Common mistakes with conjunctions

In this article, we will take a look at some common mistakes in the use of conjunctions.

Incorrect: Although she was tired, but she went to work.

Correct: Although she was tired, she went to work.

Correct: She was tired but she went to work.

Incorrect: Though he is fat but he runs fast.

Correct: Though he is fat he runs fast.

Correct: He is fat but he runs fast.

Explanation

One conjunction is enough to join two clauses – we do not normally use two.

Incorrect: He was absent. Because he was ill.

Correct: He was absent because he was ill.

Explanation

This is a common punctuation mistake. Because is a subordinating conjunction; it must never be separated from its main clause by a full stop.

Incorrect: There is the girl who she works with my brother.

Correct: There is the girl who works with my brother.

Incorrect: She never returns the books that I lend her them.

Correct: She never returns the books that I lend her.

Explanation

Relative pronouns join clauses like conjunctions. A relative pronoun is like the subject or object of the verb that comes after it. So we do not need another subject or object.

Incorrect: The house that I live is very small.

Correct: The house where I live is very small.

Correct: The house that I live in is very small.

That can be used instead of which or who(m), but we do not usually use that instead of when or where.