although but however All of these words join

although, but, however All of these words join clauses in sentences, but they are different parts of speech. This presentation explains the impact of the word choice on sentence pattern and punctuation.

although, but, however Semantic similarity These three words are related semantically (in meaning): they all signal a contrast in the information that follows with the information that precedes. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 2

although, but, however Structural difference However, these words differ structurally: they are different parts of speech and affect sentence patterns in different ways. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 3

Semantic similarity Structural difference An editor needs to know the structural difference in order to punctuate sentences correctly. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 4

although, but, however sentence patterns and punctuation n n Punctuation errors can result from using the words as interchangeable. Misreading can result from errors. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 5

parts of speech For use with Technical Editing 3 e 6

sentence analysis Compound sentence, coordinating conjunction I have studied the textbook, but I am still confused. n n n coordinating conjunction (“but”) two independent clauses (“I have studied” and “I am”) compound sentence: comma separates clauses with a coordinating conjunction For use with Technical Editing 3 e 7

sentence analysis Complex sentence, subordinating conjunction Although I have studied the textbook, I am still confused. n n two clauses (2 pairs of subject + verb) subordinating conjunction (“although”) dependent clause complex sentence: comma after the introductory clause For use with Technical Editing 3 e 8

sentence analysis Complex sentence, subordinating conjunction I have studied the textbook; however, I am still confused. n n n conjunctive adverb (joins clauses but does not affect sentence pattern) two independent clauses compound sentence, no coordinating conjunction-->semicolon For use with Technical Editing 3 e 9

sentence analysis Two simple sentences, “however” as adverb in one I am confused. I have, however, studied the textbook. “however” is an adverb n two simple sentences n the adverb is interrupting material that requires a pair of commas n For use with Technical Editing 3 e 10

Review o o although, but, however Parts of speech affect sentence patterns. Although, but, and however are different parts of speech. n although--subordinating conjunction n but--coordinating conjunction n however--conjunctive adverb For use with Technical Editing 3 e 11

Review: sentence types o compound sentence = two independent clauses n n o join with comma plus coordinating conjunction join with a semicolon complex sentence = one independent clause, one dependent clause n join with a comma or nothing (never a semicolon) For use with Technical Editing 3 e 12

Review o o o although, but, however Although makes a clause dependent and the sentence complex. But joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. However can join independent clauses but does not change their independence. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 13

Editing: original sentence (punctuation error) o When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly; although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 14

Editing: analysis When editors analyze sentence structure, dependent clause (“when” is a subordinating conjunction) they punctuate correctly independent clause (S+V) although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech. dependent clause (S+V + subordinating conjunction) For use with Technical Editing 3 e 15

Option #1 for punctuation Delete the semicolon (or replace it with a comma): maintain complex sentence When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 16

Option #2 for punctuation Replace although with however and retain the semicolon: create a compoundcomplex sentence (includes 2 independent clauses) When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly; however, it is easy to confuse different parts of speech. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 17

Choosing an option o o In this case, the second option is probably better. The sentence is long and difficult. Subordination and lack of punctuation increase reading difficulty. Coordination creates parallel structure, which aids comparison. For use with Technical Editing 3 e 18

although, but, however o o o know parts of speech know the ways these words affect clauses punctuate according to structure For use with Technical Editing 3 e 19