CONJUNCTIONS INDEX

CONTENT

Coordinating conjunctions (aka Coordinators) ............................. pag 1.

          For ............................................................................................. pag. 1

          

          And ............................................................................................ pag. 1

           Nor ............................................................................................. pag. 5

          But ............................................................................................. pag. 6

          Or ............................................................................................... pag. 8

          Yet .............................................................................................. pag. 10

          So ............................................................................................... pag. 10

Subordinating conjunction (aka subordinators) ............................. pag. 11

          After ............................................................................................ pag. 11

          Albeit ........................................................................................... pag. 12

          Although ...................................................................................... pag. 12

          As .................................................................................................pag. 12

          As if / As though .......................................................................... pag. 13.

          As long as .................................................................................... pag. 14.

          As much as .................................................................................. pag. 15

          As soon as ................................................................................... pag. 15

          Assuming that .............................................................................. pag. 15

          Because ....................................................................................... pag. 15

          Before ........................................................................................... pag. 16

           By the time .................................................................................... pag. 16

          Considering that ............................................................................ pag. 16

          Despite the fact that ...................................................................... pag. 17

          Every time ..................................................................................... pag. 17

          Even .............................................................................................. pag. 18

          Even assuming that ....................................................................... pag. 19

          Even if ............................................................................................ pag. 19

          Even so .......................................................................................... pag. 19

          Even though ................................................................................... pag. 19

          Even when ..................................................................................... pag. 19

          For fear that .................................................................................... pag. 20

          For which reason ............................................................................ pag. 20

          How ................................................................................................ pag. 20

          However much / many .................................................................... pag. 21

          If ..................................................................................................... pag. 21

          If and only if .................................................................................... pag. 22

          If ever ............................................................................................. pag. 22

          If only .............................................................................................. pag. 22

          In case ............................................................................................ pag. 23

          In order that .................................................................................... pag. 23

          Instead ............................................................................................ pag. 24

          Lest ................................................................................................. pag. 24

          Like ................................................................................................. pag. 25

          No matter ........................................................................................ pag. 25

          No matter what ............................................................................... pag. 26

          No matter if ..................................................................................... pag. 26

          No matter whether ... or .................................................................. pag. 27

          No matter whether ... or not ............................................................ pag. 27

          No matter whether or not ................................................................ pag. 27

          Notwithstanding .............................................................................. pag. 27

          Now (that) ....................................................................................... pag. 28

          Once ............................................................................................... pag. 28

          Only ................................................................................................ pag. 28

          Only if ............................................................................................. pag. 28

          Only when ...................................................................................... pag. 29

          Otherwise ....................................................................................... pag. 29

          Provided (that) / providing .............................................................. pag. 29

          Rather ............................................................................................. pag. 30

          Rather than ..................................................................................... pag. 30

          Regardless of .................................................................................. pag. 31

          Regardless of the fact that .............................................................. pag. 31

          Seeing that ...................................................................................... pag. 31

          (Ever) Since .................................................................................... pag. 32

          So much as ..................................................................................... pag. 32

          So that ............................................................................................. pag. 33

          So what if ........................................................................................ pag. 33

          Still .................................................................................................. pag. 33

          Supposing (that) .............................................................................. pag. 34

          Than ................................................................................................ pag. 34

          That ................................................................................................. pag. 34 

          The first time .................................................................................... pag. 36

          The moment that ............................................................................. pag. 36

          Though ............................................................................................ pag. 36

          To what extent / degree ................................................................... pag. 37

          Unless .............................................................................................. pag. 37

          Until / till ........................................................................................... pag. 37

          What ................................................................................................. pag. 38

          Whatever .......................................................................................... pag. 39

          When ................................................................................................ pag. 39

          Whenever ......................................................................................... pag. 41

          Wherever .......................................................................................... pag. 41

          Where ............................................................................................... pag. 41

           Whereas ........................................................................................... pag. 42

          Whether ............................................................................................ pag. 42

          Whether or not .................................................................................. pag. 43

          Which ................................................................................................ pag. 43

          While ................................................................................................. pag. 44

          Why ................................................................................................... pag. 45


         
Correlative Conjunctions (cojunction pairs) .......................................... pag. 45


