Conjunctions and linking words
Conjunctions show whether linked units are grammatically equal or whether one clause depends on another.
01 · Concept foundation
Understand the terms before applying the rule
Each term below names a different grammatical object. Open examples and compare their function rather than memorising a Vietnamese translation alone.
coordinator/kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪtə/
liên từ đẳng lậpA conjunction joining units of equal grammatical status.
and, but, or, so
và, nhưng, hoặc, vì vậy
subordinator/səˈbɔːdɪneɪtə/
liên từ phụ thuộcA word that introduces a dependent clause and specifies its relation to a main clause.
although, because, if, while
mặc dù, bởi vì, nếu, trong khi
dependent clause/dɪˈpendənt klɔːz/
mệnh đề phụ thuộcA clause that cannot normally stand alone because its interpretation is grammatically tied to a main clause.
Although the grid was coarse, ...
Mặc dù lưới thô, ...
conjunctive adverb/kənˈdʒʌŋktɪv ˈædvɜːb/
trạng từ liên kếtAn adverb such as however or therefore that links propositions semantically but does not coordinate clauses grammatically.
The run failed; therefore, it was repeated.
Lần chạy thất bại; vì vậy, nó được lặp lại.
parallelism/ˈpærəlelɪzəm/
cấu trúc song songThe use of matching grammatical forms in coordinated or compared units.
collect, clean and archive
thu thập, làm sạch và lưu trữ
clause linker/klɔːz ˈlɪŋkə/
từ nối mệnh đềA coordinator or subordinator whose grammar determines the status of the clause it introduces or joins.
because + clause; but + independent clause
because + mệnh đề; but + mệnh đề độc lập
Complete lesson scope
Do not stop at one formula
Coordinators and balanced clause joining
Subordinators of time, reason, contrast, condition and purpose
Correlative conjunctions and parallel structure
Conjunctive adverbs, punctuation and sentence boundaries
Decision boundary: A linking expression does not automatically repair a fragment or comma splice; clause status and punctuation still matter.
02 · Controlling rule
Coordinators join equal units, subordinators introduce dependent clauses, and conjunctive adverbs connect independent propositions semantically. The chosen linker must match both meaning and the grammatical form that follows.
X, but Y | Although X, Y | X; however, YConjunctions, clause linking and logical relations
Distinguish coordination, subordination and conjunctive adverbs; choose a linker that expresses the intended logic and punctuate the resulting clause structure correctly.
1. Coordination: equal grammatical status
Coordinators join words, phrases or independent clauses of equal rank. The joined elements should normally be parallel in grammatical form.
parallel unit + and/but/or/so/yet + parallel unitAnd adds, but/yet contrast, or offers alternatives, and so presents a result.
Use a comma before a coordinator joining two independent clauses; no comma is normally needed for two short words or phrases.
Maintain parallelism: to collect, to process and to interpret; not to collect, processing and interpretation.
Correlative pairs require balanced units: both ... and; either ... or; neither ... nor; not only ... but also.
The model reproduced the timing, but it underestimated the peak magnitude.
The workflow is designed to collect, clean and archive the observations.
Logical-relation map
Select meaning first, then the grammatical family that can introduce the following unit.
| Relation | Clause linker | Phrase linker | Sentence connector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | because, since, as | because of, due to | therefore, consequently |
| Contrast/concession | although, even though, whereas | despite, in spite of | however, nevertheless |
| Addition | and; while (parallel addition) | in addition to | moreover, furthermore |
| Example | such as is not a clause linker | such as, including | for example, for instance |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that | without, in case of | otherwise |
Clause-linking punctuation
Punctuation reflects grammatical independence, not only pause length.
| Structure | Punctuation | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent clause first | comma after dependent clause | Although X, Y. |
| Main clause first | often no comma before restrictive clause | Y because X. |
| Two independent clauses + coordinator | comma + coordinator | X, but Y. |
| Two independent clauses + connector | semicolon/full stop + connector + comma | X; however, Y. |
High-risk contrasts
Because creates a dependent clause that needs a main clause.
Although already marks concession; do not add but to the same clause relation.
Therefore is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinator; use a semicolon or full stop before it.
Coordinated items need matching grammatical form.
Concept and form check
Apply the system in context
Write a five-sentence IELTS paragraph with cause, concession, addition and result. Use at least one dependent clause, one coordinator and one conjunctive adverb with correct punctuation.
- ✓The linker expresses the intended logical relation.
- ✓The form after the linker is a clause or phrase of the required type.
- ✓Independent clauses are not joined by a comma alone.
03 · Worked examples
Observe form, function and meaning together
The model reproduced the timing, but it underestimated the peak.
Mô hình tái hiện đúng thời điểm nhưng đánh giá thấp đỉnh.
Although the calibration period was short, the statistics remained acceptable.
Mặc dù giai đoạn hiệu chỉnh ngắn, các chỉ số vẫn chấp nhận được.
The resolution was limited; nevertheless, the main pattern was reproduced.
Độ phân giải bị hạn chế; tuy vậy, dạng chính vẫn được tái hiện.
The workflow collects, cleans and archives the observations.
Quy trình thu thập, làm sạch và lưu trữ dữ liệu quan trắc.
04 · High-risk contrast
Explain why one form fails, not only which answer is correct
The record was incomplete, therefore the run was repeated.
The record was incomplete; therefore, the run was repeated.
Therefore is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinator. A semicolon or full stop must separate the two independent clauses.
05 · Mastery check
Apply the rule before marking the lesson complete
Which sentence is grammatically acceptable in the target system?
Which description best defines “coordinator”?
Which example is one of the verified target patterns in this lesson?
Which structural formula belongs to this lesson?
Complete all four checks, then submit a sentence for target-form feedback.
06 · IELTS Academic
Transfer grammar into a real communicative task
Build paragraph logic with varied but accurate relations rather than placing a memorised linker at the start of every sentence.
Distinguish coordinators, subordinators and conjunctive adverbs.
Match clause linkers with clauses and phrase linkers with noun/-ing phrases.
Punctuate independent clauses correctly.
Maintain parallel form in coordinated series.