Resources

This post is about the good and general english grammar and writting resources.

Grammar Girl - http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl

Count noun/ non count noun practice - https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/unex-esl-mooc/Intermediate+Grammar/Count+v+NonCount/story.html

Comma for introductory phrases and interrupting phrases

yet to explore in details

Complex Sentence

Complex Sentence Examples

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence and makes a complete thought and a dependent clause cannot stand alone, even though it has a subject and a verb.

Complex Sentences from Everyday Life

The independent clause in each of the following sentences is underlined:

·                     Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.

·                     Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy.

·                     She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.

·                     When the cost goes up, customers buy less clothing.

·                     As she was bright and ambitious, she became manager in no time.

·                     Wherever you go, you can always find beauty.

·                     The movie, though very long, was still very enjoyable.

·                     Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility because they do not die in the winter. 

·                     The actor was happy he got a part in a movie although the part was a small one.

·                     The museum was very interesting as I expected.

·                     Because he is rich, people make allowance for his idiosyncrasies.

·                     The professional, who had been thoroughly trained, was at a loss to explain.

·                     When she was younger, she believed in fairy tales.

·                     After the tornado hit the town, there was little left standing.

·                     I have to save this coupon because I don’t have time to shop right now.

·                     Let’s go back to the restaurant where we had our first date.

·                     Although my cousin invited me, I chose not to go to the reunion.

·                     As genes change over time, evolution progresses.

·                     I really didn’t like the play although the acting was very good.

·                     Everyone laughed when he got a cream pie smashed in his face.

·                     After twenty years, he still had feelings for her.

·                     Some people tell me that money can’t buy happiness.

Complex Sentences from Literature

·                     If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. - Henry David Thoreau

·                     The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman stood up in a corner and kept quiet all night, although of course they could not sleep. - L. Frank Baum

·                     Because he was so small, Stuart was often hard to find around the house. - E.B. White

·                     He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow. - George Eliot

·                     No man, in all the procession of famous men, is reason or illumination, or that essence we were looking for; but is an exhibition, in some quarter, of new possibilities. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

·                     The path to my fixed purpose is laid on iron rails, on which my soul is grooved to run. - Herman Melville

English Composition 1

Sentences: Simple, Compound, and Complex

A common weakness in writing is the lack of varied sentences. Becoming aware of three general types of sentences--simple, compound, and complex--can help you vary the sentences in your writing. The most effective writing uses a variety of the sentence types explained below.

1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought.

Examples of simple sentences include the following:

Joe waited for the train.

"Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb

The train was late.

"The train" = subject, "was" = verb

Mary and Samantha took the bus.

"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb

I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station.

"I" = subject, "looked" = verb

Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.

"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "waited" = compound verb 

Tip: If you use many simple sentences in an essay, you should consider revising some of the sentences into compound or complex sentences (explained below).

The use of compound subjects, compound verbs, prepositional phrases (such as "at the bus station"), and other elements help lengthen simple sentences, but simple sentences often are short. The use of too many simple sentences can make writing "choppy" and can prevent the writing from flowing smoothly. 

A simple sentence can also be referred to as an independent clause. It is referred to as "independent" because, while it might be part of a compound or complex sentence, it can also stand by itself as a complete sentence.

2. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words "FAN BOYS":

·                     For

·                     And

·                     Nor

·                     But

·                     Or

·                     Yet

·                     So

Examples of compound sentences include the following:

·                     Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.

·                     I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station before noon and left on the bus before I arrived.

·                     Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived.

·                     Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus station.

Tip: If you rely heavily on compound sentences in an essay, you should consider revising some of them into complex sentences (explained below).

Coordinating conjunctions are useful for connecting sentences, but compound sentences often are overused. While coordinating conjunctions can indicate some type of relationship between the two independent clauses in the sentence, they sometimes do not indicate much of a relationship. The word "and," for example, only adds one independent clause to another, without indicating how the two parts of a sentence are logically related. Too many compound sentences that use "and" can weaken writing.

Clearer and more specific relationships can be established through the use of complex sentences.

3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses connected to it. A dependent clause is similar to an independent clause, or complete sentence, but it lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete sentence.