          As / So ... as to .................................................................................. pag. 45

          As much ... as .................................................................................... pag. 46

          Both ... and ........................................................................................ pag. 46

          Either ... or ......................................................................................... pag. 46

          Hardly ... when ................................................................................... pag. 47

          If ... then ............................................................................................. pag. 47

          Neither ... nor ..................................................................................... pag. 47

          Not ... but (rather) .............................................................................. pag. 48

          Not only ... but (also) ......................................................................... pag. 48

          Not so much ... as ............................................................................. pag. 49

          No sooner ... than .............................................................................. pag. 49

          Rather ... than .................................................................................... pag. 49

          So ... as (when) ................................................................................. pag. 49

          So (much / many) ... that ................................................................... pag. 49

          The ... the .......................................................................................... pag. 50

          Whether ... or (not) ............................................................................ pag. 50


Adverbial Conjunctions (aka Conjunctive adverbs) .............................. pag. 50

Advanced conjunctions and adverbs ........................................................ pag 51

          Thereby ............................................................................................... pag. 51

          Therein ................................................................................................ pag. 51

          Thereof ................................................................................................ pag. 52

          Wherein ............................................................................................... pag. 52

          Whereby .............................................................................................. pag. 52

          Hereby ................................................................................................. pag. 52

          Thereafter ............................................................................................ pag. 52

          

Two conjunctions together for emphasis .................................................. pag. 52

Three or more conjunctions together ........................................................ pag. 54


Gerund after conjunctions .......................................................................... pag. 54


Parts of speech (Content words VS Function words) .............................. pag. 55


Function word ............................................................................................... pag. 57


Grammaticalization ...................................................................................... pag. 57


Anthimeria ..................................................................................................... pag. 57


Quotes that will transform your life ............................................................ pag. 58

         

INTRODUCTION

Coordinating conjunctions (aka Coordinators)

A Coordinating conjunction is a word that joins two elements of equal grammatical rank and syntactic importance. They coordinate or join two or more phrases, main / independent clauses, sentences, words (nouns, adjectives or verbs), or other parts of speech which are of the same syntactic importance. Also known as coordinators, coordinating conjunctions are used to give equal emphasis to a pair of main clauses.

Subordinating conjunction (aka subordinators)

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause (they can stand alone as a sentence) to a dependent clause (adds extra information to the main clause, and aren't complete sentences. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. ... Forexample, "because she didn't study" is not a complete sentence. However, combine the two clauses, and we have "The student failed the test because she didn't study." In English, there are a lot of subordinating conjunctions.

Of the three different kinds of conjunctions (coordinating, correlative and subordinating), subordinating conjunctions are the most difficult to recognize. However, that doesn't mean they're hard to master. In fact, you probably use them all the time without even noticing.

Correlative Conjunctions (cojunction pairs)

Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that function as separable compounds, functioning in pairs, with both words working together to balance words, phrases, or clauses. 

Correlative conjunctions are sort of like tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs, and you have to use both of them in different places in a sentence to make them work. They get their name from the fact that they work together (co-) and relate one sentence element to another. Correlative conjunctions include pairs such as "both/and," "either/or," "neither/nor," "not/but" and "not only/but also." 

Adverbial Conjunctions (aka Conjunctive adverbs)

Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect two independent clauses or sentences. Basically, when you see an adverb connecting ideas, rather than modifying words, it's a conjunctive adverb.

Typically, adverbs modify other words (verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs). Conjunctive adverbs, however, are used to modify two independent clauses and join them together, behaving more like coordinating conjunctions.

USEFUL NOTES

Simple sentences

A simple sentence is the most basic sentence that we have in English. It has just one independent clause, which means only one subject and one predicate. A simple sentence is also the shortest possible sentence; it can have as little as two words! Overall, a simple sentence is exactly what it sounds like—simple!

All sentences have one main important part: an independent clause. Sometimes, they also include other words, like objects and/or modifiers.

a. Independent Clause

An independent clause has a subject and a predicate and makes sense on its own as a complete sentence. In fact, an independent clause itself is a simple sentence! Here are a few: The wolf ate steak at the zoo.

All sentences have an independent clause, but all simple sentences have ONE independent clause.

