Sentence correction conjunctions
58 flashcards covering Sentence correction conjunctions for the GMAT Verbal section.
Sentence correction involving conjunctions focuses on how words like "and," "but," or "or" connect ideas within a sentence. These linking words help establish relationships, such as addition, contrast, or choice, but they must be used correctly to maintain clarity and logic. If misused, they can create confusion, alter the intended meaning, or lead to grammatical errors, making it essential to understand their role in building coherent sentences.
On the GMAT Verbal section, conjunctions frequently appear in Sentence Correction questions, where you evaluate multiple sentence versions and choose the most accurate one. Common traps include selecting a conjunction that doesn't match the logical flow, such as using "and" for contrasting ideas, or overlooking parallelism in compound structures. Focus on the precise relationship between clauses, checking for consistency in meaning and grammar to avoid subtle errors that could cost points.
A helpful tip: Always test how the conjunction affects the sentence's overall logic before finalizing your choice.
Terms (58)
- 01
Conjunction
A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence, ensuring smooth and logical flow.
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Coordinating conjunction
A conjunction that joins two or more equal elements, such as words, phrases, or independent clauses, and includes words like and, but, or, and yet.
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Subordinating conjunction
A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, or condition, such as because, although, or if.
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Correlative conjunction
A pair of conjunctions used together to join elements of equal importance, ensuring parallel structure, like both...and or either...or.
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FANBOYS
An acronym for the seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, which connect independent clauses or elements of similar grammatical rank.
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And as a conjunction
Used to add one element to another, indicating addition, and it requires parallel structure in lists or clauses.
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But as a conjunction
Used to show contrast or exception between two elements, often requiring a comma before it when joining independent clauses.
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Or as a conjunction
Used to present alternatives or choices between elements, and it must maintain parallel structure for clarity.
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Yet as a conjunction
Used to indicate contrast similar to but, often implying surprise or an unexpected result in the context of the sentence.
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So as a conjunction
Used to show a result or consequence from a previous clause, typically following a cause, and it may require a comma.
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For as a coordinating conjunction
Used to indicate a reason or cause, similar to because, and it connects clauses while maintaining formal tone in writing.
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Nor as a coordinating conjunction
Used with neither to indicate a negative alternative, requiring parallel structure and often paired in constructions like neither...nor.
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Parallelism with conjunctions
The principle that elements joined by conjunctions must have the same grammatical form to avoid errors, ensuring balance in sentences.
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Comma with coordinating conjunction
A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses to separate them clearly and prevent run-on sentences.
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Subordinating conjunction for cause
Words like because or since that introduce a clause explaining the reason for the main clause, ensuring the sentence shows logical dependency.
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Subordinating conjunction for time
Words like when or while that indicate the timing of an action relative to the main clause, helping to sequence events in a sentence.
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Subordinating conjunction for condition
Words like if or unless that introduce a conditional clause, making the main clause dependent on the specified condition.
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Subordinating conjunction for contrast
Words like although or though that show opposition between the dependent clause and the main clause, highlighting differences.
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Both...and
A correlative conjunction pair that joins two equal elements, emphasizing that both are true or applicable, and requires parallel structure.
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Either...or
A correlative conjunction pair that presents two alternatives, one of which must be chosen, and demands that the joined elements are parallel.
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Neither...nor
A correlative conjunction pair that negates two elements, indicating that neither is true, and requires the elements to match in form.
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Not only...but also
A correlative conjunction pair that adds emphasis by joining one element to another more significant one, necessitating parallel structure for correctness.
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Faulty parallelism with conjunctions
An error where elements joined by conjunctions do not match in grammatical form, such as mixing a noun with a verb, which can confuse meaning.
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Conjunctions and subject-verb agreement
When conjunctions join subjects, the verb must agree with the combined subject, especially in compound subjects using and or or.
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Conjunctions in lists
In a series, conjunctions like and are used to separate items, and all items must be parallel to maintain consistency and clarity.
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However vs. but
While but is a coordinating conjunction for contrast, however is an adverb that requires a semicolon or period before it, and they are not interchangeable.
