Mastering English Sentence Structure and Conjunctions

Result Clauses

S + V + So + adj/adv + (that)

Example: She speaks so quickly that I can't understand her.

S + V + Such + (a) + (adj) + noun... that

• Singular or countable noun: It was such a (obligatory if the noun is singular) lovely (optional adjective) day (noun) that I couldn't get on a bus.
• Plural or uncountable noun: It was such dirty (optional adjective) water (noun) that we didn't dare to drink it.

S + V + Too (too much) + adj/adv + (for) + to + infinitive

Example: The tea is too hot for her to drink.

S + V + adj/adv + enough + (for) + to + infinitive (Normally used in negative sentences)

Example: You aren't tall enough (for her) to drink.

Consequence Connectors

• Therefore: For that reason
• Consequently: As a consequence
• As a result: Due to something
• Thus: In this way
• Hence: For this purpose
• Accordingly: Therefore, so

Purpose Clauses

• So as to: Example: We are getting up early tomorrow so as to catch the 7 o'clock train.
• So as not to: Example: We are leaving early tomorrow so as not to be late for work.
• So that: Example: I'll leave the book here so that you can pick it up on your way home.

Concession Clauses

a) Subordinators

Although / Though / Even though / In spite of the fact that / Even if

Translation: Although, even though

They are placed at the beginning of the sentence and are followed by Subject + Verb + ...

b) Adverbials

However / Nevertheless / Anyway / Anyhow / Even so / All the same / At all events

Translation: However, nevertheless

They are used after a full stop and followed by a comma.

Example: The unions called out a strike. However, few workers supported it.

In spite of / Despite

Translation: In spite of, despite

They are followed by a noun or an -ing form.

Exercises

Exercise 3

1. The girls were so talented that they passed all the exams. (such/that) -> They were such talented girls that they passed all the exams.
2. It isn't warm enough to go to the beach. (too) -> It is too cold to go to the beach.
3. She was really happy, and she couldn't stop smiling. (so/that) -> She was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling.
4. He is too immature for her. (enough) -> He isn't mature enough for her.
5. The film was so boring that she couldn't stay awake. (such/that) -> It was such a boring film that she couldn't stay awake.

Exercise 4

1. My dictionaries are too heavy for me to bring them to class. (enough) -> My dictionaries aren't light enough for me to bring them to class.
2. The coffee they served at the party wasn't strong enough for me to drink it. (too) -> The coffee they served at the party was too mild for me to drink it.
3. He wasn't old enough to go into the Night Club. (too) -> He was too young to go into the Night Club. (*With "too", the adjective goes after.)
4. She is too disloyal for me to go out with her. (enough) -> She isn't loyal enough for me to go out with her. (*With "enough", the adjective goes before.)