Complex sentences

Complex sentences are fascinating components of the English language. When used properly, they can add depth to our writing. Complex sentences contain an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

An independent clause has the ability to stand alone as a sentence. It always makes a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, even though it has a subject and a verb.

Common Complex Sentence Examples

Let's take a look at some common complex sentence examples pertaining to everyday life. In each example, the independent clause is underlined.

• Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
• Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
• She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.
• Whenever prices goes up, customers buy less products.

Compound sentences

A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses that have related ideas. The independent clauses can be joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon, as you can see in the compound sentence examples below.

In either case, each half of the sentence must be able to stand on its own as a complete sentence. That means each half needs a subject and a verb. For example:

• I want the sporty red car, but I will lease the practical blue one.

In the sentence above, the subjects are italicized and the verbs are in bold. The first half is a complete sentence because it contains the subject "I" and the verb "want." The second half that comes after the comma and coordinating conjunction is also a complete sentence, with the subject "I" and the verb "will lease."

Complex sentences VS Compound sentences

Complex sentences are friends and neighbors to compound sentences. There's only one difference. Compound sentences contain two independent clauses - that's all there is to it. 

What is the difference between a sentence and an independent clause?

Both have a subject and main verb. However, a sentence can be composed of more than one clause, the other clauses being independent and/or dependent. 


Conjunctive prepositions / adverbs

So much so that (to such a degree that, tanto es asi que, a tal punto que)

I was tortured, and probably half of it was deserved, but I was bullied; so much so that there were days when I was like, 'I can't go to school today.' I was too scared. 
I am a big foodie, so much so that I eat in every half an hour. This is the secret of my glowing skin.

As a further example, we could imagine a Jean-Luc Picard saying: "Make it so. So much so that these creatures never return to this part of the Galaxy again."

Expressions with "so" (so much that, so much so that, so that ...)

So the challenge with identifying so as a part of speech is that the prior reference is sometimes hard to infer. So perhaps it's best to think of expressions with so as special cases of conjunctive propositions introducing adverbial clauses.
         

so much so that VS so that

They're different entities. 'So much so [that]' means 'to the degree [that]'. 'So that' means 'with the result that'. –

I don't like being called a celebrity. So much so that I find it very uncomfortable looking at myself on the screen.
Fear is just not a part of my life; so much so that if it's involved in somebody else's life and they're close to me, I won't be around them.

There are some people who are always on the run, so much so that they find it hard to fit in the study of God's word. 
One forgives to the degree that one loves. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
You feel alive to the degree that you feel you can help others. John Travolta
whereas 

Play so that you may be serious.
Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.
Don't write so that you can be understood, write so that you can't be misunderstood.
You should dress so that you feel confident.
The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once. Albert Einstein
My husband makes sacrifices so that I can shine.
There had been a power failure, so that all classes had had to be cancelled.

The king must die so that the country can live. Maximilien Robespierre

Adverbial Conjunctions (aka Conjunctive adverbs) 

Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect two independent clauses or sentences. Basically, when you see an adverb connecting ideas, rather than modifying words, it's a conjunctive adverb.

Typically, adverbs modify other words (verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs). Conjunctive adverbs, however, are used to modify two independent clauses and join them together, behaving more like coordinating conjunctions. 

A conjunctive adverb, which can also be called an adverbial conjunction, brings together two complete thoughts. Each clause would be able to stand on its own as a separate sentence. A conjunctive adverb then provides a smooth transition from one thought to the next.

Typically, the first clause is followed by a semicolon. Conjunctive adverbs are not strong enough to join two clauses without some punctuation. Then, there's usually a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

Other Functions of Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs can sometimes work as a regular adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this case, they don't need extra punctuation.

Here's an example:

"He was accordingly very interested in jazz." (formal, therefore)

In this sentence the word "accordingly" is acting like an adverb and modifying the adjective "interested."

Many times, a conjunctive adverb will start or end a sentence. At the beginning of a sentence it may need a comma after it since it appears before an independent clause. Here are some examples:

• Therefore, I will eat green eggs and ham.
• In other words, English is a hard language to learn.
• Above all, we must try to save the planet.
• Eating before going on the roller coaster was a mistake indeed.

