多益閱讀文法 - Coordinating Conjunctions, Subordinating Conjunctions, and Conjunctive Adverbs

Three Ways of Connecting Sentences

In English grammar, there are three different ways of connecting two different sentences: using coordinating conjunctions, using subordinating conjunctions, and using conjunctive adverbs.

In English grammar, a complete sentence must be followed by a "period" to continue a complete sentence, such as the following example:

I left on time. I arrived late.

We can connect the above two sentences with "coordinating conjunctions", "subordinating conjunctions", or "connecting adverbs".

▶️ Using coordinating conjunctions

There are seven coordinating conjunctions: “for”, “and”, “nor”, “but”, “or”, “yet”, “so” (Memory formula: FANBOYS, which is the first letter of the seven equivalent conjunctions). If you use the coordinating conjunction to connect two complete sentences, the two sentences will become one sentence, with a comma in the middle of the sentence.

I left on time, but I arrived late.

▶️ Using subordinating conjunctions

There are many subordinating conjunctions, including: 'although', 'even though', 'because', 'since', 'unless', 'when', 'while', 'before', and 'after, etc. The clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction is called the "subordinating clause or subordinate clause ", and the remaining clause is called the "independent clause". An independent clause is also called the main clause. It expresses a complete thought, and it can stand alone as a sentence.

Taking the previous two sentences as an example, we can use the subordinating conjunction “although” to combine them.

Although I left on time, I arrived late. = I arrived late although I left on time.

The blue bolded text is the main clause or independent clause.

The red bolded text is the subordinate clause. “although” is a subordinating conjunction. 

There are three types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses, noun clauses, and adverb clauses. Most of the subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce adverb clauses, while a few are used to introduce noun clauses and adjective clauses. In Lessons 18, 19, and 20, we will further explain the noun, adjective, and adverb clauses. Below is a chart listing common subordinating conjunctions, using A WHITE BUS as the mnemonic.

▶️ Using conjunctive/linking adverbs.

Commonly used linking adverbs are “moreover”, “however”, “consequently”, “additionally”, etc. When using linking adverbs, remember to use a period or semicolon after the first independent clause, then the linking adverb, then a comma, and finally the second independent clause.

I left on time. However, I arrived late.

I left on time; however, I arrived late.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions can be used to connect equivalent words, equivalent phrases, and equivalent clauses. There are only seven coordinating connectives: “for”, “and”, “nor”, “but”, “or”, “yet”, “so” (memory formula: FANBOYS, which is the first letter of the seven coordinating connectives).

✦ Coordinating connectives. for 、and 、nor 、but、or、yet、so (FANBOYS)

“and” is used to connect equivalent words, phrases, and clauses.

“or” is used to connect equivalent words, phrases, and clauses.

“but” is used to connect words, phrases or clauses with a contrasting meaning before and after.

“so” is used to connect two sentences that have a causal relationship.

“for” is used to connect two causally related sentences, usually preceded by a comma.

“yet”, similar in meaning to “but”, is used to connect clauses that are compared before and after, and is used to express surprise or unexpected things.

“nor”, is a negative word, so the sentence after “nor” needs to be inverted.

▶️ Connecting equivalent words

Kevin is hard-working, responsible, proactive, and methodical. As for Jason, he is smart but lazy.

We are looking for someone who has over 3 years of experience in finance and marketing. So far, few candidates are qualified.

Most job applicants weren’t qualified nor experienced. Some are competent yet inexperienced.

We need someone who has worked in a big firm before and is experienced with C++ or Java.

▶️ Connecting equivalent phrases

Please turn in your test now and remember to hand in your assignment tomorrow.

This cake is delicious to eat but/yet difficult to digest.

Tim is passionate about engineering and looks like a self-starter. However, he doesn’t have related job experience nor a bachelor degree in engineering.

You can pay in cash or by credit card.

Our company is looking to hire someone who is proficient in Adobe Photoshop and can work well with others.

▶️ Connecting equivalent sentences

A: What are you guys up to today?

