Unit 12: Conjunctions and Connections

1. Coordinating Conjunctions: And & Yet

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses to send a logical message.

  • And: Used to suggest addition, chronological sequence, result, or even contrast/surprise.
    Example: Karensent in her applications and waited by the phone.
  • Yet: Used to suggest contrast, despite something, or addition. It implies that something is surprising or unexpected,.
    Example: She is a simple, yet very intelligent woman.

Note: When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.

[Image: A split scene showing a person looking tired but continuing to work hard. Caption: He was tired, yet he continued working.]

2. Purpose vs. Result: So vs. So That

  • So (Result): Suggests a consequence or effect. It connectsa cause to a result,.
    Example: It was raining, so we stayed home.
  • So That (Purpose): Expresses a goal or objective. It is often followed bymodals like can, could, may, might, will, or would.
    Example: He took a taxi so that he arrived on time. In informal styles, ‘that’ is often dropped.

3. Similarity: Like vs. As

  • Like (Preposition): Used to say things are similar. Followed by a noun or pronoun.
    Example: You look like your sister.
  • As (Conjunction): Followed by a clause (subject + verb) to mean “in the way that”.
    Example: They did asthey promised.
  • As (Preposition): Used before nouns designating titles, functions, or jobs.
    Example: He worked as a taxi driver.

[Image: A visual comparison of a girl standing next to a photo of her mother, looking very similar. Caption: She looks like her mother.]

Exercise 1: And vs. Yet

Choose the best conjunction (AND or YET) to complete the sentence.

  1. The story is unbelievable, ______ supposedly it is all true.
  2. Juan is brilliant, ______ Sandra has a pleasant personality.
  3. The food looked lovely, ______ I wasn’t very hungry.
  4. I don’t really like her, ______ I admire her achievements.
  5. My lazy friend failed the test, ______ that didn’t surprise anyone.
  6. Use your credit cards frequently, ______ you’ll soon find yourself in debt.
  7. Nicholas is very playful, ______ his parents do not scold him.
  8. George rang Tom ______ they arranged to meet at the park.

Exercise 2: So vs. So That

Complete the sentences using ‘so’ (result) or ‘so that’ (goal).

  1. I am saving money ______ I can travel in thesummer.
  2. He ran fast ______ he won the race.
  3. I wrote it in my planner ______ I wouldn’t forget.
  4. The sun was setting, ______ we went home.
  5. She gave him more time ______ he could finish the assignment.
  6. It was raining, ______ we decided to change our plans.
  7. We need to set off early ______ we don’t miss the flight.
  8. The student studied hard ______ he passed the exam.

[Image: A student studying late at night with a thought bubble showing a graduation cap. Caption: He studies hard so that he can graduate.]

Exercise 3: Like vs. As

Fill in the blanks with LIKE or AS.

  1. He worked ______ a taxi driver for five years.
  2. You look ______ your sister.
  3. They did exactly ______ they promised.
  4. She is good at scientific subjects, ______ chemistry.
  5. My dad is not always ______ busy as my mum.
  6. This picture is ______ the one I saw at the museum.
  7. We can use ______ to give examples.
  8. Bruce likened the situation ______ a family argument.

Exercise 4: Function Identification

Identify if the conjunction in bold expresses: A) Addition, B) Contrast, C) Result, or D) Purpose.

  1. I’ve come early so that I can talk to you. (____)
  2. She is simple, yet very intelligent. (____)
  3. Kevin heard the report and packed his gear. (____)
  4. I’m saving money so I can travel. (____)
  5. The fridgeis empty, so we must go shopping. (____)
  6. It is hard work, yet she enjoys it. (____)
  7. I stayed after school so that I could help. (____)
  8. Melipilla is beautiful and suffers from pollution. (____)

Exercise 5:Sentence Combination

Combine the two sentences using the word in parentheses.

  1. I wanted toeat outside. It was raining. (but)
  2. The captain expected to find someone. No one was there. (yet)
  3. She wants to show her friends the house. She planned a party. (so)
  4. Hestayed after school. He could help me with homework. (so that)
  5. He took a taxi. He arrives on time. (so that)
  6. Animalscopy other animals. They want to avoid attack. (to)
  7. I amnot a pilot. You are not a pilot. (neither…nor)
  8. He is intelligent. He is hardworking. (and)

[Image: A diagram showing two puzzle pieces being joined together, labeled ‘Sentence 1’ and ‘Sentence 2’ with a conjunction in the middle.]

Exercise 6: ErrorCorrection

Find the mistake in each sentenceand correct it.

  1. He acts as his father. (Meaning: resembles behavior)
  2. I went to the store so I buy milk. (Purpose)
  3. She is rich, and she is not happy. (Contrast context)
  4. I am working as a doctor like I want to help people. (Reason)
  5. They ran fast so that they catch the bus. (Tense agreement)
  6. Like your teacher, I expect you todo homework. (Role/Function)
  7. He plays football yet tennis. (Addition context)
  8. The car was expensive, so thatI didn’t buy it. (Result)
Bài trướcBài sau