EAG09 — Conjunctions
📚 Chapter EAG09 · AFCAT Grammar Level
AFCAT Level
📌 AFCAT Focus: Conjunctions appear across all three question types in every AFCAT English paper. Spotting Errors tests wrong correlative pairs (hardly…than instead of hardly…when), wrong parallel structure (not only…but), and wrong conjunction choice (although vs despite). Fill in the Blanks tests which connector fits the logical relationship. Ordering of Sentences depends almost entirely on discourse markers. This chapter covers all four conjunction types and gives you the exact rules AFCAT examiners test.
PART A — WHAT IS A CONJUNCTION & FOUR KINDS
A What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word or phrase that joins words, phrases, or clauses. The type of conjunction determines the grammatical relationship between the parts it joins — whether they are equal, one dependent on the other, or paired together.
① Coordinating Conjunctions
Joins equal grammatical units
Connects two words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal rank. Neither side depends on the other. Mnemonic: FANBOYS
for | and | nor | but | or | yet | so
② Subordinating Conjunctions
Joins a dependent clause to a main clause
Introduces a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone. The subordinate clause depends on the main clause for its meaning. Most tested type in AFCAT.
because, since, although, if, unless, when, while, before, after, until, lest, though, so that, provided that…
③ Correlative Conjunctions
Paired conjunctions that work together
Always come in pairs. Both parts must be present and must introduce grammatically parallel elements. The most error-prone type in AFCAT.
either…or | neither…nor | not only…but also | both…and | whether…or | so…that | such…that | hardly…when | no sooner…than
④ Conjunctive Adverbs
Adverbs that connect two independent clauses
Act like conjunctions in meaning but grammatically are adverbs. Cannot join clauses the way a conjunction does — they need a semicolon or full stop before them, and a comma after. This rule is heavily tested in AFCAT.
however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, consequently, otherwise, hence, thus, meanwhile, nonetheless, accordingly, subsequently…
PART B — COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS (FANBOYS)
B1 FANBOYS — All Seven with AFCAT-Specific Rules
⚠ Inversion after “nor” at the start of a clause:
When “nor” begins a second clause (after a comma), subject-auxiliary inversion is mandatory:
✓ He did not attend the briefing, nor did he send a representative.
✗ He did not attend, nor he sent a representative.
This is identical to the inversion rule after “neither” when used as a coordinating adverb: Neither did he attend…
Q1. (AFCAT 2024-II) Find the error: “(A) He was exhausted / (B) so therefore / (C) he decided to rest / (D) No error”
Answer: (B) “So” and “therefore” both express result — using both together is a redundant double connector. Use one or the other, not both. Correct: He was exhausted, so he decided to rest. OR He was exhausted; therefore, he decided to rest.
Q2. (AFCAT 2025-I) Find the error: “(A) He refused to apologise, / (B) nor he was / (C) willing to accept the penalty / (D) No error”
Answer: (B) After “nor” at the start of a clause, inversion is required. Correct: “nor was he willing” — auxiliary (“was”) comes before the subject (“he”).
PART C — SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
C1 Cause Conjunctions — because / since / as / for
⚠ “because” vs “because of” — Conjunction vs Preposition:
because = conjunction → must be followed by subject + verb (a full clause)
because of = preposition → must be followed by a noun/pronoun (no verb)
✓ He was absent because he was ill. (clause follows)
✓ He was absent because of illness. (noun follows)
✗ He was absent because of he was ill. (clause after preposition = wrong)
✗ He was absent because illness. (noun after conjunction = wrong)
C2 Contrast Conjunctions — although / though / even though / whereas / while
Critical AFCAT distinction: although, though, even though are conjunctions (followed by subject + verb). despite, in spite of are prepositions (followed by noun/gerund — no verb). AFCAT regularly places these in Spotting Errors and Sentence Improvement to test whether students know this difference.
Conjunctions — followed by subject + verb
- ✓ Although he was tired, he continued training.
- ✓ Though it rained, they marched on.
- ✓ Even though the odds were against them, they fought.
- ✗ Although his tiredness, he continued.
Prepositions — followed by noun / gerund (no verb)
- ✓ Despite his tiredness, he continued.
- ✓ In spite of the rain, they marched.
