Cohesive Devices and Conjuctions

Cohesive Devices

 

A variety of useful English Conjunctions exists, which complete this list of the most used Cohesive Devices. Together, these Linking Words can help to express a cohesive view and easy understandable texts.

Definition

Words that link two parts of a sentence are called conjunctions (see "to conjoin"). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. There are three basic types of conjunctions:  coordinating conjunctions –used to connect two independent clauses, subordinating conjunctions –used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence correlative conjunctions –used to join various sentence elements which are grammatically equal

List of Conjunctions

1)     Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction usually comes in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.  Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a 'sentence', the purpose of transitional words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.

 

Examples:

We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it. [Lyndon B. Johnson]

The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a comma. [Larry Wall]

And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.

1.                 F = for

2.                 A = and

3.                 N = nor

4.                 B = but

5.                 O = or

6.                 Y = yet

7.                 S = so

 

2)     Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause.

 

Examples:
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. [Abraham Maslow]
Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-DeWitt]

A)    Conjunctions Concession

          though
          although
          even though
          while

B)    Conjunctions Condition

if

only if

unless

until

provided that

assuming that

even if

in case (that)

lest

C)    Conjunctions Comparison

than

rather than

whether

as much as

whereas

D)    Conjunctions Time

after

as long as

as soon as

before

by the time

now that

once

since

till

until

when

whenever

while

E)    Conjunctions Reason

 

because

since

so that

in order (that)

why

F)     Relative Adjectives

that

what

whatever

which

whichever

G)    Relative Pronouns

who

whoever

whom

whomever

whose

H)    Conjunctions Manner

how

as though

as if
 

I)      Conjunctions Place

where

wherever

3)     Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. They denote equality; and show the relationship between ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence - and thus make the joining tighter and more emphatic. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.  

as . . . as

just as . . . so

both . . . and

hardly . . . when

scarcely . . . when

either . . . or

neither . . . nor 

if . . . then

not . . . but

what with . . . and

whether . . . or

not only . . . but also

no sooner . . . than

rather . . . than 

4)     Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are often used as a linking device between ideas. They show logical relationships expressed in clauses, sentences or paragraphs. Conjunctive adverbs are very emphatic, so they should be used sparingly.
 

A)    Similar to And 

also

besides

furthermore

likewise

moreover

B)    Similar to But 

however

nevertheless

nonetheless

still

conversely

instead

otherwise

rather

C)    Similar to So

accordingly

consequently

hence

meanwhile

then

therefore

thus