When using conjunctions in a sentence, ensure the words, phrases or clauses have the same grammatical structure.

Conjunctions connect same parts of speech.

Examples:

  • I have a brother  and  a sister . (Noun linked to noun)
  • We joked  and  laughed . (Verb to verb)
  • She is tall  and  beautiful . (Adjective to adjective)
  • He often eats quickly and noisily . (Adverb to adverb)

Conjunctions connect phrases.

Examples

  • The fisherman is carrying a bucket of fish and walking  along the beach .
  • They were running across the field  and  jumping over the fence .

    (Both phrases are of continuous tense.)

  • I enjoy watching TV  and eating popcorn  at the same time.
  • He likes listening to ghost stories and visiting haunted places .

    (Both are gerund phrases.)

Conjunctions connect clauses.

In joining clauses , we leave out some words.

Examples:

  • We went closer. We were able to see it better.
  • We went closer and  were able to see it better..
  • The zoo has two hippos. It also has two camels..
  • The zoo has two hippos and  two camels.
  • She is friendly. She is not very considerate.
  • She is friendly but  not very considerate.
  • Will you have a coffee? Or will you have a tea?
  • Will you have a coffee or  tea?.