- ✓ Despite being tired, he continued. (gerund ✓)
- ✗ Despite he was tired, he continued.
whereas / while — both show contrast between two facts FILL IN THE BLANK
whereas — direct contrast (= on the other hand)
- Compares two contrasting facts about different things
- ✓ He is strict, whereas she is lenient.
- ✓ Infantry moves on foot, whereas cavalry uses horses.
while — contrast OR simultaneous action
- Contrast: He is brave, while she is cautious.
- Time: While he was sleeping, it rained.
- AFCAT tests whether “while” is used for contrast or time correctly in context
Q3. (AFCAT 2025-II) Find the error: “(A) Despite he trained / (B) rigorously for months, / (C) he could not clear the physical test / (D) No error”
Answer: (A) “Despite” is a preposition — it cannot be followed by a subject + verb (a clause). Use the conjunction “Although” instead, or restructure: Despite training rigorously for months, he could not clear the test. (gerund after preposition ✓) OR Although he trained rigorously, he could not clear the test.
Q4. (AFCAT 2024-I) Fill in the blank: “___ his experience, he made several critical errors during the exercise.”
- (a) Although
- (b) Despite
- (c) Even though
- (d) Whereas
Answer: (b) Despite
What follows the blank is a noun phrase (“his experience”) — no verb follows. Therefore, a preposition is needed, not a conjunction. “Despite” (preposition) + noun = correct. Options (a) and (c) are conjunctions — they require a full clause. Option (d) “whereas” shows contrast between two equal facts, not a concession.
C3 Condition Conjunctions — if / unless / provided that / as long as / lest
⚠ “unless” already contains negation — never add “not”:
✗ Unless he does not submit the form, he will be penalised. (double negative — wrong)
✓ Unless he submits the form, he will be penalised. ✓
⚠ “lest” must always be followed by “should”:
✗ Lest he will fail. ✗ Lest he fails.
✓ He revised thoroughly lest he should fail. ✓
C4 Purpose and Result Conjunctions — so that / in order that / so…that / such…that
Purpose — so that / in order that (+ can/could/may/might/will/would)
- ✓ He trained daily so that he could qualify.
- ✓ She studied hard in order that she might succeed.
- ✓ So that they would not be detected, they moved at night.
- “In order that” is more formal than “so that” — both are correct in AFCAT
Result — so…that / such…that (degree leading to consequence)
- so + adjective/adverb + that:
- ✓ He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.
- such + (a/an) + noun + that:
- ✓ It was such a difficult mission that few survived.
- ✗ It was so a difficult mission that…
💡 so…that vs such…that — the deciding factor:
so + adjective/adverb + that: He ran so fast that no one caught him. (adjective/adverb follows “so”)
such + (a/an) + noun phrase + that: He was such a fast runner that no one caught him. (noun phrase follows “such”)
Quick test: If an adjective/adverb alone comes next → so. If a noun (or adjective+noun) comes next → such.
Q5. (AFCAT 2023-II) Find the error: “(A) He left camp early / (B) lest he / (C) will be late for the briefing / (D) No error”
Answer: (C) “Lest” is always followed by “should + bare infinitive”, never “will” or any other modal. Correct: lest he should be late for the briefing.
Q6. (AFCAT 2024-II) Fill in the blank: “It was ___ a gruelling march that many soldiers needed medical attention afterwards.”
- (a) so
- (b) such
- (c) very
- (d) too
Answer: (b) such
What follows the blank is “a gruelling march” — an article + adjective + noun phrase. The result structure with a noun phrase uses “such…that”. If the sentence were “The march was ___ gruelling that…”, the answer would be “so” (adjective alone follows).
C5 Time Conjunctions — when / while / as / before / after / until / as soon as / once
Time conjunctions determine tense choices — this makes them doubly important in AFCAT. Wrong conjunction = wrong tense; wrong tense = wrong conjunction. They are tested in Spotting Errors (wrong time connector) and Fill in the Blank (which time conjunction fits).
PART D — CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS & PARALLEL STRUCTURE
D1 The Golden Rule — Parallel Structure
The single most tested rule with correlative conjunctions in AFCAT: Whatever grammatical form comes after the first member of the pair must be matched by the same grammatical form after the second member. If “not only” is followed by a verb, “but also” must also be followed by a verb. If “both” is followed by a noun, “and” must also be followed by a noun.
