CONJUNCTIONS
CONJUCTIONS:
Conjunctions are parts of speech that connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
There are three kinds of conjunctions:
• coordinating,
• paired and
• subordinating.
The seven coordinating conjunctions are:
• for,
• and,
• nor,
• but,
• or,
• Yet and
• so.
Conjunction Rules
There are a few important rules for using conjunctions.
• Conjunctions are for connecting thoughts, actions, and
ideas as well as nouns, clauses, and other parts of
speech.
For example: Mary went to the supermarket and bought
oranges.
• Conjunctions are useful for making lists.
For example: We made pancakes, eggs, and coffee for
breakfast.
• When using conjunctions, make sure that all the parts
of your sentences agree.
For example: “I work busily yet carefully” shows
agreement.
TYPES OF
CONJUCTIONS
Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions connect words or phrases that serve the same grammatical purpose in a
sentence.
There are seven main coordinating conjunctions in English, which form the acronym FANBOYS:
F: for: I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the ducks on the lake.
A: and: In this course, I will write a literature review, a case study, and a final paper.
N: nor: The students did not complete their homework, nor did they pass the test.
B: but: Soccer is entertaining in winter, but it's better in the heat of summer.
O: or: At the end of the class, the students can choose to write an essay or take a test.
Y: yet: The patient complained of chronic pain, yet she refused treatment.
S: so: I have only been a nurse for one year, so I have little experience with paper charting.
* "For" is rarely used as a conjunction in modern English.
• For - Explains reason or purpose (just like "because")
• And - Adds one thing to another
• Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea
• But - Shows contrast
• Or - Presents an alternative or a choice
• Yet - Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically
• So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
Coordinating Conjunction Exercises
1.My car has a radio _________ a CD player. (but, or, and)
2.Sharon hates to listen to rap music, _________ will she tolerate heavy metal. (but, nor, or)
3.Carol wanted to drive to Colorado, _________ Bill insisted that they fly. (and, or, but)
4.I’m afraid of heights, _________ I appreciate the view from the top of this building. (and, yet, nor)
5.I have to be on time, _________ my boss will be annoyed if I’m late. (and, nor, for)
6.Do you like chocolate _________ vanilla ice cream better? (or, nor, and)
7.I have to go to work at six, _________ I’m waking up at four. (but, so, yet)
8. I was on time, _________ everyone else was late. (so, but, for)
9. Nadia doesn’t like to drive, _________ she takes the bus everywhere. (but, yet, so)
10. Our trip to the museum was interesting, _________ there were several new
artifacts on display. (but, for, yet)
Paired Conjunctions
Paired conjunctions consist of two words or phrases that help make a point or establish alternatives. Paired
conjunctions are helpful in structuring a sentence, they can also make sentences wordier than necessary.
•both…and
• The project will require significant investments of both time and money.
• Both the students and the teachers were satisfied with the pilot program.
• Note: When two subjects are connected by "both…and," use a plural verb (such as "are" or
"were").
•not only…but also
• Students who did not complete the assignment received not only a poor grade but also a warning
from the teacher.
• Not only did the student include full sentences from the source without using quotation
marks, but he also failed to properly cite paraphrased material.
•either…or
• Either the students were unprepared or the assessment was poorly written.
• Participants in the survey could either choose from a list of possible
answers or write in their own responses.
•neither…nor
• Students who did not complete the project received neither praise nor rewards.
• The staff neither followed the new policy nor asked for clarification.
Correlative Conjunction Exercises
1.I plan to take my vacation _________ in June _________ in July. (whether / or, either / or, as / if)
2._________ I’m feeling happy _________ sad, I try to keep a positive attitude.
(either / or, whether / or, when / I’m)
3._________ had I taken my shoes off _________ I found out we had to leave again.
(no sooner / than, rather / than, whether / or)
4._________ only is dark chocolate delicious, _________ it can be healthy. (whether / or, not / but, just as /
so)
5._________ I have salad for dinner, _____________________I can have ice cream for dessert.
(if /then, when / than, whether / or)
6._________ flowers _________ trees grow _________ during warm weather.
(not only / or, both / and, not / but)
7._________ do we enjoy summer vacation, _________ we _________ enjoy winter break.
(whether / or, not only / but also, either / or)
8.Calculus is _________ easy _________ difficult _________ (not / but, both / and, either / or)
9.It’s _________ going to rain _________ snow tonight. (as / if, either / or, as / as)
10.Savory flavors are _________ sweet _________ sour. (often / and, neither / nor, both / and)
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join a subordinate clause to a main clause and establishes a relationship
between the two. There are many subordinating clauses, but here are some of the most common:
• after • since
• although • than
• as much as/as soon as/as long as • that
• as though • Though
• because • unless
• before • until
• how • when/whenever
• if • where/wherever
• in order to/in order that • whether
• once • while
Here are some example sentences utilizing several subordinating conjunctions:
• Because of him, I learned how to start my own business.
• Everything will fall into place if you start at the beginning,
• Until you try, you'll never know.
• I add a new entry to my gratitude journal when I wake in the morning,
• As I write this letter, I know I must say goodbye.
• Life's been so happy since I moved to Chile.
There are two ways to structure a sentence using a subordinating conjunction:
1.Main clause + subordinate clause
1. The teacher administered the test after giving instructions.
2. The author must avoid bias if she wants to maintain a scholarly tone.
3. I will turn in this assignment at midnight whether or not I complete it.
2.Subordinate clause + , + main clause
1. After giving instructions, the teacher administered the test.
2. If she wants to maintain a scholarly tone, the author must avoid bias.
3. Whether or not I complete this assignment, I will turn it in at midnight.
Subordinating Conjunction Exercises
1. I visit the Grand Canyon _________ I go to Arizona. (once, whenever, wherever)
2. This is the place _________ we stayed last time we visited. (where, when, how)
3. _________ you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless)
4. You won’t pass the test _________ you study. (when, if, unless)
5. I could not get a seat, _________ I came early. (as, though, when)
6. We are leaving Wednesday _________ or not it rains. (if, whether, though)
7. Pay attention to your work _________ you will not make mistakes. (so that, unless, or)
8. The musicians delivered a rousing performance _________ they had rehearsed often. (though, as,
once)
9. She’s honest _________ everyone trusts her. (if, so, when)
CONJUNCTION EXERCISES
1. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy __________ a
kitten home with him.
1. But
2. Or
3. Yet
4. And
2. I’d like to thank you ______ the lovely gift.
1. Or
2. For
3. And
4. Yet
3. I want to go for a hike _____ I have to go to work today.
1. But
2. Yet
3. Or
4. For
4. They do not smoke, _____ do they play cards.
1. And
2. Or
3. Nor
4. Yet
5. I’m getting good grades _________ I study every day.
1. Or
2. Yet
3. But
4. Because
