Parallel Structure, Subordinating Conjunctions/ Conjunctive Adverbs, and Comma Splices, Oh My!

Parallel Structure Making sure that all parts of a sentence are balanced. Look for a list or series. Make sure all items in that series are balanced. Examples: Lisa enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and reading books. Frank’s favorite outfits include his orange hoodie, his ripped jeans, and his brown sandals.

Ways to Balance Sentences Make all the verbs the same kind. Make the number of words equal. Make the words the same part of speech.

Bad Parallel Structure Examples David enjoys soccer, playing tennis, and an occasional trip to the movies. South is a good school because of our challenging classes, teachers who are talented, and we have good facilities.

Subordinating Conjunctions BA WAWBITS – remember these? Before, After, When, Although, While, Because, If, That, Since Watch out for FRAGMENTS with these words! Although I forgot my homework. When I get home from school after the game.

Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive Adverbs: Usually transition words However, Therefore, Indeed, Instead, Also, Thus, Otherwise… These words are extra. They are usually separated from the rest of the sentence with commas. Monica, however, was not a fan of tacos. Otherwise, I would go to the party. Thus, Juliet couldn’t live without Romeo.

The Problem Don’t confuse conjunctions with conjunctive adverbs! Conjunctive adverbs are NOT strong enough to hold a sentence together. Subordinating conjunctions CANNOT function the same as conjunctive adverbs.

Example Problems Although, George wasn’t invited. Though, Katie wasn’t really the star. While, Kellie forgot her coat.

Comma Splices Two sentences joined together with just a comma Examples: I like ice cream, it is my favorite food. Most students don’t get into Ivy League Colleges, their tests scores simply aren’t good enough.

And for my final magic trick… Conjunctive adverbs and comma splices Jeremy wasn’t supposed to drive his parents’ car, however, he still volunteered to take us to the concert. Tim really loved Heather, therefore, he asked her to Prom.

And the magical solution… Semi-colons! Put a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb. David wasn’t doing his homework; therefore, his grades were suffering. Sara ate the entire pie; however, she didn’t eat any cookies.