Either … or (ou … ou, nem … nem)
Neither … nor (nem … nem (sem o not))
Both … and (tanto … quanto)
not only … but also (não somente … mas também)
Neither … nor (nem … nem (sem o not))
Both … and (tanto … quanto)
not only … but also (não somente … mas também)
Aplicando
-Either you go or stay here (Ou você vai, ou fica aqui)
-She doesn’t speak either english or portuguese (ela não fala português nem inglês)
-He could go neither right or left (ele nao poderia ir nem para a direita nem para a esquerda)
-Both he and she are special (tanto ele quanto ela são especiais)
-Teachers are not only teachers, but also friends (os professores não são somente professores, mas amigos também.)
-Either you go or stay here (Ou você vai, ou fica aqui)
-She doesn’t speak either english or portuguese (ela não fala português nem inglês)
-He could go neither right or left (ele nao poderia ir nem para a direita nem para a esquerda)
-Teachers are not only teachers, but also friends (os professores não são somente professores, mas amigos também.)
Conjunções adversativas
São aquelas que dão idéias opostas.
But – mas
However – entretanto
nevertheless – não obstante, mesmo assim
São aquelas que dão idéias opostas.
But – mas
However – entretanto
nevertheless – não obstante, mesmo assim
Consecutivas ou conclusivas
São usadas para terminar frases, fazer conclusões.
São usadas para terminar frases, fazer conclusões.
so – então, por isso
therefore – portanto
thus – por isso
consequently – consequentemente
then – então
hence – daí, logo (ex: ele fuma, daí as tosses)
therefore – portanto
thus – por isso
consequently – consequentemente
then – então
hence – daí, logo (ex: ele fuma, daí as tosses)
Concessivas
Concessões, permissões.
Although – embora
Even though – muito embora
in spite of – apesar de
Concessões, permissões.
Although – embora
Even though – muito embora
in spite of – apesar de
Conjunções de Acréscimos
Continuidade.
besides – além disso
moreover – além do mais
furthermore – além disso, ademais
Continuidade.
besides – além disso
moreover – além do mais
furthermore – além disso, ademais
Explicativas
Para dar explicação à algo, dar razão à.
because – porque
as – como
since – desde
for – pois, visto que
As conjunções servem como conectivos para palavras ou partes de sentenças. Há, basicamente, três categorias de conjunções:Para dar explicação à algo, dar razão à.
because – porque
as – como
since – desde
for – pois, visto que
1. Conjunções coordenadas: conectam partes iguais das sentenças. Em outras palavras, elas conectam palavras com palavras, frases com frases, e cláusulas com cláusulas:
John and Mary are going to the cinema. (substantivo com substantivo)
Mary likes to play the piano or to listen to music. (frase com frase)
John doesn´t like to eat vegetables, but he knows it´s good for his health. (cláusula com cláusula)
Estas seriam as conjunções coordenadas em Inglês: and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet
2. Conjunções correlativas: estas também conectam partes, sendo uma subcategoria das conjunções coordenadas. A diferença é que as conjunções correlativas são realmente duas conjunções em uma:
Either Mary or John would get a job.
Mary wanted not only a job but also a good salary.
As conjunções correlativas em Inglês são: both-and, either-or, neither-nor, not only-but also
3. Conjunções subordinadas: este tipo de conjunção liga cláusulas dependentes ou subordinadas com a cláusula principal ou independente. As cláusulas subordinadas agem como substantivos ou advérbios.
John quit smoking because he was ill.
Mary should have gone out from her house until the end of the year.
Mary had to think about what she would do next.
“Because he was ill” responde à questão “Porque John parou de fumar?”: neste caso, a cláusula funciona como um advérbio.
As conjunções subordinadas em Inglês são: after, as long as, even if, if only, unless, where, although, because, except that, in case, until, wherever, as, before, ever since, just as, when, while, as if, but that, if, since, whenever
Subordinating Conjunctions
Assim como as Coordinating e Correlative Conjunctions, as Subordinating Conjunctions estabelecem relação entre orações, frases ou termos semelhantes. Entretanto, diferentemente da primeira, estabelecem relações entre uma oração dependente (dependent clause)* e uma oração independente (independent clause).
* Dependent clause: orações que não são completas em si mesmas. Observe o exemplo abaixo:
Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.