B: I am going grocery shopping this afternoon, and John is going to the gym later.

Go to bed early, or you will oversleep again.

They've been together for years, but/yet he still hasn't proposed.

The weather forecast said it would rain tonight, so we should stay home.

The weather was sunny but chilly, so we had to bundle up before going outside.

I don’t like chocolate, nor does my sister.

Kevin won’t attend the meeting tomorrow, nor will I.

TOEIC Example: Mr. Moshifield phoned his mobile company to grumble about the service, _____ the counterpart claimed that he did not bear his phone costs punctually.

(A) yet
(B) or
(C) so
(D) and

TOEIC Example: Leah is looking forward to the upcoming conference and _____ the emergent issue so as to get ready for introducing the new technique.

(A) discuss
(B) discussion
(C) discussing
(D) to discuss

In addition to coordinating conjunctions, there are other connectives that can be used to connect equivalent words and phrases. The commonly used connectives are listed below.

▶️ Both A and B + base verb

Both Helen and her boss agree to give each worker 20 days off a year.

Both the cafeteria and the library have internet access.

I went to both the bakery and the butcher shop.

▶️ Either A or B + the verb agreeing to the subject B

Either my uncle or my grandparents are coming.

Either the cafeteria or the library has internet access.

We will meet up on either Monday or Tuesday.

▶️ Neither A nor B + the verb agreeing to the subject B

Neither the swimming pool nor the gym is open on Sundays.

Neither the bread nor cakes are ready yet.

▶️ Not only A but also B… = B as well as A + the verb agreeing to the subject B

Not only Ken’s parents but also Ken likes to swim on weekends. = Ken, as well as his parents, likes to swim on weekends.

The scheme is designed to strengthen domestic demand as well as create more job opportunities.

The inspectors as well as I were surprised at the horrible scene at that time.

Subordinating Conjunctions

There are three types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses, noun clauses, and adverb clauses. Most of the subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce adverb clauses, while a few are used to introduce noun clauses and adjective clauses. In Lessons 18, 19, and 20, we will further explain the noun, adjective, and adverb clauses.

An adverb, or adverbial clause, typically comprises a subordinating conjunction, a subject, and a verb. Such a clause acts as an adverb, modifying the main clause. Adverb clauses are versatile and can be used to depict relationships such as time, condition, concession, reason, and purpose. If a sentence includes both an adverb clause and a main clause, it can be structured in two ways.

The blue bold is the adverb clause

(1) Adverb clause + comma + main clause

After you finish proofreading the report, you can send an email to Robert.

(2) main clause + adverb clause

You can send an email to Robert after you finish proofreading the report.

✦ Common subordinating conjunctions:

Time
since, until, by the time, as soon as, while, once, before, after

Condition
if, unless, in case (that), as long as

though = although = even though, while, whereas

Reason
because = since = as 、given that = considering that

Purpose
so that, in order that

Others
whether, as if

Next, let's look at some example sentences with common subordinating conjunctions:

Because it rained heavily, I stayed indoors all day yesterday.
Even though the shipment arrived on time, many items were damaged.

It has been 5 years since I studied in England.
You can't get a job unless you have experience.

The phone rang as I was getting into the bath.
While I was in France, I went to the Eiffel Tower.

While many people like coriander, there are also many people who hate it.
Mary brushed her teeth before she made breakfast.

Conjunctive/Linking Adverbs

A linking adverb connects two independent clauses. When using a linking adverb, remember to use a period or semicolon after the first independent clause, then the linking adverb, then a comma, and finally the second independent clause.

✦ Common linking adverbs

Moreover / Additionally / Furthermore / In addition / Besides
However / Nevertheless

Therefore / Consequently / As a result
Otherwise
In conclusion / all in all / in summary / in sum

Meanwhile / In the meantime
First of all / Firstly / First
Secondly / Second

Thirdly / Third

The entire report is poorly written. Moreover, it's inaccurate.
Cigarettes cost money; furthermore, it's bad for your health.

We trained hard for the competition. However, we lost.

