I like to tell students that the secret to English punctuation lies in looking at the three types of joining words all at once (in a 3 column slide), then taking note each has it's own punctuation.  I further point out that it is relatively easy to keep the three sets apart.  I point out the FANBOYS acronym for coordinate conjunctions and then note that the ideas of subordinate and conjunctive adverb already exists in their head it is just a matter of getting comfortable with it.  To prove it I give them a few examples and they try to place them in the correct category with the others on the slide.  

And then I give these basic rules which are quite elucidating and elmininate a lot of problems:  

1.  Coordinate Conjunctions.  

A comma always precedes the coordinate conjunction

                   A, and B.  

2.  Subordinate conjunctions.  

If the conjuntion precedes the conjunction clause use a comma.  

                   Because A, B.

                   B because A.  

3.  Conjunctive Adverbs

There are four ways to do this.  

                  A.  However, B.  

                  B; however, B.  
            
                   A.  B..., however, B... .

                   A.  B... , however.  

They find this approach clears their mind.  I teach post-secondary and there are frequently confusions that need to be cleared up rather than ideas that need to be introduced.  

Phil Bralich



-----Original Message-----
>From: Craig Hancock <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Sep 11, 2006 8:37 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Conjunctive Adverbs
>
>Phil,
>   I agree, but I think we need to make it clear that our agreement is
>essentially that we will use these terms to mean these things, and that
>the distinctions are important.
>   I think the semi-colon is a natural tool to show a simultaneous
>connection and independence between clauses, like those in your
>"however" example. (I'm just as glad you didn't use the semi-colon;
>some grammar books talk as though it is the right way to do it.) And I
>have no problem with starting with the role of the semi-colon and then
>coming up with examples that seem effective.
>  In an effective text, no sentences function independently of each other.
>From there, we can see lots of ways in which the connections are built
>and made manifest.
>  These are important problems precisely because they are at the
>conjunction of syntax and discourse. If sentences are to do the work of
>discourse, then we need to look at how.
>  Following most handbooks won't get us very far.
>
>Craig
>
>
>   Their independence is what determines that they are adverbs and not
>> conjunctions.  A conjunction requires two clauses an adverb can sit
>> with john.   John dates Mary although she is leaving town.
>> Subordinate conjunction   John likes Mary but she is leaving town.
>>                  Coordinate conjunction   John likes Mary.  However,
>> she is leaving town.           Conjunctive adverb   This is not just a
>> punctuation convention but a recognition of the fundamental difference
>> between an adverb that carries this sort of meaning (consequence,
>> negative consequenec, conjunction, etc) and the conjunctions that do.
>>   Phil Bralich
>>
>>
>>  -----Original Message-----
>> From: Peter Adams
>> Sent: Sep 10, 2006 2:08 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Conjunctive Adverbs
>>
>> Everyone seems to agree, even Martha Kolln and the Cambridge Grammar, that
>> conjunctive adverbs are, indeed, conjunctions.  I still don't see why they
>> are not just considered adverbs.  Does anyone see it my way?
>>
>>
>>
>> Peter Adams
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>
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