Conjunctions
All of these words, and many more,
are conjunctions ! ! !
for or
before if
than
even though
while whether
wherever
and nor
since so
then
although
yet unless
because
until
but
where
Let us take a closer look . .
.
What is a conjunction?
Conjunction is the name for those common words that are used to join
(conjoin) parts of sentences. Also, conjunctions may be used to begin
certain sentences.
There are two different types of conjunctions:
coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
Conjunctions sometimes work in pairs and are called correlative
conjunctions.
Conjunctive adverbs are also frequently used to provide logical
connections in sentences.
Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are seven very common words. They
are very small, made up of three or fewer letters.
When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:
Reason Coordinating Conjunction
To communicate addition and
To communicate contrast but, yet
To communicate a result/effect so
To communicate a reason/cause for
To communicate a choice or
To communicate a negative choice nor
Use them between two independent clauses.
Types of Conjunctions
• There are seven coordinating conjunctions:
Use FANBOYS to remember
for and nor but
or yet so
More Coordinating
Conjunctions...
These are likely used less often; however, they serve an
important function.
When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:
Reason Coordinating Conjunction
To communicate additional consequently
information furthermore
however
indeed
moreover
nevertheless
then
therefore
Use them between two independent clauses.
Subordinate Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to express relationships between a dependent
and an independent clause.
When to Use Common Subordinate Conjunctions:
Reason Subordinate Conjunction
Regarding time after, before, once, since,
until, when, whenever, while
To communicate a reason/cause as, because, since
To communicate a result/effect in order that, so, so that, that
To communicate a condition if, even if, unless
To communicate contrast although, even though,
though, whereas
Regarding location where, wherever
Regarding a choice than, whether
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are two separate conjunctions that are often
in sentences together.
Common Correlative Conjunctions and Examples:
both, and Ex. Both maroon and gray accent nicely.
either, or Ex. I like to wear either pants or capris.
neither, nor Ex. Neither the shirt nor the jacket fit.
not only, but (also) Ex. Not only one button fell off, but all of
them.
whether, or Ex. Whether or not you wear nice clothes,
you have to wear clothes.
not, so much as Ex. It was not that his clothes were
flamboyant so much as they were
florid.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs provide connections and transitions
that clarify or limit the meaning of words.
When to Use Common Conjunctive Adverbs:
Reason Conjunctive Adverb
To communicate addition also, furthermore, besides
To communicate contrast however, still, nevertheless,
instead, otherwise
To communicate comparison similarly, likewise
To introduce a result/summary therefore, thus, consequently,
accordingly, hence, then
To indicate time next, then, meanwhile, finally
To communicate emphasis indeed, certainly
A Parting Quiz...
Finally, the University Writing Center staff and I
hope that this presentation has helped you develop a
better understanding of conjunctions, since they are
vital to the English language; consequently, you will
use them often in your writing endeavors. Perhaps this
online lecture has not helped with your grammar so
much as with enhancing your fashion awareness.
Therefore, challenge yourself to a conjunction quiz,
or call it a review before signing off. (Review is
preferable, because the word quiz often has a
negative connotation.) Whether or not you feel like a
conjunction pro, scan this paragraph and see if you
can recognize the conjunctions, correlative
conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. After you are
done, click to the next slide where you will find the
answers.
Join each pair of the following sentences by means of a suitable
conjunction .
1. James smokes. His brother does not smoke.
2. Alice hasn’t come. Mary hasn’t come.
3. She speaks English. She speaks Spanish.
4. I like him. He is very sincere.
5. He did not win. He worked hard.
6. She is ill. She is cheerful.
7. We decided to go out. It was raining.
8. The piper played. The children danced.
9. James works hard. His brother is lazy.
10. I went to the shop. I bought some vegetables.
11. You must start at once. You will be late.
12. He must be tired. He has been working since morning.
Answers...
cc: correlative conjunction sc: subordinate conjunction
ca: conjunctive adverb c2: correlative conjunction
Finally (ca), the University Writing Center staff and (cc)I hope
that this presentation has helped you to develop a better
understanding of conjunctions, since (sc) they are vital to the
English language; consequently (ca), you will use them often in
your writing endeavors. Perhaps this online lecture has not (c2)
helped with your grammar so much as (c2) with enhancing your
fashion awareness. Therefore, challenge yourself to a
conjunction quiz, or call it a review before (sc) signing off.
(Review is preferable, because (sc) the word quiz often has a
negative connotation.) Whether or (c2) not you feel like a
conjunction pro, scan this paragraph and see if (sc) you can
recognize the conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and
conjunctive adverbs. After (sc) you are done, click to the next
slide where (sc) you will find the answers.
1. John smokes but his brother doesn’t.
2. Neither Alice nor Mary has come.
3. She speaks English as well as Spanish. OR She speaks
English and Spanish.
4. I like him because he is very sincere.
5. Though he worked hard, he did not win.
6. She is ill but she is cheerful.
7. Though it was raining we decided to go out.
8. The piper played and the children danced.
9. James works hard whereas his brother is lazy.
10. I went to the shop and bought some vegetables.
11. You must start at once; otherwise you will be late.
12. He must be tired because he has been working since
morning.