Examples of dependent clauses include the following

·                     because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon

·                     while he waited at the train station

·                     after they left on the bus

Dependent clauses such as those above cannot stand alone as a sentence, but they can be added to an independent clause to form a complex sentence. Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Below are some of the most common subordinating conjunctions:

·                     after

·                     although

·                     as

·                     because

·                     before

·                     even though

·                     if

·                     since

·                     though

·                     unless

·                     until

·                     when

·                     whenever

·                     whereas

·                     wherever

·                     while

A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the independent clause, as in the following:

Tip: When the dependent clause comes first, a comma should be used to separate the two clauses.

·                     Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station.

·                     While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late.

·                     After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station.

·                     Conversely, the independent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the dependent clause, as in the following:

Tip: When the independent clause comes first, a comma should not be used to separate the two clauses.

·                     I did not see them at the station because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon.

·                     Joe realized that the train was late while he waited at the train station.

·                     Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station after they left on the bus.

Complex sentences are often more effective than compound sentences because a complex sentence indicates clearer and more specific relationships between the main parts of the sentence. The word "before," for instance, tells readers that one thing occurs before another. A word such as "although" conveys a more complex relationship than a word such as "and" conveys.

The term periodic sentence is used to refer to a complex sentence beginning with a dependent clause and ending with an independent clause, as in "While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late."

Periodic sentences can be especially effective because the completed thought occurs at the end of it, so the first part of the sentence can build up to the meaning that comes at the end.

Beginning Sentences with "And" or "Because"

Should you begin a sentence with "and" or "but" (or one of the other coordinating conjunctions)?

The short answer is "no." You should avoid beginning a sentence with "and," "or," "but," or the other coordinating conjunctions. These words generally are used to join together parts of a sentence, not to begin a new sentence.

However, such sentences can be used effectively. Because sentences beginning with these words stand out, they are sometimes used for emphasis. If you use sentences beginning with one of the coordinating conjunctions, you should use these sentences sparingly and carefully.

Should you begin a sentence with "because"?

There is nothing wrong with beginning a sentence with "because."

Perhaps some students are told not to begin a sentence with "because" to avoid sentence fragments (something like "Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon" is a sentence fragment), but it is perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with "because" as long as the sentence is complete (as in "Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station.")

Compound Sentence

Compound Sentence 

Examples :

A compound sentence has two independent clauses or sentences. The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as "and," "for" and "but") or a semicolon.

Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions

·         She did not cheat on the test, for it was not the right thing to do.
·         I think I will buy the red car, or I will lease the blue one.
·         I really want to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.
·         I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.
·         He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
·         They got there early, and they got really good seats.
·         There was no ice cream in the freezer, nor did they have money to go to the store.
·         Everyone was busy, so I went to the movie alone.
·         I would have gotten the promotion, but my attendance wasn’t good enough.
·         Should we start class now, or should we wait for everyone to get here?
·         It was getting dark, and we weren’t there yet.
·         Cats are good pets, for they are clean and are not noisy.
·         We have never been to Asia, nor have we visited Africa.
·         He didn’t want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway.

Compound Sentences with a Semicolon

·         Joe made the sugar cookies; Susan decorated them.
·         The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
·         The waves were crashing on the shore; it was a lovely sight.
·         There were white out conditions in the town; subsequently, the roads were impassable.
·         Check back tomorrow; I will see if the book has arrived.
·         He said he was not there yesterday; however, many people saw him there.
·         I am happy to take your donation; any amount will be greatly appreciated.
·         She only paints with bold colors; she does not like pastels.
·         She works two jobs to make ends meet; at least, that was her reason for not having time to join us.
·         Malls are great places to shop; I can find everything I need under one roof.
·         Italy is my favorite country; in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there next year.
·         He turned in the research paper on Friday; otherwise, he would have not passed the class.

Compound Sentences in Quotes

Here are examples of compound sentences used by well-known people:

·         "Always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't go to yours." - Yogi Berra
·         "Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one." - Lyndon B. Johnson
·         "The drought had lasted now for ten million years, and the reign of the terrible lizards had long since ended." - Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey
·         "Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them." - Ronald Reagan
·         "I have often wanted to drown my troubles, but I can't get my wife to go swimming." - Jimmy Carter

Now you have seen lots of different examples of compound sentences. 

Compound Sentence 

We can join independent clauses (IC) to create compound sentences by using a semicolon (;).   And like the comma-FANBOYS pattern, when we construct a compound sentence using the semicolon, we ask our readers to understand that the two ideas logically relate to each other. The pattern for compound sentences using a semicolon is easy to remember:IC ; IC.We must, however, make sure that there is an independent clause on both sides of the semicolon every time we use one. A common mistake is to place a fragment to the right of the semicolon.

