Question

Choose the answer that best describes the sentence. If none of the answers describe the sentence, choose "none of the above."

The computer won’t work unless it is plugged in!

This sentence has equal ideas joined by a coordinating conjunction.
This sentence has equal ideas joined by a conjunctive adverb.
This sentence has unequal ideas joined by a subordinating conjunction.
None of the above

Answer 1

any ideas?

Answer 2

@Ready-To-Help As I said last time, I wouldn't be here if I did. Can you please explain instead of asking me if I have a guess?

Answer 3

It talks about equal ideas and unequal ideas. Do you know what those two terms mean?

Answer 4

No.

Answer 5

OK, so I found a reference tot he equal stuff...
http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/jgarret/sentences.htm

I am looking for a better one, but looking for "equal ideas" gets like a billion civil rights sites... /sigh

Answer 6

Okay, so I THINK it's equal idea. Because it explains why the computer won't work, therefore making the reason clear.

Answer 7

This really long link on a book result got a nice description... it is in the center.

So it comes down to looking at if there is a coordinating conjuction or a conjuntive adverb or something else that subbordinates the idea.

Answer 8

The computer won’t work unless it is plugged in!

So, "unless" is joining things there.

Answer 9

So on the list of coordinating conjunctions, we have:
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/coordinatingconjunction.htm

For conjunctive adverbs:
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/conjunctiveadverb.htm

And subordinate conjunctions:
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subordinateconjunction.htm

Which list (they are close to the top) has unless on it?

Answer 10

The last one?

Answer 11

Yep! Which means it is a subordinate conjuction, which gives you the answer.

Another way to think about it is that it adds to the main clause but does not stand alone.

The computer is not on and does not work.

The computer is not on.
The computer does not work.

Those are equal and use an and as well as standing alone.

The computer won’t work unless it is plugged in!

The computer won’t work! OK
The computer it is plugged in! WHAT!?!?!

The second part does not work alone. It must be subordinated to work.

Answer 12

thank you. c:

Answer 13

So while not perfect, I hope that example helps. And those lists, if you look at the words, I think yo will see a trend.

Coordinating conjuctions are very direct links, and, or, but, so, not... very, very stong links.

Conjunctive adverbs and subordinate conjunction are softer links: also, howerver, then, next, since, than, unless, before. So not as direct. Also, one group is adverbs that use a semi colon, which lets you tell them appart.