Correctly using conjunctions in the ENEM essay
Conjunctions are invariable words that serve to connect sentences or two terms with the same syntactic function, establishing a relationship of dependence or simple coordination between them. They are essential for the construction of a cohesive and coherent text, fundamental characteristics of a good writing for the ENEM.
Types of conjunctions
There are two main types of conjunctions: coordinating and subordinating. Coordinating conjunctions link two independent clauses, and subordinating conjunctions link a main clause and a subordinate clause.
Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions can be classified as: additive, adversative, alternative, conclusive and explanatory.
- Additives: express the idea of addition, sum. Examples: and, neither, nor.
- Adversative: express the idea of opposition, contrast. Examples: but, however, nevertheless.
- Alternatives: express the idea of alternation, option. Examples: or, or...or, well...well.
- Conclusive: express the idea of conclusion, inference. Examples: therefore, then.
- Explanatory: express the idea of explanation, cause. Examples: because, that, because (before the verb).
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be classified as: causal, comparative, conditional, conformative, consecutive, final, temporal, proportional, integral and concessive.
- Causal: express the idea of cause. Examples: because, that, as (when equivalent to because), since, since.
- Comparatives: express the idea of comparison. Examples: that (preceded by more, less, bigger, smaller, better, worse), how.
- Conditionals: express the idea of a condition. Examples: if, in case, as long as, since.
- Conformative: express the idea of conformity. Examples: as, as, second.
- Consecutive: express the idea of consequence. Examples: that (preceded by so, such, so much), so that, so that.
- Endings: express the idea of finality. Examples: so that, in order that.
- Temporals: express the idea of time. Examples: when, while, as soon as.
- Proportional: express the idea of proportion. Examples: as, while, the more.
- Integrants: introduce substantive subordinate clauses. Examples: what, if.
- Concessions: express the idea of concession. Examples: although, although, even though.
How to correctly use conjunctions in the ENEM essay
Conjunctions are fundamental for the construction of a cohesive and coherent text. Therefore, it is essential to know how to use them correctly in writing the ENEM. Here are some tips:
- Use conjunctions to link ideas and arguments in a logical and coherent way.
- Avoid repeating the same conjunction several times. Use synonyms or restructure sentences to avoid repetition.
- Make sure the conjunction you are using really expresses the relationship you want to establish between the ideas or arguments.
- Proofread your text to verify that all conjunctions are being used correctly.