|
Sentence Complexity and EmbeddingCompoundingCoordinating Conjunctions The coordinating conjunctions are the ones traditionally associated with compound sentences in middle school classes. A useful, easy-to-remember, and commonly used mnemonic device for remembering which words are coordinating conjunctions is the acronym FANBOYS. Each letter represents the first letter of each of the seven coordinating conjunctions (see the highlighted letters in the chart above). There are only these seven words in this category, and it is unlikely that any others will be invented or added. Coordinating conjunctions are a functional subcategory, and they form a closed category of words. Most of the coordinating conjunctions can be used to connect constituents of any type, but there are some limitations to be aware of. The words for, so, and nor tend to be used only with entire clauses, not words or phrases. While this limitation can provide some difficulties for ELs, greater difficulties arise with other details, in particular with the meanings of the conjunctions and with the issue of parallel structure. Native speakers of English have problems with parallel structure, as well. The meanings of the conjunctions are shown in Figure 18 above. While the meanings aren’t difficult concepts in and of themselves, as functional words, the meaning can be lost among all the other more highly meaningful lexical words in the same sentence. As with so many other grammatical features, a clear command these meanings can help understanding, especially in the comprehension of reading, while a vague understanding can hinder that comprehension. The choice of a particular coordinating conjunction can add subtle nuances to a sentence that otherwise remains the same, but sometimes the difference is significant rather than subtle.
Activity 13.4: Seeing Meaning Subtleties Compare the sentences in the pairs below, keying in on the meanings. Is there any difference between the two sentences in each pair? 1. Jane goes to NDSU, and Sue goes to MSUM. 1. Dan began work every day at 9:00, for he hated his job.
The first sentence in the first pair is generally interpreted as highlighting the similarities between the two women: they both are female, they both attend college, and for those in the know, they both live in the same metro community. The second sentence in the pair highlights the differences between the two women, however; the two women attend different institutions. Every word in the two sentences is exactly the same, and the same basic information is exactly the same, but the selection of conjunction creates a nuanced difference. The second pair creates a significant difference in meaning. The first sentence in the second pair implies that Dan’s hate of his job drives him to arrive and begin it somewhat late every day. The second sentence in this pair indicates that Dan begins work at a rather early hour, and the earliness causes his hate of his job. There is no factual difference in the information, but the choice of the conjunction alters the meaning at both a major level (which action caused the other to happen) and at a subtle level (does Dan begin work early or late?) Finally, in standard usage, the use of a coordinating conjunction requires the use of parallel structure. The rule of parallel structure states that when two structures are connected with a coordinating conjunction, the two structures must share the same basic form and function. In other words, coordinating conjunctions join two structures together, but it is essential that the two structures coordinate with each other (yes, think clothes!). That is, the two structures must match each other or the end result will be an unflattering, awkward sentence. However, just as with fashion rules, the rule calling for parallel structure is a prescriptive rule, and even native speakers of English can show up mixing the grammatical equivalent of plaids and stripes: mixing a noun phrase with a prepositional phrase, for example. The most common violation is to join one full clause with a second partial clause in an attempt to create a compound sentence. This actually occurs quite frequently when correlative conjunctions, a sister category to coordinating conjunctions. |
TESL 654
