Friday, December 16

Grammar tips

This week we will continue to review linking words (conjunctions).

Last week we saw some linking words of contrast, such as: although; however; despite; yet; but; though; while; even though; whereas; in spite of; regardless (of); notwithstanding; nevertheless; nonetheless; by contrast; even so; albeit.

Today we will take a look at two linking words: however and yet!

However

There are two important characteristics of the linking word however for you to remember: it must be separated from the rest of the text;and  it can connect two full sentences or be used within one single sentence.  

However also has four possible punctuation rules:

1. Connecting 2 full sentences: Subject + verb; however, subject + verb.
2. At the beginning of a sentence: However, subject + verb.
3. In the middle of a sentence: Subject, however, verb.
4. At the end of the sentence: Subject + verb, however.

Yet

Now we present some characteristics of this linking word:

1. Yet works in a similar way as however when used at the beginning of a sentence, but it does not use a comma.
2. Yet without punctuation can only be substituted by but.
3. Yet draws a connection between two full sentences: Subject + verb. Yet + subject + verb.

Yet is only a contrast when used in two forms: at the beginning of a sentence without punctuation; and when used in the middle of a sentence in the same way as the conjunction but.