Understanding Conjunctions

• Conjunctions link words, phrases, or clauses.
• They are essential for creating complex and coherent sentences.
• Conjunctions indicate relationships between the elements they connect.

Types of Conjunctions

• Three main types of conjunctions exist: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Coordinating Conjunctions

• These connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.
• Use the acronym FANBOYS to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• For: Indicates reason or cause, similarly to "because."
• Example: He decided to stay inside, for it was raining heavily.
• And: Connects two or more items or ideas.
• Example: She likes to read books and write stories.
• Nor: Presents a second negative idea, following a first negative clause; often used with "neither."
• Example: He doesn't like coffee, nor does he like tea.
• But: Indicates a contrast or exception.
• Example: I wanted to go to the park, but I had too much work to do.
• Or: Presents an alternative or choice.
• Example: You can have cake or ice cream for dessert.
• Yet: Introduces a contrasting idea that follows logically from the first idea, similarly to "but."
• Example: He studied hard, yet he failed the exam.
• So: Indicates a result or consequence.
• Example: It was getting late, so we decided to go home.
• Coordinating conjunctions are often preceded by a comma when connecting two independent clauses, although the comma can be omitted for short, simple sentences.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• These connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause.
• They establish a relationship of time, cause, condition, or concession between the two clauses.
• Common subordinating conjunctions include: after, although, as, because, before, even if, even though, if, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, where, while.
• After: Indicates that one event happens after another.
• Example: After the movie ended, we went out for dinner.
• Although: Introduces a contrast or concession.
• Example: Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
• As: Can indicate time, cause, or manner.
• Example: As I was walking down the street, I saw a friend.
• Example: As it was raining, the match was cancelled.
• Example: Do as I say.
• Because: Indicates a reason or cause.
• Example: I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
• Before: Indicates that one event happens before another.
• Example: Before you leave, please turn off the lights.
• Even if: Introduces a condition that does not change the result.
• Example: Even if it rains, we will still have the picnic.
• Even though: Similar to "although," introduces a contrast.
• Example: Even though he was tired, he kept working.
• If: Introduces a conditional clause.
• Example: If it rains, we will stay inside.
• Since: Can indicate time or cause.
• Example: I have been working here since 2010.
• Example: Since you're not busy, can you help me?
• So that: Indicates purpose or result.
• Example: I study hard so that I can get good grades.
• Than: Used in comparisons.
• Example: She is taller than her brother.
• Though: Similar to "although," introduces a contrast.
• Example: Though it was cold, we went swimming.
• Unless: Introduces a condition that must be met to avoid a certain result.
• Example: Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
• Until: Indicates a time limit.
• Example: I will wait until you are ready.
• When: Indicates a time or occasion.
• Example: When I get home, I will call you.
• Where: Indicates a place or location.
• Example: I know where he lives.
• While: Can indicate time or contrast.
• Example: While I was studying, she was watching TV.
• Example: While I agree with you in principle, I disagree with your specific suggestions.
• Use a comma typically when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
• Example: Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.
• A comma is generally not used when the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.
• Example: I took my umbrella because it was raining.

Correlative Conjunctions

• These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect equal grammatical elements.
• Common correlative conjunctions include: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or.
• Both...and: Connects two related items or ideas.
• Example: Both my brother and my sister are doctors.
• Either...or: Presents a choice between two alternatives.
• Example: You can either stay or leave.
• Neither...nor: Presents two negative alternatives.
• Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is allowed on the couch.
• Not only...but also: Connects two related items, emphasizing the second.
• Example: He is not only intelligent but also kind.
• Whether...or: Expresses a doubt or choice between two possibilities.
• Example: I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
• Correlative conjunctions must be followed by the same grammatical structure in each part of the sentence.
• Example: Not only did he sing, but he also danced. (Correct)
• Example: Not only did he sing, but he danced also. (Incorrect)

Conjunctive Adverbs

• While not true conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs can also connect independent clauses.
• They provide a transition between ideas, showing relationships like contrast, cause and effect, or sequence.
• Common conjunctive adverbs include: however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, accordingly, thus.
• However: Indicates a contrast.
• Example: It was raining; however, we still went for a walk.
• Therefore: Indicates a result or consequence.
• Example: It was late; therefore, we went home.
• Moreover: Adds additional information.
• Example: The food was delicious; moreover, the service was excellent.
• Conjunctive adverbs are typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when connecting two independent clauses.
• Example: It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside.

Tips for Using Conjunctions

• Choose the right conjunction to express the intended relationship between the connected elements.
• Be mindful of comma usage with coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
• Ensure correlative conjunctions are used in pairs and followed by parallel grammatical structures.
• Use a variety of conjunctions to add complexity and sophistication to writing.