Parallel Structure — form must match across both parts of the pair
✗ She is not only brave but also has intelligence. (brave = adj; has intelligence = verb phrase — mismatch)
✓ She is not only brave but also intelligent. (adj + adj ✓)
✗ He both leads the team and shows discipline. ✗ (verb + shows = mismatch)
✓ He both leads the team and maintains discipline. (verb + verb ✓)
Quick test: Cover the first part of the sentence up to the first pair-word. Then cover the second part up to the second pair-word. The word/phrase after each pair-word must be the same type.
not only … but also
Rule: The element immediately after “not only” and the element immediately after “but also” must be grammatically parallel. “Also” is optional but standard in AFCAT.
✓ He is not only brave but also intelligent. (adj + adj)
✓ She not only trains hard but also studies diligently. (verb + verb)
✓ Not only did he apologise, but he also corrected his mistake. (clause + clause)
✗ He not only is brave but also has intelligence. (verb “is” vs verb phrase “has” — acceptable but adj form is cleaner)
⚠ When “not only” starts the sentence, inversion applies in the first clause: Not only did he win, but he also impressed everyone.
either … or | neither … nor
Two rules apply simultaneously: (1) Parallel structure — form must match. (2) SVA proximity rule — verb agrees with nearer subject.
✓ Either the CO or the adjutant will present the report. (noun + noun ✓; “adjutant” is nearer → singular “will”)
✓ Neither he nor his colleagues were informed. (“colleagues” is nearer → plural “were”)
✗ Either he will come or staying. (verb + gerund — not parallel)
✗ Neither the soldiers or the officer was present. (“or” wrong — use “nor” with “neither”)
both … and
Rule: “Both…and” always takes a plural verb. “Both” cannot be used with “as well as” (redundant).
✓ Both the CO and the adjutant were present. (plural verb always)
✗ Both the CO as well as the adjutant were present. (double connector — redundant)
✗ Both the CO and the adjutant was present. (singular verb wrong with “both…and”)
hardly … when | scarcely … when | no sooner … than
This is the most tested correlative error in AFCAT. The fixed pairings are non-negotiable. “Hardly/scarcely” must pair with “when” (never “than”). “No sooner” must pair with “than” (never “when”). Both structures require Past Perfect + inversion.
✓ Hardly had he arrived when it began to rain. (Past Perfect + inversion)
✓ Scarcely had she sat down when the phone rang.
✓ No sooner had he spoken than regret set in.
✗ Hardly had he arrived than it began to rain. (“than” wrong with “hardly”)
✗ No sooner had he spoken when regret set in. (“when” wrong with “no sooner”)
✗ Hardly he had arrived when… (no inversion — wrong)
so … that | such … that
so + adjective/adverb → such + (a/an) + noun phrase. Both end with that.
✓ He was so exhausted that he collapsed. (so + adjective)
✓ It was such a tough exercise that many gave up. (such + a + adj + noun)
✗ He was such exhausted that… (such before adjective alone = wrong)
✗ It was so a tough exercise that… (“so” before article = wrong)
whether … or
Used for alternatives in noun clauses, indirect questions, and doubt. NOT interchangeable with “if” in all cases.
✓ I don’t know whether he will come or not.
✓ The question is whether to proceed or to wait.
✓ Whether you agree or not, the decision stands.
When to use “whether” vs “if”: Use “whether” when “or not” follows (explicitly or implicitly), or when the clause is the subject/object of a preposition. “If” is not used after prepositions: The question of whether ✓ / The question of if ✗
Q7. (AFCAT 2025-I) Find the error: “(A) No sooner had / (B) the siren sounded / (C) when the soldiers took their positions / (D) No error”
Answer: (C) “No sooner” always pairs with “than”, never “when”. Correct: No sooner had the siren sounded than the soldiers took their positions. “Hardly/scarcely” pair with “when”; “no sooner” pairs with “than” — these are fixed and non-negotiable.
