1. Combine Phrases and Clauses to Link Contrasting and Related Ideas
Language Usage Skill # 54

2. What rule or idea do I need to know?
A phrase is a group of words that works together as a singular part of speech.
A clause is a group of related words that contain both a subject and a predicate.
Phrases and clauses can be linked together with transitions and prepositions to show contrast and similarities.

3. Why do I need to know this?
Using and arranging a variety of phrases and clauses can help you relate important ideas and clearly express the relationships between ideas.
Using and arranging a variety of phrases and clauses can help you contrast important ideas and clearly express the differences between ideas.

4. Why do I need to know this?
Combining ideas through appropriate methods adds sophistication to your writing, and helps you control the overall rhythm and tone of your work.

5. What might cause mistakes for this concept?
Selecting the wrong words and phrases could confuse the reader as to the purpose for combining ideas/sentences.
Excluding a key idea may make your sentence unclear or incomplete.

6. What strategy can I use to edit my own work?
Use the table below to select an appropriate phrase or word to combine related ideas.
Purpose Signal Words
Sequence then, next, after, before, until, when, while
Restatement that is, in other words, in short
Exemplification for example, for instance, thus, such as
Premise/Reason because, since, for, if, if…then, provided that, so that
Conclusion therefore, hence, so consequently, thus, then, in order to
Similarity likewise, similarly
Addition and, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition, too, not only…but also, either…or, both, with

7. What strategy can I use to edit my own work?
Use the table below to select an appropriate phrase or word to express differences.
Purpose
Signal Words
Related sequence
earlier, much later, meanwhile
Replacement
rather, instead, although, as if
Exception/Condition
but, however, yet, neither…nor, assuming that, unless
Alternation
or, otherwise

8. What strategy can I use to edit my own work?
Identify the sentences/ideas you need to combine.
Original: His back was turned toward the door. He heard a terrible scream. He jumped up. He ran out.
Possible Combined Sentences:
He heard a terrible scream, although his back was turned toward the door.
He heard a terrible scream then he jumped up and ran out.
He jumped up and ran out because he heard a terrible scream.

9. What strategy can I use to edit my own work?
Double check to make sure all ideas are clearly expressed in the sentence.