Conjunctions

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

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

Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:

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 wasnt a costume party, yet many came dressed

as literary villains. (Yet joins two independent clauses.)


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
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 after, before, once, since,

To communicate a reason/cause
To communicate a result/effect
To communicate a condition
To communicate contrast
Regarding location
Regarding a choice
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
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
To communicate contrast
To communicate comparison
To introduce a result/summary
To indicate time
To communicate emphasis
also, furthermore, besides
however, still, nevertheless,
instead, otherwise
similarly, likewise
therefore, thus, consequently,
accordingly, hence, then
next, then, meanwhile, finally
indeed, certainly
 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 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.)
 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.
 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.