Grammar Notes
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1. Coordinating Conjunctions
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and: I made a phone call and sent an e-mail.
but/yet: We are so busy with our many clients, yet/but management keeps asking us to work
harder.
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so: John was not in his office, so I left the document on his‘desk.
or: Do you want to talk now or later?
nor: Dick did not receive a promotion, nor did his friend John.
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2. Correlative Conjunctions
both A and B, either A or B, neither A nor B, not A but B, not only A but (also) B
- The customer wanted both the blue one and the red one.
- Not only you but three other people were selected for the internship.
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3. Subordinating Conjunctions
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Sequential actions: when, before, after, until
Reason: since, because, now that, seeing that
Condition: if, unless, provided, as long as, once
Simultaneous actions: while, as, the moment/instant (that)
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Concession: even if even though, although, though
Purpose: (so) that, in order that
Contrast: whereas, while
Unreal comparison: as if, as though
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4. Distinction Between Conjunctions and Prepositions
Conjunctions are followed by subject + verb, while prepositions are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
- While you were in a meeting, Ms. Rosen called. vs. Ms. Rosen called during your meeting.
- Although the submission was late, it will be reviewed vs. Despite being submitted late, the submission will be reviewed.
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5. Choice of Prepositions
A. for (how long) vs. during (when)
B. by (completion) vs. until (continuation)
C. between (two or more distinct and individual items) vs. among (more than two)
- We were closed for two weeks. vs. We were closed during the summer.
- Have it done by tomorrow. vs. Use the car until this evening.
- We have to choose between John and Max. vs. We have to choose among many candidates.
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