Conjunction

Conjunction

In grammar, a conjunction (abbreviated conj or cnj) is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses, which are called the conjuncts of the conjoining construction. The term discourse marker is mostly used for conjunctions joining sentences. This definition may overlap with that of other parts of speech, so what constitutes a "conjunction" must be defined for each language. In general, a conjunction is an invariable grammatical particle and it may or may not stand between the items in a conjunction.

The definition may also be extended to idiomatic phrases that behave as a unit with the same function, e.g. "as well as", "provided that".

A simple literary example of a conjunction: "the truth of nature, and the power of giving interest". (Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Biographia Literaria)[1]

Conjunctions may be placed at the beginning of sentences:[2] "But some superstition about the practice persists".[3]

Types of Conjunctions

There are several different types of conjunctions that do various jobs within sentence structures. These include:

1. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.

Subordinating conjunctions are essential parts of complex sentences with include at least two clauses, with one of the clauses being main (independent) and the other being subordinate (dependent).

There is only one rule to remember about using subordinate conjunctions:

A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence. First, it illustrates the importance of the independent clause. Second, it provides a transition between two ideas in the same sentence. The transition always indicates a place, time, or cause and effect relationship. For example: We looked in the metal canister, where Ginger often hides her candy.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

In the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are in bold for easy identification:

As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.

Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.

When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.

Subordinating Conjunction Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how subordinating conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

_________ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.

After

Although

Before

Even if

Answer: 1. After the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.

I don’t want to go to the movies ---_____________ I hate the smell of popcorn.

Although

Because

Whenever

So that

Answer: 2. I don’t want to go to the movies because I hate the smell of popcorn.

I paid Larry, ___________ garden design work is top-notch.

Whenever

Whose

After

If

Answer: 2. I paid Larry, whose garden design work is top-notch.

___________ spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.

Because

Until

Although

Now that

Answer: 2. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.

_____________ the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.

As soon as

Because

Before

Now that

Answer: As soon as the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.

Subordinating Conjunctions List

There are many subordinating conjunctions. This list contains 25 of those most commonly used.

After

Although

As

As soon as

Because

Before

By the time

Even if

Even though

Every time

If

In case

Now that

Once

Since

So that

Than

The first time

Unless

Until

When

Whenever

Whether or not

While

Why

2. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions coordinate or join two or more sentences, main clauses, words, or other parts of speech which are of the same syntactic importance. Also known as coordinators, coordinating conjunctions are used to give equal emphasis to a pair of main clauses.

Coordinating Conjunction Rules

As there are only seven of these words, there are just a few rules for using coordinating conjunctions correctly:

It’s a good idea to use the mnemonic “FANBOYS” to memorize coordinating conjunctions so you’ll never forget them. They are:

F = for

A = and

N = nor

B = but

O = or

Y = yet

S = so

Coordinating conjunctions always connect phrases, words, and clauses. For example: This batch of mushroom stew is savory and delicious.

Some instructors warn that starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is incorrect. Mostly, this is because they are attempting to help prevent you from writing fragments rather than complete sentences; sometimes though, it’s just a personal preference. The fact is, you can begin sentences with coordinating conjunctions as long as you follow these three rules for doing so:

Ensure that the coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a main clause

Don’t use coordinating conjunctions to begin all of your sentences. Do so only when it makes your writing more effective.

Although commas typically follow coordinating conjunctions used in areas other than the beginning of a sentence, they should not be used after coordinating conjunctions used to open sentences unless an interrupter immediately follows.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

In the following examples, the coordinating conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification.

You can eat your cake with a spoon or fork.

My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails trimmed.

Bill refuses to eat peas, nor will he touch carrots.

I hate to waste a drop of gas, for it is very expensive these days.

Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how coordinating conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

Would you rather have cheese _____ bologna on your sandwich?

For

Nor

Or

So

Answer: 3. Would you rather have cheese or bologna on your sandwich?

His two favorite sports are football ______ tennis.

Or

And

Nor

For

Answer: 2. His two favorite sports are football and tennis.

I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mary refused.

But

Or

So

For

Answer: 1. I wanted to go to the beach, but Mary refused.

I am allergic to cats, ----______ I have three of them.

Or

For

Yet

So

Answer: 3. I am allergic to cats, yet I have three of them.

I am a vegetarian, ----_______ I don’t eat any meat.

So

Yet

Nor

But

Answer: 1. I am a vegetarian, so I don’t eat any meat.

Coordinating Conjunctions List

Remember, there are only seven coordinating conjunctions. This list contains all of them.

For

And

Nor

But

Or

Yet

So

Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises

1. Thomas will be late to work, _____ he has a dental appointment.

A. but

B. or

C. for

D. nor

2. Jennifer does not like to swim, ____ does she enjoy cycling.

A. and

B. or

C. but

D. nor

3. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, ____ he was on a diet.