Este período contém duas orações, "Because it was raining" e "I took my umbrella". A primeira oração é uma dependent clause, ou seja, não possui sentido em si mesma. Se dissermos apenas "Because it was raining" e nada mais, as pessoas não compreenderão o que queremos dizer. Contudo, "I took my umbrella" é uma independent clause, pois possui sentido em si mesma, ou seja, compreendemos seu sentido mesmo se falarmos apenas "I took my umbrella".
Esses tipos de conjunções posicionam-se no início da oração dependente (dependent clause). Porém, a oração dependente pode vir antes ou depois da oração independente.
Observe abaixo exemplos com as principais subordinating conjunctions da Língua Inglesa:
- AFTER (depois, após)
I went home after the concert finished. (Fui para casa depois que o concerto acabou.) After the party, we started talking. (Depois da festa, começamos a conversar.) |  |
- ALTHOUGH / THOUGH / EVEN THOUGH (apesar de (que), embora, ainda que)
 | Although it was raining, we went out. (Saímos, embora estivesse chovendo.) The weather was nice, although it was a bit cold. (O tempo estava bom, embora estivesse um pouco frio.) His clothes, though old and worn, looked clean and of good quality. (As roupas dele, embora velhas e surradas, pareciam limpas e de boa qualidade.) |
He bought me this ring, even though I had told him not to.
(Ele me comprou esse anel, muito embora eu o tenha avisado para não comprar.)
(Ele me comprou esse anel, muito embora eu o tenha avisado para não comprar.)
OBSERVAÇÃO: A conjunção though é mais usada na linguagem falada.
A conjunction may be used to indicate the relationship between the ideas expressed in a clause and the ideas expressed in the rest of a sentence. The conjunctions in the following examples are printed in bold type.
e.g. We could go to the library, or we could go to the park.
He neither finished his homework nor studied for the test.
I went out because the sun was shining.
Coordinate conjunctions are used to join two similar grammatical constructions; for instance, two words, two phrases or two clauses.
e.g. My friend and I will attend the meeting.
Austria is famous for the beauty of its landscape and the hospitality of its people.
The sun rose and the birds began to sing.
In these examples, the coordinate conjunction and is used to join the two words friend and I, the two phrases the beauty of its landscape and the hospitality of its people, and the two clauses the sun rose and the birds began to sing.
The most commonly used coordinate conjunctions are and, but and or. In addition, the words nor and yet may be used as coordinate conjunctions. In the following table, each coordinate conjunction is followed by its meaning and an example of its use. Note the use of inverted word order in the clause beginning with nor.
| and: in addition | She tried and succeeded. |
| but: however | They tried but did not succeed. |
| or: alternatively | Did you go out or stay at home? |
| nor: and neither | I did not see it, nor did they. |
| yet: however | The sun is warm, yet the air is cool. |
As illustrated above, when a coordinate conjunction joins two verbs which have the same subject, the subject need not be repeated. For instance, in the example she tried and succeeded, the pronoun she acts as the subject for both the verb tried and the verb succeeded. It should also be noted that when a coordinate conjunction joins two verbs which do not have the same subject, the two coordinate clauses may be separated by a comma or semicolon, in order to make the meaning clear.
See Exercise 1.
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs, in order to show the relationship between the ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence. For instance, in the following example, the expression either ... or is used to indicate that the ideas expressed in the two clauses represent two alternative choices of action.
e.g. Either you should study harder, or you should take a different course.
The most commonly used correlative conjunctions are both ... and, either ... or and neither ... nor. In the table below, each pair of correlative conjunctions is accompanied by an example of its use. Note that in the construction if ... then, the word then can usually be omitted.
| both ... and | He is both intelligent and good-natured. |
| either ... or | I will either go for a walk or read a book. |
| neither ... nor | He is neither rich nor famous. |
| hardly ... when | He had hardly begun to work, when he was interrupted. |
| if ... then | If that is true, then what happened is not surprising. |
| no sooner ... than | No sooner had I reached the corner, than the bus came. |
| not only ... but also | She is not only clever, but also hard-working. |
| rather ... than | I would rather go swimming than go to the library. |
| scarcely ... when | Scarcely had we left home, when it started to rain. |
| what with ... and | What with all her aunts, uncles and cousins, she has many relatives. |
| whether ... or | Have you decided whether you will come or not? |
See Exercise 2.
