82. So, then, and also, the conjunctive adverbs, should not be used to unite coördinate verbs in a sentence unless and or but be used in addition to the adverb.

Bad: The boys' grades are low, so they indicate lack of application.
Good: The boys' grades are low, and so indicate lack of application.
Bad: He read for a while, then fell asleep.
Good: He read for a while, and then fell asleep.
Bad: I'll be down next week; also I shall bring Jack along.
Good: I'll be down next week; and also I shall bring Jack along.

Exercise 59

Correct the following sentences:

  1. Anarchism is when one believes in no government.
  2. I am studying German, also French.
  3. The clock had just struck five when the cab came.
  4. I shall work until nine o'clock, then I shall retire.
  5. I was sick all day, so I couldn't come to the office.
  6. I was going up street yesterday when unexpectedly I met Jones.
  7. Death is when one ceases to live.
  8. Dinner is ready, so I shall have to cease work.
  9. He told half of the story, then he suddenly stopped.
  10. He loves good music, also good pictures.
  11. A restaurant is where meals are served.

83. Conjunctions. There are certain conjunctions, and also certain pairs of conjunctions that frequently cause trouble.

And or but should not be used to join a dependent clause to an independent clause; as, It was a new valise and differing much from his old one. Say instead, It was a new valise, differing much from his old one, or It was a new valise, and differed very much from his old one. Similarly, It was a new book which (not and which) interested him very much. This "and which" construction is a frequent error; and which should never be used unless there is more than one relative clause, and then never with the first one.

But or for should not be used to introduce both of two succeeding statements. Both of the following sentences are bad by reason of this error: He likes geometry, but fails in algebra, but studies it hard, He read all night, for the book interested him, for it was along the line of his ambition.