Grammar UnitConjunctions

First, let's start with a basic definition:

Conjunctions are words that join words or groups of words.

There are two main types:

coordinating conjunctions

subordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions include:

• For• And• Nor• But• Or• Yet• So

These conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value.

Let’s practice . . .Write 3 sentences with a partner which

include coordinating conjunctions.

CHECK YOURSELF: Do they connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value?

Independent Clauses:

Clauses of equal value are called independent clauses and can stand on their own as separate sentences.

Example:John is running in this race and I am carrying his water

bottle.

Each clause can stand alone:John is running in this race.I am carrying his water bottle.

Double check your sentences - conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value.

Subordinating conjunctions:

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses.

Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a single sentence.

In fact, the clause is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.

Dependent Clauses:

Dependent Clauses cannot stand alone as a single sentence.

The clause is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.

Example:Since I will not be home, Tina will answer the phone.

"Since I will not be home" doesn't make sense by itself.It is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.

Most commonly used subordinating conjunctions:

• Although• Because• As• While• Until• Whether• Since• After• So that• When• Before• If

Subordinating Conjunctions

Now let’s practice . . .Subordinating conjunctions introduce

dependent clauses.

With a partner, come up with an example of a sentence that includes a Subordinating Conjunction that introduces an Dependent Clause.

Take a few minutes . . .

to prepare for the Conjunction Quiz.

Conjunction Homework

In a newspaper or magazine, find an article that interests you and is more than 10 lines long.

Tape the article to a clean sheet of paper.Underline and identify the type of conjunctions

in the article.

Due Tomorrow at the beginning of class.