Conjunctions Review

Here is a simple, quick breakdown of those key rule examples from the end of the material:

1. Special Inversion Pairs

When a sentence starts with No sooner, Hardly, or Scarcely, you must make two changes:

• Flip the Subject and Verb: Use had I instead of I had.

• Use the Right Partner Word:

  • No sooner always pairs with than.

  • Example: No sooner had I stepped into the shower than the doorbell rang.

  • Hardly / Scarcely always pair with when (or before).

  • Example: Scarcely had I finished my meal when the waiter brought the bill.

2. Avoiding Double Negatives (Unless & Until)

Words like unless (if not) and until (up to the time) already contain a negative meaning.

• Rule: Never put "not" inside the same clause as these words, and don't use future tense (will).

• Incorrect: She cannot succeed unless she does not work hard.

• Correct: She cannot succeed unless she works hard.

3. Duration vs. Endpoint (As long as vs. Until)

• As long as / So long as: Refers to a full period or duration ("Stay here as long as it rains").

• Until: Refers to a specific stopping point in time ("Wait here until the rain stops").