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[[English Composition]]
＞ [[English_Composition/Sentence_Writing_(Part_3)|Sentence Writing (Part 3)]]

== Sentence Writing (Part 3) ==

Part 3 shows how to use basic conjunctions and prepositions in sentences.

=== Using conjunctions ===

Conjunctions connect words and words, phrases and phrases in separate sentences or sentences in a sentence.
There are equality conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions, and connection adverbs, but see the grammar section for details. Here is an excerpt of the basic and frequent '''and, but, or, so, because'''.

==== and ====

There is additional information in the sentence:

:: □ It is hot '''and''' humid in Tokyo today.
:: □ Read the following passage '''and''' answer the questions that follow.
:: □ I think many TV programs are stupid '''and''' boring.

Connecting independent clauses, a comma (,) precedes '''and''':

:: □ Keiko works in accounting '''and''' I work in sales department.
:: □ Big cars are expensive '''and''' waste fuel ''', and''' that makes them not practical.
:: □ I heard the sound of rumbling thunder ''', and''' the rain started.

==== but ====

There is contrasting information in the sentence:

:: □ It's sunny '''but''' cold today.
:: □ The Japanese restaurant is expensive '''but''' worth it.
:: □ Mr. Miller is not a lawyer '''but''' a certified public accountant.

Connecting contrasting independent clauses, '''but''' is preceded by a comma(,):

:: □ Neither Bob nor Lynn can come to the party ''', but''' I will be there.
:: □ My mother loved the book, '''but''' she didn't like the movie.
:: □ I'll try my best, '''but''' I'm not sure if I can.

==== or ====

Combining things with multiple choices, opinions, etc.:

:: □ You can take the subway '''or''' the bus to the Metropolitan Musium.
:: □ Which do you prefer, apple '''or''' orange?
:: □ We will be able to reply to you by e-mail within one '''or''' two weeks.

Combining clauses with alternatives, a comma (,) precedes '''or''':

:: □ You can ride the bus to the Metropolitan Musium, '''or''' you can walk.
:: □ Do you prefer bright colors like red and yellow, '''or''' dark colors like black and grey?
:: □ We can go out for dinner tonight, '''or''' we can eat at home.

==== so ====

Receiving the previous sentence and expressing the result,
'''so''' is preceded by a comma (,).

:: □ It was very hot last night ''', so''' I left my air conditioner on throughout the night.
:: □ This is a delicate matter of timing ''', so''' let us get this straight now.
:: □ My computer wasn't working properly for a couple of days ''', so''' I didn't get your email until this morning.

==== because ====

Taking the previous sentence and expressing the reason or cause:

:: □ I left my air conditioner on throughout the night '''because''' it was very hot last night
:: □ I didn't get your email until this morning '''because''' my computer wasn't working properly for a couple of days.
:: □ Lynn didn't go to school yesterday '''because''' she felt sick.

'''Because''' can also be placed in front of a sentence. In this case, the sentence sections are separated by a comma (,):

:: □ '''Because''' it was very hot last night ''',''' I left my air conditioner on throughout the night.