When two or more words are used to connect clauses, they are called conjunctions. Conjunctions help to make sentences clearer and less choppy. However, there is a type of error that can be made when using conjunctions. This error is known as the Error Related to Conjunction. In this lesson, we will discuss what this error is, and give an error conjunction example of how it can be corrected. We will also provide a study that was conducted on the Error Related to Conjunction in a Sentence. Stay tuned!
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, clauses and phrases. We use them all the time without notice. For example, “I have a big house and a small car.” The word “and” is the conjunction that connects the two independent clauses.
There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. Each type serves a different purpose.
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunction is “and.” Other examples include: “but,” “or,” and “nor.”
Subordinating conjunctions connect subordinate clauses to independent clauses. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs an independent clause to make it complete. The most common subordinating conjunction is “because.” Other examples include: “although,” “since,” and “while.”
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs and work together to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Some examples of correlative conjunctions contain: “either/or,” “neither/nor,” and “not only/but also.”
Now that we know the different types of conjunctions, let’s talk about the error related to conjunction in a sentence.
Error related to Conjunction in a Sentence:
Here are some conjunction errors:
- The error occurs when two independent clauses are connected by a comma instead of a conjunction. This is called a comma splice.
For example, the following sentence is a comma splice:
I have a big project due tomorrow, I can’t go to the party tonight.
This error can be corrected by adding conjunction between the two independent clauses:
I have a big project due tomorrow so I can’t go to the party tonight.
- Another error that can occur with conjunctions is called a run-on sentence. A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are connected without any punctuation.
For example, the following sentence is a run-on:
I have a big project due tomorrow I can’t go to the party tonight.
This error can be corrected by adding conjunction between the two independent clauses and using either a comma or a semicolon before the conjunction:
I have a big project due tomorrow, so I can’t go to the party tonight.
I have a big project due tomorrow; therefore, I can’t go to the party tonight.
- When using a semicolon to correct a run-on sentence, make sure that the two independent clauses are closely related in meaning. If they are not, it is better to use a period and start a new sentence.
There are many conjunctions that can be used to connect two independent clauses: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Remember to use a comma with conjunction when connecting two independent clauses. And, if you’re not sure whether to use a comma or semicolon, try reading your sentence out loud. If you can pause after the first clause without changing the meaning of the sentence, then you probably need a comma.
Conclusion
Conjuctions are words that join two words or clauses. The error related to conjunction is a common error made by students. The error occurs when the conjunction is not used correctly in a sentence. The study provides examples of the error and offers suggestions on how to avoid making the mistake. If you are a student, be careful when using conjunctions in your writing. Make sure you use them correctly to avoid making this error.