although, but, however

All of these words join clauses in sentences, but they are different parts of speech. This presentation explains the impact of the word choice on sentence pattern and punctuation.

although, but, however

Semantic similarity
These three words are related semantically (in meaning): they all signal a contrast in the information that follows with the information that precedes.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

although, but, however

Structural difference
However, these words differ structurally: they are different parts of speech and affect sentence patterns in different ways.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

Semantic similarity Structural difference An editor needs to know the structural difference in order to punctuate sentences correctly.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

although, but, however

sentence patterns and punctuation

Punctuation errors can result from using the words as interchangeable. Misreading can result from errors.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

parts of speech
word although but however part of speech effect on sentence subordinating makes clause conjunction dependent coordinating conjunction conjunctive adverb joins like things (2 independent clauses) modifies an independent clause

For use with Technical Editing 3e

sentence analysis

Compound sentence, coordinating conjunction

I have studied the textbook, but I am still confused.

coordinating conjunction (but) two independent clauses (I have studied and I am) compound sentence: comma separates clauses with a coordinating conjunction

For use with Technical Editing 3e

sentence analysis

Complex sentence, subordinating conjunction

Although I have studied the textbook, I am still confused.

two clauses (2 pairs of subject + verb) subordinating conjunction (although) dependent clause complex sentence: comma after the introductory clause

For use with Technical Editing 3e

sentence analysis

Complex sentence, subordinating conjunction

I have studied the textbook; however, I am still confused.

conjunctive adverb (joins clauses but does not affect sentence pattern) two independent clauses compound sentence, no coordinating conjunction-->semicolon

For use with Technical Editing 3e

sentence analysis

Two simple sentences, however as adverb in one

I am confused. I have, however, studied the textbook. however is an adverb two simple sentences the adverb is interrupting material that requires a pair of commas
For use with Technical Editing 3e 10

Review

although, but, however

Parts of speech affect sentence patterns. Although, but, and however are different parts of speech. although--subordinating conjunction but--coordinating conjunction however--conjunctive adverb

For use with Technical Editing 3e

11

Review: sentence types

compound sentence = two independent clauses
join with comma plus coordinating conjunction join with a semicolon

complex sentence = one independent clause, one dependent clause

join with a comma or nothing (never a semicolon)

For use with Technical Editing 3e

12

Review

although, but, however

Although makes a clause dependent and the sentence complex. But joins independent clauses in a compound sentence. However can join independent clauses but does not change their independence.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

13

Editing:
error)

original sentence (punctuation

When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly; although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

14

Editing:

analysis
dependent clause (when is a subordinating conjunction) independent clause (S+V) dependent clause (S+V + subordinating conjunction)

When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly

although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech.
For use with Technical Editing 3e

15

Option #1 for punctuation

Delete the semicolon (or replace it with a comma): maintain complex sentence

When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly although it is easy to confuse different parts of speech.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

16

Option #2 for punctuation

Replace although with however and retain the semicolon: create a compoundcomplex sentence (includes 2 independent clauses)

When editors analyze sentence structure, they punctuate correctly; however, it is easy to confuse different parts of speech.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

17

Choosing an option
In this case, the second option is probably better. The sentence is long and difficult. Subordination and lack of punctuation increase reading difficulty. Coordination creates parallel structure, which aids comparison.

For use with Technical Editing 3e

18

although, but, however

know parts of speech know the ways these words affect clauses punctuate according to structure

For use with Technical Editing 3e

19