Examples:

·         Small farmers, represented by the Scarecrow, were oppressed by Eastern bankers; the industrial workers, represented by the Tin Man, were also oppressed.
·         Baum's book is a political allegory; few people today would recognize the original events in this story.
·         The Wizard of Oz is a story of economic reform; Oz is short for ounce, signifying the gold standard.
·         The real Oz, the man behind the curtain, was neither great nor powerful; the story portrays an ineffective president as a bumbling wizard.

Unlike the comma-FANBOYS pattern, however, the use of a simple semicolon does not specify the relationship. As a result, we must be sure to give the reader sufficient clues to understand the relationship(s) we intend. Another option is a variation on the simple semicolon pattern, using a conjunctive adverb to indicate the relationship between the two independent clauses along with the semicolon, which joins the clauses: 

IC ; ca, IC.

Three methods of forming compound sentences 

Method 1: Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (IC, cc IC) Avoiding run-ons:

Method 2: Use a semicolon (IC; IC)

Method 3: Use a semicolon with a transitional expression (IC; transition, IC) Avoiding run-ons:

Considering that there are only five types of relationships which we can signify by use of the FANBOYS, this pattern gives us a great deal of flexibility and choice when constructing compound sentences.In addition to signifying a specific relationship between ideas, the compound structure also tells the reader that these clauses are valued equally--that one idea is no more important than the other. This is as true of the compound sentence constructed with a semicolon as with a comma and FANBOYS. If I choose to indicate contrast between my ideas by using the conjunctive adverb "however," wanting my reader to see the difference(s) between my ideas, I am also indicating to my reader that each independent clause should be equally valued. Note that the signified relationship is the same whether we choose to use "but" or "however," that in both cases the compound pattern indicates equality of value, but that the use of the semicolon and conjunctive adverb creates a more dramatic voice. Both patterns are grammatically correct; the choice is one of style.

Compound Sentence with Transitional Word 

When a transitional word joins two independent clauses, the usual pattern is a semicolon before the transitional word and a comma after it. (The common transitional words of this type are accordingly, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore.) The pattern looks like this:

Note: If the transitional word is separating independent clauses — each of which has its own subject and verb, and each of which could stand alone as a sentence — you may correctly use either a semicolon or a period to separate the independent clauses. Do not use the semicolon if the transitional word is not separating independent clauses.

Compound sentences

A compound sentence is a sentence formed from two or more simple sentences, or independent clauses (IC):

·         Megan cut the wood, and Ryan stacked it.

Note that the two clauses forming the compound sentence must be related in meaning. Because of the logical connection between the two clauses in the example above, they fit together easily in one sentence. There are three ways of joining independent clauses into a compound sentence:

·         with a coordinating conjunction (one of the fanboys);
·         with a semicolon; or
·         with a semicolon and a transitional expression.

You can use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (cc) to join two or more independent clauses into a compound sentence. (A coordinating conjunction is one of the fanboys : for, and, nor, but, or , yet and so) The resulting sentence has the structure IC, cc IC:

·         For: The two stopped to eat, for the work had made them hungry.
·         And: The afternoon had been long, and hours had gone by since lunch.
·         Nor: There was no house nearby, nor did they have any food with them.
·         But: They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack, but a bear growled at them from the berry patch.
·         Or: Should they set off for home now, or should they decide to work a little longer?
·         Yet: There was still work to do, yet they needed to rest and eat.
·         So: They were starving and exhausted, so they went home.

Note that the comma in the above sentences comes before the conjunction, not after it. If the independent clauses are very short, parallel and closely related, it is acceptable to use only a comma or a conjunction to join them:

·         Megan cut the wood, Ryan stacked it.
·         Megan cut the wood and Ryan stacked it.

But between longer clauses, it is important to use both a comma and a conjunction:

·         Megan cut the wood into one-and-a-half-foot logs, and Ryan stacked them carefully along the rear of the cabin.

If you used a comma alone in the last example, you would have a comma splice, a type of run-on sentence. Since it is never wrong to use a comma and conjunction together in this kind of compound sentence, it is best to do so in every case to avoid the risk of error. Like a period, a semicolon (;) creates a stop between two independent clauses. However, the clause after the semicolon does not begin with a capital. In this case, the sentence has the structure IC; IC. This method works readily with some of the examples:

·         The two stopped to eat; the work had made them hungry.
·         The afternoon had been long; hours had gone by since lunch.