Grammatical Efficiency

Remember, adverbs change or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Many end with "-ly," making them easy to spot, however, some adverbs stray from the -ly commonality, especially conjunctive adverbs.

Conjunctive adverbs show sequence, contrast, cause, effect, comparison, and other types of relationships, so it can help to group them according to each function. This may help you understand them better:

They are often used as a linking device between ideas. They show logical relationships expressed in clauses, sentences or paragraphs.

Conjunctive adverbs are very emphatic, so they should be used sparingly.

Sometimes, the function of conjunctive adverbs is addition. Similar to And:

• in addition
• next
• also
• again
• furthermore
• besides
• likewise
• moreover
• as well as

Other uses 

Don't waste a minute not being happy. If one window closes, run to the next window- or break down a door.

Sometimes, the function of conjunctive adverbs is comparison. Examples include:

• also
• likewise
• similarly

Conjunctive adverbs also signify concession. Examples include:

• granted
• of course
• still
• nevertheless

Other uses

It causes me great pain to sue the company I work for. Nevertheless, I had to do it. Suffice it to say, there's a dispute and I believe I haven't been given what is mine.

(as an adverb: however, even so): There are some examples of medieval kings who were terrible human beings but were nevertheless good kings 

Conjunctive adverbs also demonstrate contrast. Examples include:

• however
• instead
• in spite of
• rather

Other uses 

Life is too short to be scared and not take risks. I'd rather be the person that's like, 'I messed up,' than, 'I wish I did that.'

Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. Denis Waitley

Sometimes, the function of conjunctive adverbs is emphasis. Examples include:

• indeed
• of course
• certainly
• further

Sometimes, conjunctive adverbs illustrate a point. Examples include:

• for example
• namely
• that is
• for instance

Conjunctive adverbs also summarize. Examples include:

• all in all
• that is
• in summary
• finally
• in conclusion

Finally, conjunctive adverbs may also signify time. Examples include:

• before
• meanwhile
• lately
• now
• since
• in the meantime

More conjunctive adverbs

Result: and, and so, else, or else, otherwise, so, so that ...

Reason: as, as a result of, because, because of, considering, due to, for, given that, in case, in view of the fact, that, just in case, on account of, seeing as/that, since ...

Purpose: in case, in order that, in order to, so, so as to, so that, to

Conditional: as long as, even if, if, one condition that, provided (that), providing (that), so long as, unless, whether... or

Manner: as, as if, as though, in a way, in the way, just as, like, much as, the way ...

Conjunctive adverbs VS (Simple) Adverbs

Each use of a conjunctive adverb below is contrasted with the use of the same word as a simple adverb. Notice that when a word performs the latter function, a semicolon is unnecessary before it (though a comma might be required there to separate two clauses), and no comma must follow it.

However 

Adverbial conjunction: “Jones was released last Friday after posting $100,000 bail; however, it was unclear who paid for his release.”

Adverb: “For your sake, however much I abhor that actor, I will go see the movie.”

Otherwise

Adverbial conjunction: “The settlements are an acknowledgment that our business model is sound; otherwise, we would not have agreed to the terms.” (or else, if not)

Adverb: “The memory troubled him through the otherwise pleasant afternoon.” (differently, de otra manera)

Thus

Adverbial conjunction: “Margins on manufacturing and other businesses have become razor thin; thus, companies must undertake careful analysis of profitability for products and services on a real-time or near real-time basis.”

Adverb: “The enemy struck, and Smith took the bait, thus weakening the left flank of his division.”

Meanwhile

Adverbial conjunction: “Some indicated that they would not respond to the question; meanwhile, others gave their thoughts.”

Adverb: “That’s a good idea for the long term, but meanwhile, we have to address the immediate problem.”

Conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs 

These words are call adverbs; they feel, however, like conjunctions. ... As previously pointed out, a conjunctive adverb can be moved within the clause that it is part of; coordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, must come before the clause that it joins.

A. Coordinating Conjunctions

Location of a coordinating conjunction

1. Don't use a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) at the beginning of a sentence. These conjunctions can be used to join two independent clauses, so they come in the middle of a sentence rather than the beginning.