As has been seen in previous chapters, subordinate clauses may begin with relative pronouns such as that, what, whatever, which, who and whom, as well as with words such as how, when, where, wherever and why. In the following examples, the subordinate clauses are underlined.
e.g. The house, which stood on a hill, could be seen for miles.
I wonder how he did that.
In addition, subordinate clauses may also begin with words which are commonly referred to as subordinate conjunctions. In the following examples, the subordinate conjunctions are printed in bold type.
e.g. Because it was cold, I wore my winter coat.
Let us wait until the rain stops.
The subordinate conjunctions below are accompanied by their meanings and examples of use.
1. because: As he is my friend, I will help him.
2. when: We watched as the plane took off.
After
1. later in time: After the train left, we went home.
Although or though
1. in spite of the fact that: Although it was after midnight, we did not feel tired.
Before
1. earlier than: I arrived before the stores were open.
Because
1. for the reason that: We had to wait, because we arrived early.
For
1. for, because: He is happy, for he enjoys his work.
If
1. on condition that: If she is here, we will see her.
Lest
1. for fear that: I watched closely, lest he make a mistake.
Note the use of the Subjunctive Mood in the clause with lest.
Providing or provided
1. on condition that: All will be well, providing you are careful.
Since
1. from a past time: I have been here since the sun rose.
2. as, because: Since you are here, you can help me.
So or so that
1. consequently: It was raining, so we did not go out.
2. in order that: I am saving money so I can buy a bicycle.
Note: When used with the meaning in order that, so is usually followed by that in formal English.
e.g. I am saving money so that I can buy a bicycle.
Supposing
1. if: Supposing that happens, what will you do?
Than
1. used in comparisons: He is taller than you are.
Unless
1. except when, if not: Unless he helps us, we cannot succeed.
Until or till
1. up to the time when: I will wait until I hear from you.
Whereas
1. because: Whereas this is a public building, it is open to everyone.
2. on the other hand: He is short, whereas you are tall.
Whether
1. if: I do not know whether she was invited.
While
1. at the time when: While it was snowing, we played cards.
2. on the other hand: He is rich, while his friend is poor.
3. although: While I am not an expert, I will do my best.
In addition, the following phrases are often used at the beginning of subordinate clauses.
As if
1. in a similar way: She talks as if she knows everything.
As long as
1. if: As long as we cooperate, we can finish the work easily.
2. while: He has lived there as long as I have known him.
As soon as
1. immediately when: Write to me as soon as you can.
As though
1. in a similar way: It looks as though there will be a storm.
Even if
1. in spite of a possibility: I am going out even if it rains.
In case
1. because of a possibility: Take a sweater in case it gets cold.
Or else
1. otherwise: Please be careful, or else you may have an accident.
So as to
1. in order to: I hurried so as to be on time.
See Exercise 3.
Certain words, such as after, before, since and until may function either as prepositions or subordinate conjunctions. However it should be noted that in some cases different words must be used as prepositions and subordinate conjunctions, in order to express similar meanings. This is illustrated in the table below.
| Meaning | Preposition | Conjunction |
| for this reason | because of | because |
| in spite of this | despite | although |
| at the time when | during | while |
| in a similar way | like | as if |
In the following examples, the objects of the prepositions, and the verbs of the subordinate clauses are underlined.
Preposition: They were upset because of the delay.
Conjunction: They were upset because they were delayed.
Preposition: Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves.
Conjunction: Although it rained, we enjoyed ourselves.
Preposition: We stayed indoors during the storm.
Conjunction: We stayed indoors while the storm raged.
Preposition: It looks like rain.
Conjunction: It looks as if it will rain.
In the above examples, it can be seen that the prepositions because of, despite, during and like have the noun objects delay, rain and storm; whereas the subordinate conjunctions because, although, while and as if introduce subordinate clauses containing the verbs were delayed, rained, raged and will rain.
It should be noted that like is sometimes used as a subordinate conjunction in informal English.
e.g. It looks like it will rain.
However, this use of like is considered incorrect in formal English.
See Exercise 4.
Connecting adverbs are often used to show the relationship between the ideas expressed in a clause and the ideas expressed in a preceding clause, sentence or paragraph. In the following examples, the connecting adverbs are printed in bold type.
e.g. I wanted to study; however, I was too tired.