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Semicolon with conjunctions
A semicolon can precede a conjunction in complex sentences to separate independent clauses, enhancing clarity in longer or more detailed structures.
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Run-on sentences and conjunctions
Conjunctions can fix run-on sentences by properly joining independent clauses, but omitting them or using them incorrectly creates errors.
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Sentence fragments with conjunctions
Misusing subordinating conjunctions can create fragments by making a clause dependent without a main clause, which is incorrect in formal writing.
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Logical flow with conjunctions
Conjunctions must connect ideas logically, such as using because for cause-effect, to ensure the sentence conveys coherent meaning.
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Idiomatic use of since
Since can mean 'because' or 'from a time in the past,' and its use depends on context to avoid ambiguity in sentence correction.
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While for time vs. contrast
While primarily indicates simultaneous actions but can show contrast, and test questions often test this dual meaning for precision.
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Misplacing only with conjunctions
The adverb only should be placed carefully near conjunctions to modify the correct element, as misplacement can alter the intended meaning.
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Although vs. though
Both subordinating conjunctions indicate contrast, but although is more formal, and they are often interchangeable in GMAT contexts.
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Because vs. due to
Because is a conjunction for cause, while due to is a prepositional phrase, and confusing them can lead to sentence structure errors.
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If in conditional sentences
Used for hypothetical situations, if introduces a condition that must logically lead to the result in the main clause.
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When for specific events
This subordinating conjunction specifies the time of an action, ensuring the clause it introduces aligns temporally with the main clause.
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Unless as a conjunction
Indicates an exception or condition that must not occur, similar to if not, and requires careful placement for logical accuracy.
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Whereas for comparison
A subordinating conjunction that highlights differences between two elements, often used in formal comparisons.
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As if for comparison
Introduces a clause that compares something hypothetically, ensuring the sentence maintains proper subordination.
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So that for purpose
A subordinating conjunction that expresses purpose or result, connecting a clause that explains the intent behind an action.
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Even though for emphasis
Similar to although, it adds emphasis to the contrast, making it a stronger option for conceding a point in arguments.
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Whether...or
A correlative conjunction pair that introduces alternatives in a dependent clause, requiring parallel structure for the options presented.
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As long as for condition
A subordinating conjunction that specifies a condition for the main clause to hold true, often used in agreements or requirements.
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In order that for purpose
Less common but formal, it expresses purpose similar to so that, connecting clauses in precise, logical sequences.
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Provided that for condition
Introduces a stipulation or condition, ensuring the main clause depends on the fulfillment of that condition.
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Lest for prevention
An older subordinating conjunction meaning 'for fear that,' used in formal contexts to indicate avoidance of something.
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Whereas in contrasts
Specifically used to show how one thing differs from another, often in definitions or comparisons.
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Example of and in a sentence
In sentence correction, and joins parallel elements like 'She runs and swims for exercise,' ensuring both verbs are in the same form.
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Correct use of but
But contrasts ideas, as in 'He wanted to go, but it was raining,' where it properly separates two independent clauses.
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Incorrect use of or
Or might create errors if not parallel, such as 'She likes running or to swim,' which should be 'running or swimming' for correctness.
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Parallel structure with both...and
In 'Both the manager and the team agree,' both elements are nouns, maintaining parallelism required by the conjunction pair.
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Trap with neither...nor
Neither...nor can lead to subject-verb agreement errors, like 'Neither the cats nor the dog are hungry,' which should be 'is' if dog is closer.
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Subordinating conjunction trap
Using because without a main clause creates a fragment, such as 'Because it was late,' which needs an independent clause to be complete.
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Advanced parallelism error
In complex sentences, failing to match forms with correlative conjunctions, like 'Not only eating but also to sleep,' which should be 'eating but also sleeping'.
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Conjunction for emphasis
Words like not only...but also emphasize addition, and misuse can distort meaning in nuanced GMAT questions.
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Idiomatic conjunction placement
Conjunctions must be placed to avoid ambiguity, such as ensuring 'only' modifies the intended word when used with conjunctions.
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Contrast conjunctions
Conjunctions like but, yet, and although create contrast, and selecting the right one depends on the sentence's formality and structure.