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.