Conjunctions — Parts of Speech
What Is It?
A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses.
Canonical pattern: Element → Conjunction → Element.
Why Use Conjunctions?
- Logic – sets relations (and, or, but).
- Compactness – welds clauses into one line.
- Hierarchy – signals dependence (because, although).
- Emphasis – foregrounds contrast.
When to Choose Conjunctions
- If/else examples in code snippets.
- Comparative benchmark write-ups.
- Onboarding docs blending steps and caveats.
Forming Conjunction Sentences
| Type | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating | S + V, conj S + V | Retry, or exit the loop. |
| Subordinating | Conj + S + V, S + V | Because the token expired, refresh it. |
| Correlative | Pair + S + V, S + V | Either roll back or hot-patch. |
Tips for Writing with Conjunctions
- Keep parallel structure (verb tenses match across clauses).
- Use commas before and/but in complex sentences.
- Avoid starting every sentence with But in formal docs.
- Collapse repetitive parts (“compile and test” over “compile code and test code”).
- Verify logical operators match code equivalents (or vs. xor).
Exceptions & Nuances
“While” may signal contrast or time; clarify with context or swap for “although”/“as.”