Commas with coordinating conjunctions

2. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it is being used to join two independent clauses.

 I wrote for ten hours, but I didn't finish my composition.

I wrote for ten hours, yet I didn't finish my composition.

I couldn't decide if I should continue writing, or if I should go to bed.

I was tired, so I went to bed.

I went to bed, for I was tired.

I continued thinking about my composition, and I couldn't fall asleep.

I didn't finish my composition, nor did I get any sleep.

3. The coordinating conjunctions and and or can be used to join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. In these cases, don't use a comma before the conjunction.

I couldn't decide if I should continue writing or go to bed.

I felt nervous and worried.

I was thinking about my composition and other homework all night.

B. Conjunctive Adverbs

Location of a conjunctive adverb in a sentence

1. A conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, nevertheless, therefore, moreover, likewise, furthermore, consequently, etc.) can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a single independent clause. The beginning or middle is preferred to the end position.

Commas with conjunctive adverbs

2. Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb when it starts a single independent clause.

I wrote for ten hours. However, I didn't finish my composition.

I wrote for ten hours. Nevertheless, I didn't finish my composition.

I was tired. Therefore, I went to bed.

I was tired. Consequently, I went to bed.

3a. Use commas around a conjunctive adverb when it comes between a subject and main verb in a single independent clause.

I wrote for ten hours. I didn't, however, finish my composition.

3b. Use a comma before a conjunctive adverb when it ends a single independent clause.

I wrote for ten hours. I didn't finish my composition, however.

 Semi-colons with conjunctive adverbs

4. A conjunctive adverb can be used to join two independent clauses. In this case, a semi-colon is used instead of a period after the first independent clause.

I wrote for ten hours; however, I didn't finish my composition.

I was tired; consequently, I went to bed.

C. Subordinating Conjunctions

Location of a subordinating conjunction in a sentence

 1. A subordinating conjunction (because, although. until, if, when, while, before, after) is used to join an independent clause and a dependent clause. They can come at the beginning of a sentence, at the end of a sentence, or in the middle when they begin another clause.

Commas with subordinating conjunctions

2. When you begin the sentence with the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause (before the second/independent clause).

 Although I wrote for ten hours, I didn't finish my composition.

Because I was tired, I went to bed.

  3. When you use the subordinating conjunction in the middle of the sentence and the dependent clause at the end, don't use a comma after the first (independent) clause.

 I didn't finish my composition although I wrote for ten hours.

I went to bed because I was tired.

Recognize a conjunctive adverb when you see one.

Conjunctions have one job, to connect. They join words, phrases, or clauses together to clarify what the writer is saying. Their presence provides smooth transitions from one idea to another.

When the job of an adverb is to connect ideas, we call it a conjunctive adverb.

Here is the list:

Conjunctive Adverbs
accordingly also besides consequently conversely finally furthermore hence	however indeed instead likewise meanwhile moreover nevertheless next	nonetheless otherwise similarly still subsequently then therefore thus

A conjunctive adverb can join two main clauses. In this situation, the conjunctive adverb behaves like a coordinating conjunction, connecting two complete ideas. Notice, however, that you need a semicolon, not a comma, to connect the two clauses:

Main Clause + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + Main Clause.

Read these examples:

The dark skies and distant thunder dissuaded Clarice from her afternoon run; moreover, she had thirty calculus problems to solve for her morning class.

Leon's apartment complex does not allow dogs over thirty pounds; otherwise, he would have bought the gangly Great Dane puppy playing in the pet store window.

The cat ate a bowlful of tuna; then, to the squirrels' delight, the fat feline fell asleep in the rocking chair.

A conjunctive adverb will also introduce, interrupt, or conclude a single main clause. In this situation, you will often need commas to separate the conjunctive adverb from the rest of the sentence.

Check out these examples:

At 10 a.m., Paul was supposed to be taking his biology midterm. Instead, he was flirting with the pretty waitress at the coffee house.

Maria declined Jeff's third invitation to go out. This young man is determined, nevertheless, to take her to dinner one night soon.

After mowing the yard in the hot sun, Pedro was too hungry to shower. He did wash his dusty hands, however.

If the break is weak, do not use comma(s).

