though, although, even though, because, since, while, unless, as soon as, after and when.

There is also another category of words called conjunctive adverbs. A conjunctive adverb is not a conjunction in the strict sense of the term. It is not used to join two clauses. It is merely a discourse marker that shows how ideas flow between two sentences. Common conjunctive adverbs are: however, consequently, also, likewise, otherwise, next, then and finally.

Note that a conjunctive adverb should be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

Sometimes prepositions are also used to join clauses. Note that a preposition reduces a clause into a phrase. A preposition is always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. It is not usually followed by a clause.

Here is a list of common prepositions that can be used to connect ideas in sentences: despite, in spite of, due to, owing to, because of, such as, during and upon.

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