Lesson 1.8: Conjunctions - Joining Words and Ideas

Conjunctions: Sentence Glue!

Conjunctions are words that join other words, phrases, or clauses together. Think of them as "sentence glue" – they help you connect ideas and make longer, more complex sentences.

There are a few main types of conjunctions:

Coordinating Conjunctions: Join equal parts of sentences.
Subordinating Conjunctions: Join a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Correlative Conjunctions: Work in pairs to connect ideas.

Let's explore each type:

Coordinating Conjunctions: Joining Equals (FANBOYS)

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal grammatical rank. There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and they are easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS:

F - For (meaning "because") - Example: He couldn't go out, for he was too busy.
A - And (adding similar ideas) - Example: I like coffee and tea.
N - Nor (joining negative alternatives) - Example: He didn't call, nor did he write.
B - But (showing contrast) - Example: It is sunny, but it's cold.
O - Or (showing alternatives/choices) - Example: Do you want tea or coffee?
Y - Yet (meaning "but" - showing contrast, often stronger than 'but') - Example: It was raining, yet they went for a walk.
S - So (showing result or consequence) - Example: It was raining, so they stayed home.

Using Coordinating Conjunctions to Make Compound Sentences:

Coordinating conjunctions are great for joining two independent clauses (complete sentences) to make a compound sentence. When you do this, you usually put a comma before the conjunction.

Examples of Compound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions:

"I wanted to go to the beach, but it was raining." (Two independent clauses joined by "but")
"She is a talented singer, and she also plays the piano." (Two independent clauses joined by "and")
"We can eat pizza tonight, or we can cook dinner at home." (Two independent clauses joined by "or")
"He was tired, so he went to bed early." (Two independent clauses joined by "so")

Subordinating Conjunctions: Making Complex Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause (an incomplete sentence that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete sentence). They show a relationship between the clauses, often of time, cause, condition, or contrast.

There are many subordinating conjunctions! Some common ones include:

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, while, where, whereas, whether, whenever.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions to Make Complex Sentences:

The clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction is called a subordinate clause or dependent clause. It depends on the main clause to complete its meaning.

Examples of Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions:

"Because it was raining, we stayed home." (Subordinate clause "Because it was raining" + Independent clause "we stayed home". "Because" shows cause.)
"Although she was tired, she finished her work." (Subordinate clause "Although she was tired" + Independent clause "she finished her work". "Although" shows contrast.)
"If you study hard, you will pass the exam." (Subordinate clause "If you study hard" + Independent clause "you will pass the exam". "If" shows condition.)
"We will eat dinner when he arrives." (Independent clause "We will eat dinner" + Subordinate clause "when he arrives". "When" shows time.)

Comma Use with Subordinating Conjunctions:

If the subordinate clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma. (Example: "Because it was raining, we stayed home.")
If the subordinate clause comes after the independent clause, you usually do not need a comma. (Example: "We stayed home because it was raining.")

Correlative Conjunctions: Working in Pairs

Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs to connect equal grammatical units.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

both...and - Example: Both my brother and I enjoy playing video games.
either...or - Example: You can choose either tea or coffee.
neither...nor - Example: He is neither rich nor famous.
not only...but also - Example: She is not only intelligent but also beautiful.
whether...or - Example: I don't know whether he will come or not.
as...as - Example: He is as tall as his father.
so...as - (in negative comparisons) - Example: He is not so tall as his father.

Key takeaway: Conjunctions are vital for building sentences that express complex relationships between ideas. Understanding coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions will allow you to write and speak with greater complexity and connect your thoughts more effectively! Next, we'll briefly touch on Interjections - words that express emotion!