Conquer ACT, SAT, and Digital SAT: Mastering Conjunctions Made Easy

By Mr. Osama Ahmad December 27, 2023 3 min read

Ultimate Guide to Mastering Conjunctions for ACT, SAT, and Digital SAT Preparation

Introduction

Welcome, ambitious test-takers! This guide combines essential knowledge about conjunctions, a critical part of English grammar for excelling in exams like the ACT, SAT, and Digital SAT.

Chapter 1: The Role of Conjunctions

a) Definition and Importance

A conjunction is a word such as "and," "but," "although," or "because." These words are vital for linking other words, phrases, and clauses, enabling us to form complex sentences beyond simple constructions.

b) Functions of Conjunctions

Conjunctions serve to:

· Coordinating conjunctions: Join grammatically equal parts of a sentence, be they words or clauses.

· Subordinating conjunctions: Connect a subordinate dependent clause to a main clause.

c) Examples for Clarity

· Jack and Jill went up the hill. (Coordinating)

· I went swimming although it was cold. (Subordinating)

Chapter 2: Types and Examples of Conjunctions

2.1 Coordinating Conjunctions

Connect equal parts of a sentence.

· Examples:

o She is smart and hardworking.

o The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming.

o Neither the cat nor the dog made a sound.

2.2 Subordinating Conjunctions

Link a subordinate clause to a main clause.

· Examples:

o Although she was tired, she finished her homework.

o He did well on the test because he studied hard.

o Unless you study, you won't pass the exam.

2.3 Correlative Conjunctions

Work in pairs to join equivalent elements.

· Examples:

o Either you start now or you’ll be late.

o Both the book and the movie were excellent.

o Not only did she apologize, but she also offered a solution.

Chapter 3: Comprehensive Lists of Conjunctions

· Coordinating Conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so

· Subordinating Conjunctions: although, because, since, unless, while, after, before, once, until, whenever, wherever, even though, as long as, in order that, so that

· Correlative Conjunctions: either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and, whether...or

Chapter 4: Conjunction Placement and Usage

a) Placement Rules

· Coordinating Conjunctions: Typically come between the elements they join.

· Subordinating Conjunctions: Generally appear at the start of the subordinate clause.

b) Sentence Structure with Conjunctions

· Example: [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee].

· Note: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in complex sentences.

Chapter 5: Tips and Common Errors

a) Avoiding Mistakes

· Common Error: Misusing coordinating conjunctions.

· Tip: Use FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) as a mnemonic.

b) Advanced Usage

· Commas: In lists, the use of the Oxford comma is optional but can clarify meaning.

· Subordinate Clauses: These clauses depend on the main clause and cannot stand alone.

Conclusion

Mastering conjunctions is key for achieving sophistication in writing, a crucial aspect of standardized tests. Understanding their types, uses, and placements will significantly elevate your language skills.