However, it would be awkward to use a semicolon by itself to form some compound sentences. The sentence below, for example, is confusing:

·         Incorrect: There was still work to do; they needed to rest and eat.

These two clauses express contrasting ideas. We need a contrast word to make the connection clear. In this case, you might use the contrast conjunctions but or yet with a comma (Method 1), or you might decide to use Method 3. A transitional expression is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between two ideas. A semicolon with a transitional expression often makes a smoother connection than a semicolon alone. There are many transitional expressions showing different kinds of relationships. Here are a few common examples:

·         to add a similar idea: also, in addition, moreover
·         to show contrast: however, in contrast, on the other hand
·         to indicate a result: therefore, as a result, consequently
·         to introduce an example: for example, for instance
·         to list points in order: first, second, third; next; then

Note that a comma is used after the transitional expression. The sentence has the structure  

IC ; transition,  IC:

·         The work had made them hungry; therefore, they stopped to eat.
·         The job was not done; on the other hand, they needed to rest and eat.

Keep in mind that a transitional expression is not a conjunction; it does not join sentences grammatically. Therefore, a period or a semicolon is needed before a transitional expression between two independent clauses:

·         They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack. However, a bear growled at them from the berry patch.
·         They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack; however, a bear growled at them from the berry patch.

If you use a comma instead of a period or a semicolon, you will have a comma splice run-on:

        

Run-on: They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack, however, a bear growled at them from the berry patch.

Be careful to avoid this type of run-on; it is a very common error.

Coursera Courses

email writing (Re-watch) - https://www.coursera.org/learn/professional-emails-english/home/welcome

Grammar and punctuation  (Re-watch) - https://www.coursera.org/learn/grammar-punctuation/home/welcome

conjunctions  (Re-watch)- https://www.coursera.org/learn/grammar-punctuation/lecture/Dg8je/conjunctions-video-lecture

Tricky English grammar  (Re-watch)-  https://www.coursera.org/learn/tricky-english-grammar/home/welcome

Public speaking - https://www.coursera.org/learn/public-speaking

business english writing - https://www.coursera.org/learn/english-for-business-writing

Courses in this specialization are good https://www.coursera.org/specializations/academic-english
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/intermediate-grammar .

Proper Noun

What is a Proper Noun?

Proper nouns have two distinct features: They name specific one-of-a-kind items, and they begin with capital letters, no matter where they occur within a sentence. Here, we’ll take a closer look at proper nouns, provide proper noun examples, and help you learn how to use a proper noun the right way.

Remember that all nouns are words naming people, animals, places, things, and ideas. Every noun can be further classified as either common or proper. The distinction is very easy to make once you see some examples and come up with a few of your own.

Proper Noun Examples

In the following sentences, proper noun examples are compared with common nouns. Notice that the proper nouns are specific and unique, while the common nouns are much more general in nature.

1. Common noun: I want to be a writer.
   Proper noun: Agatha Christie wrote many books.
2. Common noun: I’d like to adopt a cat.
   Proper noun: Cleopatra is the cutest kitten ever.
3. Common noun: Would you like a cookie?
   Proper noun: I’m craving Oreos.
4. Common noun: Let’s go to the city.
   Proper noun: Let’s go to San Francisco.
5. Common noun: My teacher starts work before sunup.
   Proper noun: Mr. Bell seems to understand what students need.
6. Common noun: I think that’s a planet, not a star.
   Proper noun: I can see Jupiter tonight.
7. Common noun: He’s always hanging out with his girlfriend.
   Proper noun: He never goes anywhere without Sarah.
8. Common noun: There are a lot of important documents in the archives.
   Proper noun: There are many important documents at The Library of Congress.

How to Use Proper Nouns

It’s easy to use proper nouns, once you know what they are. Simply place them in your sentences as you would common nouns, ensuring that you capitalize them. Here are some examples to help you get started.

• Brett had hoped for an easy teacher for his algebra class, but he got Ms. Boggs, whose unreasonable demands and short temper made the semester unbearable.
  → Teacher is a common noun. Ms. Boggs is a proper noun.
• Gloria had a craving, and not just any cookie would do. She went to the store and bought a box of Oreos.
  → Cookie is a common noun. Oreos is a proper noun.
• We wanted to try a new restaurant, so we went to Taste of Thai.
  → Restaurant is a common noun. Taste of Thai is a proper noun.

