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
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
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* besides, consequently, furthermore) |
|
S + V ; however, S + V
|
Prepositions
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.