What are the rules for using conjunctions in dialogue?

When using conjunctions in dialogue, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

1. Use conjunctions to connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Common conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," and "yet."

2. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (such as "and," "but," "or") when it connects two independent clauses. For example: "I wanted to go to the party, but I had to study for my exam."

3. Use a comma after a conjunctive adverb (such as "however," "therefore," "meanwhile") when it connects two independent clauses. For example: "I wanted to go to the party; however, I had to study for my exam."

4. When using a conjunction to connect words or phrases within a sentence, a comma is not necessary. For example: "She likes to swim and hike."

5. Be mindful of the appropriate conjunction to use based on the intended meaning. For example, use "and" to add information, "but" to show contrast, "or" to present alternatives, and "so" to indicate cause and effect.

6. Avoid overusing conjunctions in dialogue to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy. Use them when necessary to connect ideas or add variety to sentence structure.

Remember to follow these rules to effectively use conjunctions in dialogue and enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.