Words which connect words, phrases, clauses or sentences are called conjunctions (see
"to conjoin" = join, unite). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. These words
all have different nuances and connotations but they all help to build up meaningful
relationships within a sentence.
Conjunctions
Cohesive Devices: A variety of useful English Conjunctions exists, which complete this
list of the most used Cohesive Devices. Together, they can help to express a cohesive
view and easy understandable and readable texts.
There are three basic types of conjunctions:
Definition: Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two independent clauses
Subordinating conjunctions are used to establish the relationship between the
dependent clause and the rest of the sentence
Correlative conjunctions are used to join various sentence elements which are
grammatically equal
Coordinating Conjunctions: Comes usually in the middle of a sentence, and
a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join
individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.
Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a sentence, the purpose of transitional
words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.
Examples:
We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it.
The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a
comma.
And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To
remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.
1. F = for
2. A = and
3. N = nor
4. B = but
5. O = or
6. Y = yet
7. S = so
Subordinating Conjunctions
Also called subordinators, introduce a dependent clause. These adverbs that act
like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at
the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause.
Examples:
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a
nail. [Abraham Maslow]
Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-
DeWitt]
ConjunctionsConcession
though
although
even though
while
ConjunctionsCondition
if
only if
unless
until
provided that
assuming that
even if
in case (that)
lest
ConjunctionsComparison
than
rather than
whether
as much as
whereas
Conjunctions Time
after
as long as
as soon as
before
by the time
now that
once
since
till
until
when
whenever
while
Conjunctions Reason
because
since
so that
in order (that)
why
Relative Adjective
that
what
whatever
which
whichever
Relative Pronoun
who
whoever
whom
whomever
whose
ConjunctionsManner
how
as though
as if
Conjunctions Place
where
wherever
Correlative Conjunctions
They are always used in pairs and denote equality; and show the relationship
between ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence - and thus make the joining
tighter and more emphatic. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject
closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.
as . . . as
just as . . . so
both . . . and
hardly . . . when
scarcely . . . when
either . . . or
neither . . . nor
if . . . then
not . . . but
what with . . . and
whether . . . or
not only . . . but also
no sooner . . . than
rather . . . than
Conjunctive Adverbs
They are often used as a linking device between ideas. They show logical
relationships expressed in clauses, sentences or paragraphs.
Conjunctive adverbs are very emphatic, so they should be used sparingly.
Similar to And
also
besides
furthermore
likewise
moreover
Similar to But
however
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
conversely
instead
otherwise
rather
Similar to So
accordingly
consequently
hence
meanwhile
then
therefore
thus
