Conjunctions and Linking Words

Coordinators

Coordinators connect elements of equal importance.

S + V , but S + V

(and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet)

S + V and V

S and S + V

N and N

Adj. and Adj.

Phrase and Phrase

Can be used in a series: A, B, C, or D

Subordinators connect elements of unequal importance. One clause is not as strong as the other.

S + V although S + V		(although, even though, because, since*,
		when, while, before, after, whenever,
		wherever*, if, unless, whether?[or not]
		as, as [adjective] as, so that, whereas
		anywhere, anytime)
Although S + V , S + V

Sentence Connectors connect paragraphs or show relationship between very different ideas.

S + V . However, S + V		(however, therefore, thus, moreover,
		nevertheless, first, then, next, still
S + V ; however, S + V		besides, consequently, furthermore)

Prepositions show relationship among elements of a sentence. They are followed by noun phrases only and cannot take on a S + V.

S + V (prep. phrase)		(during, after, before, in, on, at
		despite, in spite of, for, since, by
(Prep. phrase), S + V		like, except, but, about, to, from
		between [A and B], among, with
(Prep. phrase) V + S (unusual)		within, without, beside, near, next to)

* These words have more than one function.

See also :

Grammar : Coordinators, Subordinators

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Last updated: 15 February, 2010 02:43:16