Welcome to the World of Connectors!
Have you ever wondered how to make your English sentences longer and more interesting? Instead of saying "I like apples. I like oranges," you can say "I like apples and oranges." In this chapter, we are going to learn about Conjunctions and Prepositions. These are the "glue" and the "compass" of the English language. They help us join ideas together and tell us exactly where or when something is happening.
1. Conjunctions: The Sentence Glue
Conjunctions are words used to connect words, phrases, or whole sentences. Think of them as bridges that link two islands together.
A. Simple Connectors (Coordinating Conjunctions)
These are the most common words we use to build compound sentences (sentences with two equal parts).
• And (Addition): I like music and sports.
• But (Contrast): It is small but powerful.
• Or (Choice): Do you want tea or coffee?
• So (Result): It was raining, so I stayed home.
Quick Tip: When using "or" in a question to give a choice, your voice usually goes up on the first choice and down on the second!
Example: "Is that a dog \( \nearrow \), or a cat \( \searrow \)?"
B. Words that Start "Mini-Sentences" (Subordinating Conjunctions)
Sometimes, we want to show a relationship like time or reason. These create complex sentences.
• When: I was happy when I saw her. (Shows time)
• Because: I study because I want to go to Hawaii. (Shows reason)
• If: If it is sunny tomorrow, let's play soccer. (Shows condition)
• Before / After: Wash your hands before you eat.
C. The "That" Connector
In Junior High School, we often use that to connect a verb (like think, know, or hope) to a whole thought.
Example: I think that English is fun.
(Here, "English is fun" is the thought you are connecting to "I think".)
Key Takeaway: Conjunctions turn short, choppy sentences into smooth, flowing ideas!
2. Prepositions: The Compass and the Clock
Prepositions are short words that show the relationship between a noun and the rest of the sentence. They usually tell us Where or When.
A. Prepositions of Place (Where?)
Don't worry if these seem tricky; many students mix them up at first! Here is an easy way to remember the "Big Three":
• At: Used for a specific point. (at the station, at the door)
• On: Used for a surface. (on the table, on the wall)
• In: Used for inside an enclosed space. (in the box, in Japan, in my room)
Other useful place words:
• Under: The cat is under the chair.
• By / Near: Come and sit by me. (Means "beside" or "close to")
• Between: My house is between the school and the park.
B. Prepositions of Time (When?)
We use the same "Big Three" for time, too!
• At: For a specific time clock. (at 7:00, at night)
• On: For days and dates. (on Monday, on January 1st)
• In: For longer periods like months, years, or seasons. (in August, in 2025, in summer)
Did you know? We say "in the morning" but "at night." English can be funny sometimes, so it's best to learn these as set phrases!
C. Prepositions of Movement
• To: I go to school. (Shows destination)
• From: This gift is from my mother. (Shows origin)
• Into: He walked into the room. (Movement from outside to inside)
Key Takeaway: Prepositions are like a map for your reader. They tell us exactly where and when things are happening.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Mixing up "Because" and "So":
Wrong: Because it was hot, so I opened the window.
Right: Because it was hot, I opened the window. (OR) It was hot, so I opened the window.
Rule: Don't use both in the same sentence! Pick one "bridge" for one gap.
2. Forgetting "at/on/in":
Remember: At (Point), On (Surface/Day), In (Container/Month).
Example: I will meet you \( \mathbf{at} \) the park \( \mathbf{on} \) Sunday \( \mathbf{in} \) May.
Quick Review Quiz (Mental Check)
1. Which word connects a reason? (Answer: because)
2. Which preposition do we use for a specific time like 3:30? (Answer: at)
3. In the sentence "I know that he is kind," what is the word "that" doing? (Answer: It's a conjunction connecting a thought to the verb "know".)
Note: For more on how to use these with different times (like the past or present), check the chapters on "Present and past forms" or "Future expressions."