Conjunction

All of these words, and many more,

are conjunctions ! ! !
or
for
before if
than
even though
while wherever whether

and nor
since so
then although
yet unless
because
until but
where
Let us take a closer
 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.

 Coordinating Conjunctions cont….
Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words,
phrases, and independent clauses.

Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:

Ex. He only wears jeans and t-shirt. ( 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.)
 

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.
 Coordinating Conjunctions cont….
These coordinating conjunctions are used to join
independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
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.)
 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
To communicate a reason/cause
To communicate a result/effect
To communicate a condition
To communicate contrast
Regarding location
Regarding a choice
after, before, once, since,
until, when, whenever, while
as, because, since
in order that, so, so that, that
if, even if, unless
although, even though,
though, whereas
where, wherever
than, whether
 Subordinate Conjunctions cont….
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 Maya and Ayan sang nicely.
either, or Ex. I like to wear either pants or jeans.
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
colorful so much as they were
extravagant.
 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

 Conjunctive Adverbs cont….
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.

Examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences:

Ex. Furthermore, stiletto heels are not a fashion; they
are classic! (Furthermore communicates an additional
statement and is followed by a comma.)
Ex. His red scarf 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.)
 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/meaning.) 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.