We knew what to expect. Therefore, we were not surprised at what happened.
In the first example, the connecting adverb however shows that there is a conflict between the idea expressed in the clause I was too tired and the idea expressed in the preceding clause I wanted to study. In the second example, the connecting adverb therefore shows that there is a cause and effect relationship between the idea expressed in the sentence we knew what to expect, and the clause we were not surprised at what happened.
Connecting adverbs are similar to conjunctions in that both may be used to introduce clauses. However, the use of connecting adverbs differs from that of conjunctions in the ways indicated below.
a. Stress and punctuation
In spoken English, a connecting adverb is usually given more stress than a conjunction. Correspondingly, in formal written English a connecting adverb is usually separated from the rest of a clause by commas, whereas a conjunction is usually not separated from the rest of a clause by commas.
In addition, in formal written English a clause containing a connecting adverb is often separated from a preceding clause by a semicolon; whereas a clause beginning with a conjunction is usually not separated from a preceding clause by a semicolon.
e.g. I wanted to study; however, I was too tired.
I wanted to study, but I was too tired.
In the first example, the connecting adverb however is preceded by a semicolon, and is separated from I was too tired by a comma. In the second example, the conjunction but is preceded by a comma rather than by a semicolon, and is not separated from I was too tired by a comma.
It should be noted that when no conjunction is present, a semicolon may be used to connect two main clauses. For example:
The clouds dispersed; the moon rose.
In this example, the two main clauses the clouds dispersed and the moon rose are connected by a semicolon rather than by a conjunction.
b. Connecting adverbs used to connect sentences
Unlike conjunctions, connecting adverbs may be used in formal English to show the relationship between ideas expressed in separate sentences. For example:
The wind was strong. Thus, I felt very cold.
In this example, the connecting adverb thus shows that there is a cause and effect relationship between the ideas expressed by the two sentences the wind was strong and I felt very cold.
In informal English, coordinate conjunctions are sometimes used to show the relationship between the ideas expressed in separate sentences. For example:
The wind was strong. And I felt very cold.
However, this use of coordinate conjunctions is considered to be grammatically incorrect in formal English.
c. Position in a clause
A subordinate conjunction must usually be placed at the beginning of a clause. However, as was seen in the discussion on adverbs, a connecting adverb may be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a clause. This is illustrated below.
e.g. His visit was unexpected. Nevertheless, I was pleased to see him.
His visit was unexpected. I was, nevertheless, pleased to see him.
His visit was unexpected. I was pleased to see him, nevertheless.
d. Examples of connecting adverbs
The following are examples of words which may be used as connecting adverbs. Each connecting adverb is followed by its meaning and an example of its use.
| accordingly: so | He was very persuasive; accordingly, I did what he asked. |
| also: in addition | She is my neighbor; she is also my best friend. |
| besides: in addition | I like the job. Besides, I need the money. |
| consequently: so | She had a fever; consequently, she stayed at home. |
| furthermore: in addition | You should stop smoking. Furthermore, you should do it at once! |
| hence: for that reason | He is a good friend. Hence, I was not embarrassed to ask him for help. |
| however: but | We wanted to arrive on time; however, we were delayed by traffic. |
| likewise: in addition | The region is beautiful. Likewise, the climate is excellent. |
| moreover: in addition | She is very intelligent; moreover, she is very ambitious. |
| nevertheless: but | They are proud. Nevertheless, I like them. |
| nonetheless: but | The ascent was dangerous. Nonetheless, he decided to attempt it. |
| otherwise: if not, or else | We should consult them; otherwise, they may be upset. |
| still: but | It is a long way to the beach. Still, it is a fine day to go swimming. |
| then: 1. next, afterwards | We went shopping, then we had lunch. |
| 2. so | If you are sure, then I must believe you. |
| therefore: for that reason | I was nervous; therefore, I could not do my best. |
| thus: so, in this way | He travelled as quickly as possible. Thus, he reached Boston the next day. |
As indicated in the following table, several connecting adverbs have meanings similar to those of the conjunctions and, but or so.
| Similar to And | Similar to But | Similar to So |
| also | however | accordingly |
| besides | nevertheless | consequently |
| furthermore | nonetheless | hence |
| likewise | still | therefore |
| moreover | thus |
See Exercises 5 and 6.
