Subordinating Conjunctions vs. Conjunctive Adverbs

IELTS Grammar

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05/25/2023

Subordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs are both used to connect clauses or sentences, but there are some key differences between them.

Here's a comparison:

	Subordinating Conjunction	Conjunctive Adverb
Function:	Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. They establish a subordinate relationship with the main clause.	Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses, which can stand alone as complete sentences. They provide a transition between the clauses and indicate a logical relationship.
Placement:	Subordinating conjunctions are placed at the beginning of the dependent clause.	Conjunctive adverbs are placed within a sentence, typically between two independent clauses.
Punctuation:	When a dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used to separate them.	When a conjunctive adverb is used to connect two independent clauses, it is usually preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
Examples:	"Although": Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk. "If": If you study hard, you will pass the exam. "Because": I stayed home because I was feeling unwell.	"However": She wanted to go out; however, it started to rain. "Therefore": I studied hard; therefore, I performed well on the test. "Moreover": The company offers competitive salaries; moreover, it provides excellent benefits.

In summary, subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and create a hierarchical relationship, while conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses and provide transitional information. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of connectors can help you use them correctly and effectively in your writing.

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