Q8. (AFCAT 2024-I) Find the error: “(A) She is not only / (B) a brave officer / (C) but also has great intelligence / (D) No error”
Answer: (C) Parallel structure violation: “not only” is followed by a noun phrase (“a brave officer”); “but also” must also be followed by a noun phrase. Correct: She is not only a brave officer but also a highly intelligent one. OR restructure: She is not only brave but also intelligent. (adj + adj)
Q9. (AFCAT 2023-I) Find the error: “(A) Neither the equipment / (B) or the strategy / (C) was appropriate for the terrain / (D) No error”
Answer: (B) “Neither” must always be paired with “nor”, never “or”. “Either…or” and “neither…nor” are fixed pairs. Correct: Neither the equipment nor the strategy was appropriate. (“strategy” is nearer → singular “was” ✓)
Q10. (AFCAT 2025-II) Sentence Improvement: “Hardly did he reach the camp when orders changed.”
- (a) Hardly had he reached the camp when orders changed.
- (b) Hardly he had reached the camp when orders changed.
- (c) Hardly had he reached the camp than orders changed.
- (d) No improvement needed
Answer: (a) Two corrections needed in the original: (1) Past Perfect is required (“had reached” not “did reach”) because “hardly…when” always uses Past Perfect + inversion. (2) Inversion: “had he” not “he had”. Option (c) wrongly uses “than” with “hardly”. Option (b) has wrong word order (no inversion).
PART E — CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS & THEIR PUNCTUATION
E1 What Is a Conjunctive Adverb?
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that functions like a conjunction in meaning but NOT in grammar. Unlike a true conjunction (which directly joins two clauses), a conjunctive adverb connects two independent sentences. Because both sentences remain grammatically independent, they must be separated by a semicolon or a full stop — not a comma alone. This punctuation rule is tested repeatedly in AFCAT.
E2 The Punctuation Rule — Most Tested in AFCAT
Three correct ways to use a conjunctive adverb
✓ He was tired; however, he continued training. (semicolon before + comma after)
✓ He was tired. However, he continued training. (full stop + new sentence)
✓ He was, however, still able to complete the task. (embedded between commas)
✗ He was tired, however he continued training. (comma splice — wrong: comma alone cannot join two independent clauses)
Rule: Conjunctive adverb ≠ coordinating conjunction. You cannot use a comma alone before “however, therefore, nevertheless” etc. as you can before “but, so, yet”.
⚠ The Comma Splice — the most common conjunctive adverb error in AFCAT:
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma. This is always wrong when the connector is a conjunctive adverb.
✗ The mission was risky, however, they proceeded. (comma + conjunctive adverb = comma splice)
✓ The mission was risky; however, they proceeded. ✓
✓ The mission was risky, but they proceeded. (coordinating conjunction with comma = correct)
E3 All Major Conjunctive Adverbs — by Logical Relationship
▶ CONTRAST / CONCESSION
howeverneverthelessnonethelesson the contraryconverselyinsteadstillyet
Meaning: Introduces an idea that contrasts with or qualifies what was just said.
The route was dangerous; nevertheless, the patrol proceeded on schedule.
▶ ADDITION / REINFORCEMENT
moreoverfurthermorebesidesadditionallyin additionwhat is morealso
Meaning: Adds a further point that strengthens or supplements the preceding idea.
He is highly skilled; moreover, he has extensive field experience.
▶ RESULT / CONSEQUENCE
thereforethushenceconsequentlyaccordinglyas a resultfor this reason
Meaning: Introduces the logical result or conclusion of what was said before.
He violated the code of conduct; consequently, he was court-martialled.
▶ ALTERNATIVE / WARNING
otherwisealternativelyon the other hand
Meaning: “Otherwise” introduces what will happen if the previous condition is not met. “On the other hand” introduces an alternative view or contrast.
Submit the form today; otherwise, your application will be rejected. He is brave; on the other hand, he lacks patience.
▶ TIME / SEQUENCE
meanwhilesubsequentlythenafterwardseventuallyin the meantimelater
Meaning: Shows the time relationship or sequence between two events or ideas.
The forward unit secured the position; meanwhile, reinforcements were on their way.
▶ CLARIFICATION / EXEMPLIFICATION
namelythat isin other wordsfor instancefor example
Meaning: Specifies, clarifies, or illustrates what was just said. Most common in Sentence Ordering questions.
Three qualities define a good officer; namely, courage, discipline, and decisiveness.
Q11. (AFCAT 2025-I) Fill in the blank: “The plan was well designed; ___, its execution was flawed.”
