English Composition/Sentence Writing (Part 3)
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English Composition ＞ Sentence Writing (Part 3)
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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.
