Conjunctions and logical connectors — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Choose the connector that fits the relationship without doubling it.
Key ideas to know
Matching Connector Logic
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: The scientist conducted the experiment three times, _____ the initial results were inconclusive. (A) because (B) although (C) unless
(B) although. Use although to show contrast between two related ideas. Because shows cause, and unless shows condition.
Watch out: Picking because when the sentence shows contrast instead of cause-and-effect.
Avoiding Double Conjunctions
Identify the error and choose the corrected version: _____ it rained heavily, but the match continued without delay. (A) Because (B) Although (C) Since
The error is doubling a subordinating conjunction with a coordinating one. Choose (B) Although. Remove but. Correct: Although it rained heavily, the match continued without delay.
Watch out: Using although or even though together with and, but, or so in the same sentence structure.
Correlative pairs
Which sentence uses a correlative pair correctly? (A) She is not only talented but also hardworking. (B) She is not only talented and also hardworking. (C) She is not only talented, nor hardworking.
A. Not only pairs with but also, and the words after each half must have the same form.
Watch out: Mixing halves from different pairs, such as not only ... and also or neither ... or.
Coordinating vs Subordinating
How should you connect these ideas without creating a fragment or run-on? The team practiced daily _____ they wanted to win the championship. (A) and (B) because (C) so
Use (B) because. Subordinating conjunctions like because attach to an independent clause to show cause, while coordinating conjunctions join equal grammatical units.
Watch out: Using a coordinating conjunction where a subordinating one is needed to show cause or condition, which leaves a dependent clause stranded or creates a comma splice.