Anna called to say her car would not start. Rafael will therefore have to walk to school.

Weak interruption = no commas.

The long noodles splashed tomato sauce all over the front of Brenda's shirt. Ordering fettuccine was a mistake indeed.

Weak interruption = no comma.

Punctuation with a conjunctive adverb

Depending on where you place the conjunctive adverb in the sentence, you can choose one of the following punctuation patterns.

At the beginning of a clause: period or semicolon before the adverb, comma after it.

• My daughter’s ringette team won the game. Afterward, the girls celebrated with pizza and ice cream.
• You’d better fill up the tank; otherwise, we might run out of gas.

In the middle of a clause: comma before and after the adverb.

• The porch was beginning to sag. The paint, moreover, was flaking badly.

At the end of a clause: comma before the adverb, period after it.

• Critics gave the film consistently poor reviews; movie-goers loved it, however.

Note: There are some exceptions to these punctuation rules. Commas are not always necessary when a conjunctive adverb is in the middle of a clause; let your ear guide you.

Omit commas if the adverb fits smoothly into the sentence:

• It soon became too dark to go on. Jeff therefore beached the canoe and set up camp.

Use commas if the adverb interrupts the flow of the sentence:

• Kaitlin was determined to get her licence. Every evening, therefore, she practised driving for hours.

Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which they appear. This is just one of the things you’ll need to remember; additional rules for using conjunctive adverbs follow:

• Always use a period or semicolon before the conjunctive adverb when separating two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are not strong enough to join independent clauses without supporting punctuation.
• Use a comma if a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so appears between the conjunctive adverb and the first clause.
• Use a comma behind conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the beginning of a sentence’s second clause. The only exception to this rule is that no comma is necessary if the adverb is a single syllable.
• If a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it should be enclosed in commas most of the time. This is not an absolute rule and does not normally apply to short clauses.

Examples of Conjunctive adverbs

The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for easy identification.

1. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.
2. She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy.
3. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
4. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
5. You’re my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you’re taking advantage of me.
6. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle.

Run-On Sentences. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly.

One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma, (missing a conjunction)

Example of a comma splice: Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference.

Sentence 1: Participants could leave the study at any time.

Sentence 2: They needed to indicate their preference.

Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a transitional expression in the middle of a sentence.

Example of a comma splice: The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic.

Sentence 1: The results of the study were inconclusive

Transitional expression (conjunctive adverb): therefore

Sentence 2: More research needs to be done on the topi

To fix this type of comma splice, use a semicolon before the transitional expression and add a comma after it. See more examples of this on the semicolon page.

Revision: The results of the study were inconclusive; therefore, more research needs to be done on the topic.

Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.

You can correct a run-on sentence by connecting or separating its parts correctly. There are several easy ways to connect independent clauses.

Correcting Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence can be fixed by connecting its parts correctly. There are several ways to connect independent clauses.

1. Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. This revision works especially well with longer sentences. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy sentences.

   Revision example: I love to write papers. I would write one every day if I had the time.

2. Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a grammatically correct sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes a close relationship between the two sentences.

   Revision example: I love to write papers; I would write one every day if I had the time.

3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or or), corrects a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses.

   Revision example: I love to write papers, and I would write one every day if I had the time.

4. Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. A subordinating conjunction (such as because, unless, and although) connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. This option works to cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the flow of the clauses.

   Example: Because I love to write papers, I would write one every day if I had the time.

However you decide to revise for run-on sentences, remember that maintaining sentence variety helps to keep the writing clear and interesting for your readers.
          

Conjunction misuse

Another common type of run-on sentence involves misuse of conjunctions, especially  however, often with a comma splice—for example:

I have kits to assemble, however, I have no bags.

Here, there’s a comma splice after I have kits to assemble. This common error probably results from confusion with perfectly acceptable constructions like this:

Over many years of jurisprudence, however, the Supreme Court has ruled that most of the rights protected in the Bill of Rights also apply to the states. 

No human being, however great, or powerful, was ever so free as a fish. John Ruskin

However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship. Francois de La Rochefoucauld

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. S. Hawking

This however works because it functions adverbially (here it is synonymous with though). The however in the first example is a coordinating conjunction, so its clause should be treated as independent.