Some people like living in the city; nevertheless, I like living in the countryside.
He rarely seems to study; nevertheless, he always gets the highest score in the class.

He was down with the flu. Therefore, he couldn't come to the party.
The company is trying to cut costs; consequently, staff who leave are not being replaced.

Carl's starting college in September. Meanwhile, he's traveling around Europe.
Your computer won't arrive till Thursday. In the meantime, you can use Jude's.

Linking adverbs such as “therefore”, “otherwise”, “consequently”, and “however” can also be placed before and after the verb like ordinary adverbs. For example:

Matthew lost his boarding pass, he was therefore unable to board his flight.
The police believe he is the thief, but all the evidence suggests otherwise.

Several members have not responded for more than three years, and their names have therefore been removed from the mailing list.
All the shops were closed, and consequently we couldn't buy any food.
Although it's been a very difficult year for the British economy, there is, however, some good news to brighten the economic picture.

Subordinating Conjunctions

There are three types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses, noun clauses, and adverb clauses. Most of the subordinating conjunctions are used to introduce adverb clauses, while a few are used to introduce noun clauses and adjective clauses. In Lessons 18, 19, and 20, we will further explain the noun,  adjective, and adverb clauses.


An adverb, or adverbial clause, typically comprises a subordinating conjunction, a subject, and a verb. Such a clause acts as an adverb, modifying the main clause. Adverb clauses are versatile and can be used to depict relationships such as time, condition, concession, reason, and purpose. If a sentence includes both an adverb clause and a main clause, it can be structured in two ways. 


The blue bold is the adverb clause


(1) Adverb clause + comma + main clause


After you finish proofreading the report, you can send an email to Robert.


(2) main clause + adverb clause


You can send an email to Robert after you finish proofreading the report.


✦  Common subordinating conjunctions:


Time
since, until, by the time, as soon as, while, once, before, after


Condition
if, unless, in case (that), as long as
though = although = even though, while, whereas


Reason
because = since = as 、given that = considering that


Purpose
so that, in order that


Others
whether, as if


Next, let's look at some example sentences with common subordinating conjunctions:


Because it rained heavily, I stayed indoors all day yesterday.
Even though the shipment arrived on time, many items were damaged.
It has been 5 years since I studied in England.  
You can't get a job unless you have experience.


The phone rang as I was getting into the bath. 
While I was in France, I went to the Eiffel Tower.
While many people like coriander, there are also many people who hate it.
Mary brushed her teeth before she made breakfast. 

Conjunctive/Linking Adverbs

A linking adverb connects two independent clauses. When using a linking adverb, remember to use a period or semicolon after the first independent clause, then the linking adverb, then a comma, and finally the second independent clause. 


✦ Common linking adverbs


Moreover / Additionally / Furthermore / In addition / Besides
However / Nevertheless 
Therefore / Consequently / As a result 
Otherwise
In conclusion / all in all / in summary / in sum 
Meanwhile / In the meantime 
First of all / Firstly / First
Secondly / Second
Thirdly / Third 


The entire report is poorly written. Moreover, it's inaccurate. 
Cigarettes cost money; furthermore, it's bad for your health.
We trained hard for the competition. However, we lost. 


Some people like living in the city; nevertheless, I like living in the countryside.
He rarely seems to study; nevertheless, he always gets the highest score in the class.


He was down with the flu. Therefore, he couldn't come to the party.
The company is trying to cut costs; consequently, staff who leave are not being replaced.


Carl's starting college in September. Meanwhile, he's traveling around Europe. 
Your computer won't arrive till Thursday. In the meantime, you can use Jude's. 


Linking adverbs such as “therefore”, “otherwise”, “consequently”, and “however” can also be placed before and after the verb like ordinary adverbs. For example:


Matthew lost his boarding pass, he was therefore unable to board his flight.
The police believe he is the thief, but all the evidence suggests otherwise. 
Several members have not responded for more than three years, and their names have therefore been removed from the mailing list.
All the shops were closed, and consequently we couldn't buy any food.
Although it's been a very difficult year for the British economy, there is, however, some good news to brighten the economic picture.