Connecting ideas in written (and spoken) English

(2) Conjunctions
- Join clauses grammatically together into one sentence (transitions don’t).
- Introduce dependent clauses which must be attached to an independent clause.
- Cannot be followed immediately by a comma (unlike transitions).

condition – contrast / concession – intention / purpose – manner – place – reason / cause

– time

Meaning Dependent/Adverb Conjunctions

when, while, since, as, once

While I attended college, I delivered pizzas.

where
A huge tree now stands where I once planted a small
seed.

because, since
Since I burn easily, I don’t stay out long in the sun.

while, even, though, although

While my childhood was calm, my adult life is very
hectic and stressful.

Similarity: just as, like

Explanation: in that
This experiment is more important than the first, in
that the design is quite novel.

if, unless, as long as

If it rains, I don’t jog.

so that, in order that

My school cancelled classes after the snowstorm so
that students could be safe.

Adapted from: TOEFL iBT: 4th edition (2009), New York: Kaplan.