Connecting Conjunctions
When using conjunctions in a sentence, ensure the words, phrases or clauses have the same grammatical structure.
Conjunctions connect same parts of speech.
Examples:
- I have a brother and a sister . (Noun linked to noun)
- We joked and laughed . (Verb to verb)
- She is tall and beautiful . (Adjective to adjective)
- He often eats quickly and noisily . (Adverb to adverb)
Conjunctions connect phrases.
Examples
- The fisherman is carrying a bucket of fish and walking along the beach .
-
They were
running across the field
and
jumping over the fence
.
(Both phrases are of continuous tense.)
- I enjoy watching TV and eating popcorn at the same time.
-
He likes
listening to ghost stories
and
visiting haunted places
.
(Both are gerund phrases.)
Conjunctions connect clauses.
In joining clauses , we leave out some words.
Examples:
- We went closer. We were able to see it better.
- We went closer and were able to see it better..
- The zoo has two hippos. It also has two camels..
- The zoo has two hippos and two camels.
- She is friendly. She is not very considerate.
- She is friendly but not very considerate.
- Will you have a coffee? Or will you have a tea?
- Will you have a coffee or tea?.