- (a) therefore
- (b) moreover
- (c) however
- (d) consequently
Answer: (c) however
The two clauses contrast with each other (good plan ↔ flawed execution) → a contrast connector is needed. “However” = contrast/concession ✓. “Therefore” (a) and “consequently” (d) show result — the second clause would then be a consequence of the first, which contradicts the logic. “Moreover” (b) adds to the same direction — also wrong here.
Q12. (AFCAT 2024-II) Find the error: “(A) He was completely unprepared, / (B) therefore, / (C) he failed the interview / (D) No error”
Answer: (A) “Therefore” is a conjunctive adverb — it cannot be joined to the first clause with only a comma. The sentence creates a comma splice. Correct punctuation: He was completely unprepared; therefore, he failed the interview. OR start a new sentence: He was completely unprepared. Therefore, he failed the interview.
Q13. (AFCAT 2023-II) Fill in the blank: “He is qualified for the post; ___, the committee has not yet taken a final call.”
- (a) nevertheless
- (b) therefore
- (c) moreover
- (d) subsequently
Answer: (a) nevertheless
The logic is: he is qualified (positive) but the committee hasn’t decided (unexpected delay) — this is a concession/contrast. “Nevertheless” = despite what was just said, something unexpected follows. “Therefore” (b) would mean his qualification caused the delay — illogical. “Moreover” (c) would add to the same point. “Subsequently” (d) is time-based, not concessive.
PART F — DISCOURSE MARKERS IN AFCAT ORDERING OF SENTENCES
F1 What Are Discourse Markers and Why Do They Appear in AFCAT?
Discourse markers are words and phrases that organise and connect ideas at the level of the whole paragraph. Unlike conjunctive adverbs (which connect two sentences), discourse markers can signal the start of a new point, introduce a contrasting argument, signal a conclusion, or show a speaker’s attitude. AFCAT tests them in two ways: (1) Ordering of Sentences — the marker tells you where in the paragraph the sentence belongs; (2) Fill in the Blank — the logical relationship in the paragraph determines which marker fits.
F2 Discourse Markers vs Conjunctive Adverbs — The Difference
Conjunctive Adverb — connects two specific sentences
- Works within a sentence or between two adjacent sentences
- Punctuation: semicolon before, comma after
- Examples: however, therefore, moreover, consequently
- The route was dangerous; however, they proceeded.
Discourse Marker — organises ideas across a paragraph
- Signals the broader function of a sentence in an argument
- Can start a paragraph or section
- Examples: To begin with, On the whole, In contrast, Having said that, Above all
- To begin with, the regiment had insufficient resources.
F3 Complete Discourse Marker Reference — AFCAT Ordering & Fill in the Blank
💡 AFCAT Sentence Ordering — How Discourse Markers Help:
Step 1: Find the sentence with an opening marker (To begin with, First, Initially) → that is Sentence 1.
Step 2: Find the sentence with a concluding marker (In conclusion, Therefore, Thus, On the whole) → that is the last sentence.
Step 3: Look for pronoun references (he, she, it, they, this, these) — the noun they replace must appear in the sentence just before.
Step 4: Sequence markers (Secondly, Then, Subsequently, Finally) reveal their position directly.
Step 5: Contrast markers (However, Nevertheless) come after the point they contrast with.
Q14. (AFCAT 2025-II) Arrange in the correct order:
P: Moreover, the regiment had not received its equipment in time.
Q: In conclusion, the operation was a failure on multiple counts.
R: To begin with, the intelligence inputs were unreliable.
S: Furthermore, communication between units broke down.
- (a) R–P–S–Q
- (b) P–R–S–Q
- (c) R–S–P–Q
- (d) Q–R–P–S
Answer: (a) R–P–S–Q
R starts with “To begin with” → first sentence.
P uses “Moreover” → adds a further point → second.
S uses “Furthermore” → another additional point → third.
Q starts with “In conclusion” → final sentence.
The logical order: opening problem → additional problem → more problems → conclusion.
Q15. (AFCAT 2024-I) Fill in the blank: “The cadet had trained for months. ___, he performed poorly on the final test.”
- (a) Therefore
- (b) Moreover
- (c) Nevertheless
- (d) Subsequently
Answer: (c) Nevertheless
The logic: trained hard (positive) but performed poorly (unexpected negative). This is a concession → contrast structure. “Nevertheless” = despite what was said, the opposite happened. “Therefore” would mean training caused poor performance (illogical). “Subsequently” would only show time sequence — no logical contrast.
