Conjunctions

• Elliptical

  Omit a portion of a clause if the subjects of the two clauses are identical.

  e.g., We could take a trip to Canada or save more money and go to Europe.
• The two major types of conjunctions are coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
• Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that function together to combine other words or

  phrases in a sentence.
• Correlative conjunctions can link two direct objects or two verb phrases.
• no sooner ... than

  A correlative conjunction that indicates one action or event immediately happens after another.
• no sooner ... than

  No sooner + had/have + subject + past participle (indicating the completion of one action)
• Correlative conjunctions combining two subjects

  The subject closer to the verb determines whether the verb will have a singular or a plural ending.
• Dependent clauses

  A clause that follows a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone.
• Subordinating conjunction comma rule

  A comma is not required if the clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction follows the main clause.
• Subordinating conjunction comma rule

  A comma is required if a sentence begins with a subordinate clause.
• Positioning for emphasis

  The clause that appears first in a sentence is usually the one that is emphasised.
• Subordinate Conjunction tense

  The present tense is used in the subordinating clause when the main clause is in the future tense.
• Conjunction tense

  If the main clause is an imperative, the subordinating clause can be in the present tense or the present perfect tense.
• Subordinate conjunction tense

  If the main clause is an imperative, then the subordinating clause can be in present tense or present perfect tense.
• Conjunctive adverbs


  Adverbial expressions that can function as conjunctions.
• Conjunctive adverbs

  A semicolon precedes a conjunctive adverb and a comma follows it.

  e.g., My daughter is quite shy; however, she is an aggressive athlete when playing soccer.
• Conjunctive adverb use case

  Combine two clauses that are closely linked by meaning or intent.
• Conjunctive adverbs

  Conjunctive adverbs work best when they follow the main clause.
• Conjunctive adverbs can stand alone.