Session 03  ·  Student Handout  ·  Boundaries · Standard English Conventions

Clauses, Conjunctions & Connectors

FANBOYS, subordinators, and conjunctive adverbs each connect clauses — but each demands different punctuation. Sort the connector first and the punctuation follows automatically.

Boundaries Phase Boundaries Session 03 of 10
01 Three Kinds of Connector
Sort the connector, then punctuate
Coordinating (FANBOYS) — for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — join two ICs with a comma before: IC, and IC.  Subordinating — because, although, since, while, if, when, after — make a DC: DC, IC or IC DC.  Conjunctive adverbs — however, therefore, moreover, thus, instead, indeed — need a semicolon: IC; however, IC.
02 The Conjunctive-Adverb Trap
“however” is not “but”
Words like however, therefore, moreover, consequently feel like conjunctions but are adverbs. A comma in front of one joining two ICs is still a comma splice. Use a semicolon (or period) before, and a comma after: The plan was bold; however, it was underfunded.
Ready to practice?

14 questions for this session — 4 guided (label the structure first), 6 on the clock, and 4 in home practice. Every timed score feeds your sub-skill Error Log.

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