Jake Walters
Introduction
This tutorial will cover three terms regarding grammar. The three terms are conjunctions, interjections, and run on sentences. I will define each term and provide an example of the term to demonstrate the correct way to use them. The goal is to break down and simplify each term making the use of them efficient and effective.
Conjunctions
Merriam Webster defines conjunction as an “uninfected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words.” An example sentence of a conjunction is; “We will probably regret it; however, we are still going to do it.” By merging one thought with another thought, via the word “however”, we create a conjunction. Other common words which create conjunctions are and, but, although, thus and still. There are three different types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. They all have the same effect on the sentence, but use different contexts. For example, coordinating conjunctions are there to join words, phrases, and clauses of equal grammatical rank in a sentence. Coordinating conjunctions that people use more often than not, are known as FANBOYS; for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Subordinating conjunctions join independent and dependent clauses; common ones include because, since, as, and although, just to name a few. Also, correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together like; either/or, or not only/but also.
Interjections
Merriam Webster defines interjection as “a word or phrase used in exclamation.” Examples of interjections are “Ouch!” or “Heavens!” Interjections can be a word or a phrase. People also use them to write a sound or noise like “ugh!” Interjections have the most common use in the beginning of a sentence. Different injections also express different emotional extremes, such as joy, anger, excitement, or even boredom. This creates an extra emotional impact in the beginning of your sentence. When using an interjection at the beginning of the sentence, you can also use a dash or comma. Also, you can put an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence to add emphasis. Although using injections in the beginning of the sentence is common, it is not a requirement. Interjections have no grammatical influence so you can use them anywhere in the sentence. Using them in the middle or end can allow the interjections to express other feelings based on context. For example, using an interjection at the end of the sentence can turn the sentence into a question or a rhetorical question. “This is a good area of town, hmm?” This can result in someone responding to you since they have an opportunity to share their opinion. When interjections are in the middle of a sentence, it can suggest uncertainty or doubt. “This is, hmm, a good area of town.”
Run on Sentences
Merriam Webster defines a run on sentence as “a sentence containing two or more clauses not connected by the correct conjunction or punctuation.” An example of a run on sentence is, “My dad told me he went to the mall today and then he drove back home and then be went back to the mall because he forgot to get a sweatshirt, however, when he got back to the mall the sweatshirt was sold out.” This happens often in three scenarios. One scenario is an independent clause that gives an order or directive based on what was said in the prior independent clause. Another scenario occurs when two independent clauses connect to a transitional expression (conjunctive adverb) such as however, moreover, nevertheless. Also, when the second of two independent clauses contains a pronoun that connects it to the first independent clause. So, it has to qualify under these conditions to be a run on sentence, not just be a long sentence. There is an example of perfectly formatted sentence with over 200 words on http://guidetogrammar.org/grammar/runons.htm. This means as long as your sentence has correct format, you can use comma splices and other different grammar techniques; even a 200 word sentence can be correct. An easy easy way to fix a run on sentence would be to recall the beginning of this tutorial, and use FANBOYS to separate the sentence into two parts. Another way to fix run-on sentences would be to use subordinating conjunctions, which has the same effect. Furthermore, an easy way to fix run-on sentences is to either use a period or semicolon to separate the sentence into different parts.
References
“Conjunctions.” Grammarly, Grammarly, 22 Nov. 2018, www.grammarly.com/blog/conjunctions/.
GrammarGeek. “Conjunctions: Useful List of Conjunctions with Examples.” 7esl, 14 Jan. 2018, 7esl.com/english-conjunctions/.
GrammarGeek. List of 60 Interjections with Definition & Useful Examples. 31 Mar. 2018, 7esl.com/interjections-exclamations/.
“Interjections.” Interjections | Grammarly Blog, Grammarly, 7 Apr. 2017, www.grammarly.com/blog/interjection/.
Run-on Sentences Activity. Simone Mabry, www.pinterest.com/pin/74379831321738977/?lp=true.
Run-on Sentences, Comma Splices, Guide to Grammar, guidetogrammar.org/grammar/runons.htm.
