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Connectors In English Grammar

Connectors In English Grammar

Date: Mar 21 2012

Topic: Grammar

Author: albasel1975

Lesson

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join together clauses of equal importance.

Some examples of coordinating conjunctions are - and, but, or, Use of 'and'

'And' is used as a conjunction when the words or phrases are of equal importance and both conditions exist. Other words that can be used in place of and are: moreover, in addition to, along with, plus, as well as, further more

  • Tom and Harry play hockey.
  • A lion and a fox live in this cave.
  • We need some gloves and a ball in addition to bats.
  • The soldiers rose moreover they cheered the leader.
  • We found the thief along with the bags.
  • The gurgling stream along with the howling wind added to the charm of the place.

Use of 'but'

The conjunction 'but' is used to show a contradiction between two phrases. Let's say the first phrase leads you to expect a certain event and the second phrase tells you quite a contradictory outcome. In such an event, but, is used.

Other words like: nevertheless, yet, however, can be used in place of 'but'

  • He ran, but he missed the bus.
  • She studied hard but could not score well in the test.
  • The hill was very steep but the old man could climb it easily.
  • Sharon fell from the horse nevertheless she did not cry.
  • The lion was hungry yet it did not attack Androcles.
  • He is from England however he speaks Chinese very well.

Use of 'Or'

When we need to express a choice between two words or phrases we use 'or'. Here only one of the two conditions exists.

Example:

Would you take a cup of tea or coffee?

Shall we buy a book or a toy?

Sit on the bench or on the grass.

Are you tired or shall we go out for a walk?

We can learn to talk English or we can depend on sign language.

Correlative conjunctions:
Conjunctions used in pairs are correlative conjunctions
Either..... orEither Peter or John has taken the book.Neither.....norIt is neither hot nor tasty.Both.....andMy sister is both smart and intelligent.Whether..... orTell me whether you know the route or not.Not only..... but alsoNot only is she stupid but also stubborn.
Compound conjunctions

Compound conjunctions are groups of words that behave like conjunctions.

In order that, on condition that, provided that, as soon as ConjunctionUsageIn order thatI bought all the books in order that you may studyOn condition thatThe teacher excused him on condition that he would not repeat the mistake.Even ifSarah would not marry him even if he proposed to her.So thatI kept away my work so that I could spend time with my daughtersProvided thatYou can take leave provided that you work overtime laterAs thoughRex behaves as though he is the boss.As well asMonica as well as veronica was present thereAs soon asMr. Ford plans to pay off his loan as soon as he gets his bonus.As ifIt looks as if there is going to be a storm.
Subordinating conjunction

A subordinating conjunction joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning. The chief subordinating conjunctions are after, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless.

  • I will not go to the market if it rains.
  • The situation 'I will not go to the market' is dependant on the condition 'if it rains'.
  • You could go and play after you have done the dishes.
  • King Midas was unhappy because his daughter turned to gold.
  • You must dig the earth till you find water.



Observe the use of connectors in these sentences.

  • Lydia likes to sing anddance whenshe is happy.

  • We can paint our house red orwhite butwe must select a good painter.

  • Harry is intelligent howeverhe is lazy. He must wake up orhe will regret it.

  • I left the party becauseI was bored, moreoverit was quite late.

  • He was sad andtired along withbeing very hungry whena wizard appeared andoffered him food howeverhe laid down some conditions.

  • He is cheerful thoughhe has worked the whole day.

  • I allowed him in asI thought he was a friend buthe tried to rob me.

  • You will do well ifyou study hard.

  • My daughters either watch TV orsleep on Sundays.

  • Susan is very fat butvery active.

  • I met by friend in the park andinvited her to tea.

  • A student must obey orhe may leave.

  • Jane andPeter have been chosen to receive the guest.

  • After the trip Sam came to work buthe was very tired.

  • Bring some sandwiches oryou will be hungry.

  • They jumped over the stream andran home.

  • The dog ran after the rabbit butcould not catch him.

  • My aunt is ill soI will visit her tomorrow.

  • The show started as soon asthe chief guest arrived.

  • You will enjoy the concert sinceyou love music.

  • This horse will take you to the village you evenifhe is tired.

  • He was rowing the boat whileI slept.

  • The bridge fell thoughit was made of stones.

  • You will pass ifyou work hard.

  • He will not try unlesshe is forced to.

  • We will come afterwe complete the work.

  • The old man cared for the puppy as thoughshe was his baby.

Comments

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jamesanderson1

United States

Wow, I never really thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing these connectors in English.


And if anyone here is losing weight (or if you’re trying) then you really ‘ought to visit this weight loss forum so you can be on the road to weight loss. 


Good luck to everyone who is trying to improve their grammar (and their health!)

11:21 PM Jul 06 2012 |

fawaztrad744800

Australia

..From heart to hearthelp each other…support each other,...extend your hand to others..and be kind to each other..Fawaz

11:28 PM Jun 07 2012 |

zarin.setare

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

I wish peace and tranquility settled in the world.

06:47 AM May 11 2012 |

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