Conjunctions

than

although

and

for

thensince

wherever

nor

whetherwhile

before

because

even though

All of these words, and many more, are conjunctions ! ! !

but

or

yet

so

untilwhere

if

Let us take a closer look . . .

unless

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.

Ex. He only wears striped ties and polka dotted bow ties. ( And joins two words.)

Ex. The shoes were not blue suede nor black leather. (Nor joins two phrases.)

Ex. It wasn’t a costume party, yet many came dressed as literary villains. (Yet joins two independent clauses.)

Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words,

phrases, and independent clauses.

Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:

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 consequentlyinformation furthermore

howeverindeedmoreoverneverthelessthentherefore

Use them between two independent clauses.

Ex. He only wears brown wingtips; consequently, he does not wear white socks. ( Consequently joins two

independent clauses.)

Ex. The shoes were not suede; however, they were leather. (However joins two independent clauses.)

Ex. It was not a Halloween party; nevertheless, many came dressed in costumes. (nevertheless joins two independent clauses.)

Coordinating Conjunctions These coordinating conjunctions are used to join

independent clauses.

Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:

Subordinate Conjunctions

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

These conjunctions are used to express relationships between a dependent and an independent clause.

Subordinate Conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions often begin a dependent clause. If the dependent clause begins or interrupts the sentence, then it is

separated from the independent clause by a comma.

Examples of subordinate conjunctions in sentences:

Ex. Once she found the perfect broach, she purchased three outfits to match it. (Once demonstrates a time context. A comma is used because the conjunction begins the sentence.)

Ex. He wore the top hat wherever he went. (Wherever demonstrates a location context. Though wherever begins the dependent clause, no comma is used because it does not begin the sentence or interrupt the sentence.)

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, besidesTo communicate contrast however, still, nevertheless,

instead, otherwiseTo communicate comparison similarly, likewiseTo introduce a result/summary therefore, thus, consequently,

accordingly, hence, thenTo indicate time next, then, meanwhile, finallyTo communicate emphasis indeed, certainly

Conjunctive Adverbs

Examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences:

Ex. Furthermore, stiletto heels are not a fad; they are classic! (Furthermore communicates an additional statement and is followed by a comma.)

Ex. His crimson cape caught on the skyscraper; therefore, his flying ended abruptly. (Therefore communicates a result and is preceded by a semicolon because it is in the middle of the sentence.)

Conjunctive adverbs can appear anywhere in a sentence. They should be followed by a comma and,

when in the middle of a sentence, preceded by a semicolon.