Conjunctions

They may be small words, but conjunctions are highly functional and very important for constructing sentences. As you can see in the first sentence the coordinating conjunction “and” was used to link different parts of the sentence. This is the main job of conjunctions. Basically, conjunctions join words, phrases and clauses together.

Conjunctions Are Linking Words

The chart shown is a list of some of the most commonly-used conjunctions.

YourDictionary also has articles describing each of the different types of conjunctions:

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions
• Correlative conjunctions

Remember, the main job of a conjunction is to link together different parts of a sentence.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are what come to most people’s minds when they hear the word “conjunction,” and they do exactly what their name implies – they make things go together. They can join together words, phrases and independent clauses. If you’ve ever heard the classic Schoolhouse Rock song, “Conjunction Junction,” then you are already somewhat familiar with coordinating conjunctions.

The Coordinating Conjunctions

The English language has seven coordinating conjunctions, and they’re easy to remember if you can just remember FANBOYS:

·         For - Explains reason or purpose (just like “because”) 
I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the ducks on the lake.

·         And - Adds one thing to another 
I go to the park every Sunday to watch the ducks on the lake and the shirtless men playing soccer.

·         Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea
I don’t go for the fresh air nor really for the ducks. Honestly, I just like the soccer.

·         But - Shows contrast 
The soccer in the park is entertaining in the winter, but it’s better in the heat of summer.

·         Or - Presents an alternative or a choice 
The men play on teams: shirts or skins.

·         Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically (similar to “but”)
I always take a book to read, yet I never seem to turn a single page.

·         So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
I’ve started dating one of the soccer players, so now I have an excuse to watch the game each week.

Using Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

You’ll notice that in the example sentences, some of the coordinating conjunctions are preceded by a comma while others are not. There is a very simple reason for this.

If a coordinating conjunction is joining together two independent clauses (things that could feasibly stand alone as complete sentences), it needs to have a comma with it.

Example: The soccer in the park is entertaining in the winter (independent clause) + it’s better in the heat of summer (independent clause) – Because these are two independent clauses, they must be joined together by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

If the conjunction is connecting a phrase with two independent clauses, the two independent clauses should be separated with the coordinating conjunction "and." If a phrase is added to a short independent clause it does not need a comma.

Example: I go to the park every Sunday (independent clause), and I watch the ducks on the lake (independent clause) and the shirtless men playing soccer (phrase).

Some people will tell you that in a list of three or more items or phrases, you need a comma and a conjunction before the final item or phrase. The truth is, you don’t have to use a comma there, but you can if you want to, and if you think a comma will clear up any possible confusion, go ahead and use it. Otherwise, it’s really not necessary (see Comma Rules for more information on comma usage). The only coordinating conjunction that doesn’t seem to be able to connect sentence fragments (words and phrases) is “for.” When “for” comes between words or short phrases, it is typically acting not as a coordinating conjunction, but as a preposition.

Can You Begin a Sentence With a Coordinating Conjunction?

Another rule you’ll often hear is that it is incorrect to begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, and while this is a good rule of thumb, it is not a hard and fast law of grammar. You should try to limit how often you begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, but it is not incorrect to do so, especially if it will break up a particularly long sentence into more easily understandable chunks. Coordinating conjunctions are the simplest of all the conjunctions to recognize and master, and knowing how they work will improve the quality and complexity of your writing, so if that’s what you’re after, you are now fully equipped! Happy writing!

Subordinating Conjunctions

Out of the three different kinds of conjunctions (coordinating, correlative and subordinating), subordinating conjunctions are the most difficult to recognize, but they are not that hard to master. In fact, you probably use them all the time without even noticing, but let’s take a closer look at them to see what’s going on.

A subordinating conjunction always introduces a dependent clause, tying it to an independent clause. The clauses can go in any order; that is, the independent or the dependent clause can come first in the sentence, but in either order, the first word of the dependent (or subordinate) clause will be the subordinating conjunction.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

In English, there are lots of subordinating conjunctions, but the most common ones, along with a few examples of how subordinating conjunctions are used, are as follows:

·         after - “Your heart will break like mine, and you’ll want only me after you’ve gone” (Ella Fitzgerald).

·         although - “Although I’ve been here before, he’s just too hard to ignore” (Amy Winehouse).

·         as - “As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there’s nothing left” (Coolio).

·         as long as - “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from or what you did as long as you love me” (Backstreet Boys).

·         because - “I’m everything I am because you loved me” (Celine Dion).

·         before - “Just call me angel of the morning, angel. Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby” (Juice Newton).