The repetition of a particular grammatical construction is often referred to as parallel construction. This is illustrated in the following examples.
e.g. I am neither angry nor excited.
The resort contains tennis courts, swimming pools and a snack bar.
In the first example, the two phrases neither angry and nor excited exhibit parallel construction. In the second example, the three phrases tennis courts,swimming pools and a snack bar exhibit parallel construction.
In English, it is considered preferable to use parallel construction whenever parallel ideas are expressed.
Thus, whenever possible, parallel construction should be employed when correlative conjunctions are used. In the following example, the correlative conjunctions are printed in bold type.
e.g. Incorrect: He has both a good education, and he has good work habits.
Corrected: He has both a good education and good work habits.
The first sentence is incorrect, since both and and are followed by different grammatical constructions. Both is followed by the phrase a good education; whereasand is followed by the clause he has good work habits. The second sentence has been corrected by changing the clause he has good work habits into the phrasegood work habits.
The following example illustrates the use of parallel construction with the correlative conjunctions neither ... nor.
e.g. Incorrect: She turned neither right nor to the left.
Corrected: She turned neither right nor left.
or Corrected: She turned neither to the right nor to the left.
The first sentence is incorrect, since neither is followed by a single word; whereas nor is followed by a prepositional phrase. The second sentence has been corrected by changing the phrase to the left to the word left. Alternatively, as shown in the third sentence, two prepositional phrases can be used.
See Exercise 7.
Parallel construction should also be used when listing a series of ideas. For example:
Incorrect: The hotel is charming, well-situated and is not expensive.
Corrected: The hotel is charming, well-situated and inexpensive.
The first sentence is incorrect, since the first two items in the series, charming and well-situated, are adjectives, whereas the last item, is not expensive, contains a verb. The second sentence has been corrected by changing is not expensive to the adjective inexpensive.9.1) EXERCISE - CONJUNCTIONSFill in the blanks with these words: although, and, because, but, or, since, so, unless, until, when.
- 1 Things were different _____ I was young.
Things were different when I was young.
- 2 I do it _____ I like it.
I do it because I like it.
- 3 Let us wait here _____ the rain stops. Let us wait here until the rain stops.
- 4 You cannot be a lawyer _____ you have a law degree.
You cannot be a lawyer unless you have a law degree.
- 5 That was years _____ years ago.
That was years and years ago.
- 6 She has not called _____ she left last week.
Click here for the answer
She has not called since she left last week.
- 7 I saw him leaving an hour _____ two ago.
I saw him leaving an hour or two ago.
- 8 This is an expensive _____ very useful book.
This is an expensive but very useful book.
- 9 We were getting tired _____ we stopped for a res
We were getting tired so we stopped for a rest.
- 10 He was angry _____ he heard when happened.
He was angry when he heard when happened.
- 11 Walk quickly _____ you will be late.
Click here for the answer
Walk quickly or you will be late.
- 12 He had to retire _____ of ill health.
He had to retire because of ill health.
- 13 We will go swimming next Sunday _____ it's raining
We will go swimming next Sunday unless it's raining.
- 14 I heard a noise _____ I turned the light on.
Click here for the answer
I heard a noise so I turned the light on.
- 15 Would you like a coffee _____ tea?
Click here for the answer
Would you like a coffee or tea?
- 16 Do you know _____ she will arrive?
Do you know when she will arrive?
- 17 _____ the car is old it still runs well.
Although the car is old it still runs well.
- 18 Do you want a pen _____ a bit of paper?
Do you want a pen and a bit of paper?
- 19 I would like to go _____ I am too busy.
I would like to go but I am too busy.
- 20 She will die _____ the doctors operate immediately.
She will die unless the doctors operate immediately.
Choose the best conjunction for each sentence.
- ________ it was raining, I didn't get wet.
- Because
- Although
- Paula got the job ________ she had no experience.
- as
- even though
- Jun couldn't buy any Christmas presents ________ he didn't have any money.
- because
- even though
- Jerry passed the exam first time ________ I had to retake it three times.
- as
- while
- ________ Mei Li doesn't speak English, she can't go to university in Canada.
- Since
- Whereas
- I don't drink coffee ________ it makes me nervous.
- as
- although
- ________ my wife likes to travel abroad, I prefer to stay at home for my vacations.
- Since
- Whereas
- I will be late today ________ my car has broken down.
- because
- though
