Sentence variety is important in any good essays. This includes using different vocabulary and sentence structures. Too much punctuation causes run-on sentences, while not enough punctuation causes short and choppy sentences. This blog is to help you connect those short sentences to create a coherent sentence with a better flow.
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or sentences. When combining two sentences, we are specifically using coordinating conjunctions. Below contains the list of coordinating conjunctions we use often and when we should use them:
For – When the second sentence connected is the cause of the effect explained in the first sentence. Note, this is similar to “so”, so you can use them interchangeably if you switch the order of the sentences.
Example: I went to McDonald’s, for I wanted to eat a hamburger.
And – When you want to show two actions occurring simultaneously.
Example: My mom went to the market, and my dad went to the bank.
Nor – When you are given two choices for the same scenario, but your first sentence must contain a negative word (ie. no, not, none, never, etc.)
Sarah did not take the cookie, nor did she take the milk.
But – When the second sentence is a contrast or negative response to your first sentence. Note, this is similar to “yet” so you can use them interchangeably.
Example: He was very smart, but he did not get the highest grade in the class.
Or – When you are giving two choices for the same scenario.
Example: I can take the bus today, or I can take the train tomorrow.
Yet – When the second sentence is a contrast or negative response to your first sentence. Note, this is similar to “but” so you can use them interchangeably.
Example: He was very smart, yet he did not get the highest grade in the class.
So – When the first sentence connected is the cause of the effect explained in the second sentence. Note, this is similar to “for”, so you can use them interchangeably if you switch the order of the sentences.
Example: I wanted to eat a hamburger, so I went to McDonald’s.
You can easily remember these coordinating conjunctions with the acronym: FANBOYS.
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This article was written for you by Samuel, one of the tutors with SchoolTutoring Academy.