Q. Find all errors: “Hardly he had taken his position when the enemy opened fire, and neither the radio or his weapon was functioning.”
Error 1: “Hardly he had” → After “hardly” at the start of a sentence, inversion is required. Correct: “Hardly had he taken”.
Error 2: The “hardly…when” structure is correct here — “when” is right with “hardly” ✓.
Error 3: “neither…or” → “Neither” must pair with “nor”, not “or”. Correct: “neither the radio nor his weapon”.
Corrected: Hardly had he taken his position when the enemy opened fire, and neither the radio nor his weapon was functioning.
Q. Find the error: “Despite he had prepared thoroughly, his performance was so poor that disappointed everyone.”
Error 1: “Despite he had prepared” → “Despite” is a preposition — it needs a noun/gerund, not a clause. Use “Although he had prepared” OR “Despite having prepared thoroughly”.
Error 2: “so poor that disappointed everyone” → After “so…that”, a full clause (subject + verb) is needed. The subject is missing. Correct: “so poor that it disappointed everyone”.
Corrected: Although he had prepared thoroughly, his performance was so poor that it disappointed everyone.
Q. Identify all errors: “He not only trains hard, but he is also having great mental strength, and he can, therefore cope with pressure however others cannot.”
Error 1: “not only trains … but also is having” → Parallel structure requires matching forms. Restructure for parallelism: “not only trains hard but also possesses great mental strength” (both simple present verbs).
Error 2: “can, therefore cope” → Punctuation: when “therefore” is embedded between two commas, a second comma is needed: “can, therefore, cope” ✓.
Error 3: “however others cannot” → “However” as a conjunctive adverb needs a semicolon before it, not just a comma: “; however, others cannot” ✓.
Corrected: He not only trains hard but also possesses great mental strength, and he can, therefore, cope with pressure; however, others cannot.
📋 Quick Reference — Conjunctions
① FANBOYS Rules
- for = reason (always after comma; joins clauses only)
- nor = negative addition + inversion required
- yet = contrast (stronger than but; after comma)
- so ≠ so therefore (never use both)
② although vs despite
- although/though/even though → + clause (S+V)
- despite/in spite of → + noun or gerund (no verb)
- “Despite he was tired” → WRONG
- “Although his tiredness” → WRONG
③ because vs because of
- because → + clause (subject + verb)
- because of → + noun/pronoun (no verb)
- “because of he was ill” → WRONG
- “because illness” → WRONG
④ Correlative Pairs (fixed)
- neither … NOR (never “or”)
- either … OR (never “nor”)
- hardly/scarcely … WHEN (never “than”)
- no sooner … THAN (never “when”)
⑤ Parallel Structure
- not only [X] but also [X] — same form
- both [X] and [X] — same form; plural verb
- either [X] or [X] — same form
- Test: form after pair-word 1 = form after pair-word 2
⑥ so…that vs such…that
- so + adjective/adverb + that
- such + (a/an) + noun + that
- “so a difficult mission” → WRONG
- “such difficult” → WRONG (needs noun)
⑦ unless / lest rules
- unless = if not → never add “not” inside clause
- lest → always + should + bare infinitive
- “unless he does not” → WRONG
- “lest he will” → WRONG
⑧ Conjunctive Adverb Punctuation
- however/therefore/moreover + comma alone = WRONG
- Use semicolon before + comma after
- OR full stop + new sentence
- Comma splice = the most common error
⑨ Discourse Marker Positions
- To begin with / First = always sentence 1
- In conclusion / On the whole = always last
- Moreover / Furthermore = middle (adds)
- However / Nevertheless = after contrast point
⑩ Conjunctive Adverb Meanings
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, nonetheless
- Addition: moreover, furthermore, besides
- Result: therefore, thus, hence, consequently
- Alternative: otherwise, on the other hand
⚠ Inversion Rules
- Hardly/Scarcely + had + subject + V3 + when
- No sooner + had + subject + V3 + than
- Nor did/was/had + subject (after negative clause)
- Not only did + subject + V1 (when opening sentence)
⚠ Top AFCAT Conjunction Traps
- “neither…or” → WRONG (nor)
- “no sooner…when” → WRONG (than)
- “hardly…than” → WRONG (when)
- “despite he was” → WRONG (although)
- “, however” without semicolon → WRONG