·         even if - “Even if the sky is falling down, you’ll be my only” (Jay Sean).

·         if - “If you leave me now, you’ll take away the biggest part of me” (Peter Cetera/Chicago).

·         once - “Once you pop, you can’t stop” (Pringles commercials).

·         now that - “Baby, now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you go” (Tony Macaulay/John MacLeod).

·         since - “I guess I’ll never be the same since I fell for you” (B.B. King).

·         though - “Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown” (Rodgers and Hammerstein).

·         unless - “We’re never going to survive unless we get a little crazy” (Seal).

·         until - “[You] don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” (Cinderella).

·         when - “When I see you smile, I can face the world” (Bad English).

·         where - “There’s a light burning bright, showing me the way, but I know where I’ve been” (Scott Wittman).

·         while - “I look at the world, and I notice it’s turning while my guitar gently weeps” (The Beatles).

You’ll notice that when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, there is a comma between the two, indicating the beginning of the main (independent) clause. However, when the independent clause comes first, there is no need to separate the two clauses with a comma.

Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Relative Pronouns

There is another group of words that sometimes introduce dependent clauses. These are called relative pronouns, and although they look and act very similar to coordinating conjunctions, they are different. True relative pronouns are “that,” “who” and “which,” and they differ from subordinating conjunctions in that they act as the subject of a dependent clause whereas subordinating conjunctions do not. Subordinating conjunctions are followed by the subject of their clause. Consider a few examples:

·         John is the guy who came over for dinner last week. - Here, we have two clauses. “John is the guy” is the main clause, and “who came over for dinner last week” gives us more information about John. The word “who” acts as the subject of the dependent clause.

·         We talked about music and movies while we ate. - Again, we have two clauses. “We talked about music and movies” is the main clause, and “while we ate” gives us more information. However, in this example, both clauses have the subject “we.” The word “while” does not act as the subject of the dependent clause.

Now that you know what subordinating conjunctions are, you can continue to use them, but now with new purpose and vigor!

Correlative Conjunctions

You know what a conjunction is, you’ve mastered coordinating conjunctions, and you’re pretty sure you understand subordinating conjunctions; there’s only one more hurdle now between you and total conjunction domination: correlative conjunctions. Well fear not, Grammar Conquistador. You are about to be victorious.

What Are Correlative Conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are sort of like tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs, and you have to use both of them in different places in a sentence to make them work. They get their name from the fact that they work together (co-) and relate one sentence element to another. Correlative conjunctions include pairs like “both/and,” “whether/or,” “either/or,” “neither/nor,” “not/but” and “not only/but also.”

·         I want either the cheesecake or the frozen hot chocolate.

·         I’ll have both the cheesecake and the frozen hot chocolate.

·         I didn’t know whether you’d want the cheesecake or the frozen hot chocolate, so I got you both.

·         Oh, you want neither the cheesecake nor the frozen hot chocolate? No problem.

·         I’ll eat them both - not only the cheesecake but also the frozen hot chocolate.

·         I see you’re in the mood not for dessert but appetizers. I’ll help you with those too.

Here are some more pairs of correlative conjunctions:

·         as/as - Bowling isn’t as fun as skeet shooting.

·         such/that - Such was the nature of their relationship that they never would have made it even if they’d wanted to.

·         scarcely/when - I had scarcely walked in the door when I got the call and had to run right back out again.

·         as many/as - There are as many curtains as there are windows.

·         no sooner/than - I’d no sooner lie to you than strangle a puppy.

·         rather/than - She’d rather play the drums than sing.

Correlative Conjunctions Hook It Up

Correlative conjunctions are more similar to coordinating conjunctions than to subordinating conjunctions in that the sentence fragments they connect are fairly equal. Subordinating conjunctions connect independent and dependent clauses, which have totally different functions. Coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions, on the other hand, connect words and phrases that carry equal weight in the sentence.

For example, “both/and” connects either two subjects or two objects:

·         Both Jon and Lauren enjoyed the movie. (subjects)

·         Jon enjoyed both the movie and the popcorn. (objects)

“As/as” compares nouns using an adjective or an adverb:

·         Peter is as tall as Jeff.

·         A lion can’t run as fast as a cheetah.

“Not only/but also” can connect nouns or entire clauses:

·         I’m going not only to the concert, but also backstage!

·         Not only will I see your ten, but I’ll also raise you twenty.

Congratulations! You now know everything there is to know about correlative conjunctions. You are now ready to take on the world!