A. for

B. but

C. yet

D. so

Answer Key:

1 – C. Thomas will be late to work, for he has a dental appointment

2 – D. Jennifer does not like to swim, nor does she enjoy cycling.

3 – B. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, but he was on a diet.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

As suggested by their name, correlative conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or words that carry equal importance within a sentence. Like many of the most interesting parts of speech, correlative conjunctions are fun to use. At the same time, there are some important rules to remember for using them correctly.

When using correlative conjunctions, ensure verbs agree so your sentences make sense. For example: Every night, either loud music or fighting neighbors wake John from his sleep.

When you use a correlative conjunction, you must be sure that pronouns agree. For example: Neither Debra nor Sally expressed her annoyance when the cat broke the antique lamp.

When using correlative conjunctions, be sure to keep parallel structure intact. Equal grammatical units need to be incorporated into the entire sentence. For example: Not only did Mary grill burgers for Michael, but she also fixed a steak for her dog, Vinny.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

In the following examples, the correlative conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification.

She is both intelligent and beautiful.

I will either go for a hike or stay home and watch TV.

Jerry is neither rich nor famous.

He is not only intelligent, but also very funny.

Would you rather go shopping or spend the day at the beach?

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how correlative conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

She is neither polite _______ funny.

Or

Nor

Not

Yet

Answer: B. She is neither polite nor funny.

_______ that is the case, _______ I’m not surprised about what’s happening.

If / then

No sooner / than

Scarcely / when

Whether / or

Answer: A. If that is the case, then I’m not surprised about what’s happening.

Have you made a decision about _______ to go to the movies _______ not?

If / then

Either / or

Whether / or

What with / and

Answer: C. Have you made a decision about whether to go to the movies or not?

_______ had I put my umbrella away, _______ it started raining.

No sooner / than

If / then

What with / and

Neither / nor

Answer: A. No sooner had I put my umbrella away, than it started raining.

This salad is _______ delicious _______ healthy.

Whether / or

Both / and

Scarcely / when

Rather / than

Answer: B. This salad is both delicious and healthy.

Correlative Conjunctions List

There are many pairs of correlative conjunctions. This list contains many of the most commonly used pairs.

As / as

Both / and

Either / or

Hardly / when

If / then

Just as / so

Neither / nor

Not only / but also

No sooner / than

Not / but

Rather / than

Scarcely / when

What with / and

Whether / or

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

1. I like __________ to sing opera, _______________ to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.

A. not only / but also

B. whether / or

C. neither / nor

D. not / but

2. The test was ____________ very short __________ quite easy.

A. not / but

B. both / and

C. whether / or

D. scarcely / when

3. ______________ Joe _______ his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French.

A. Whether / or

B. No sooner / than

C. Rather / than

D. Neither / nor

Answer Key:

1 – A. I like not only to sing opera, but also to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.

2 – B. The test was both very short and quite easy.

3 – D. Neither Joe nor his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French.

4. Conjunctive adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect one clause to another. They are also used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships.

Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which they appear. This is just one of the things you’ll need to remember; additional rules for using conjunctive adverbs follow:

Always use a period or semicolon before the conjunctive adverb when separating two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are not strong enough to join independent clauses without supporting punctuation.

Use a comma if a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so appears between the conjunctive adverb and the first clause.

Use a comma behind conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the beginning of a sentence’s second clause. The only exception to this rule is that no comma is necessary if the adverb is a single syllable.

If a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it should be enclosed in commas most of the time. This is not an absolute rule and does not normally apply to short clauses.

Examples of Conjunctive adverbs

The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for easy identification.

Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.

She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy.

I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.

Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.

You’re my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you’re taking advantage of me.

My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle.

Conjunctive Adverb Exercise

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctive adverbs work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.

Moreover

Otherwise

Unless

Instead

Answer: 2. You need to put more effort into your work; otherwise, you won’t get a passing grade.

We wanted to spend the day at the beach; ______________________, it rained so we stayed home.

Moreover

Unless

However

Additionally

Answer: 3. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; however, it rained so we stayed home.

She is a very smart girl; ------------__________________, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good grades.

Again

Besides

Contrarily

Therefore

Answer: 4. She is a very smart girl; therefore, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good grades.

Jared is a millionaire; __________________, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

In contrast

Accordingly

Again

Likewise

Answer: 1. Jared is a millionaire; in contrast, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; ___________________, he lied.

In contrast

Likewise

Undoubtedly

Instead

Answer: 4. He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; instead, he lied.

Conjunctive adverbs List

There are many conjunctive adverbs – in fact, there are many more of these than there are common conjunctions. Here is a comprehensive list of conjunctive adverbs.

Would you like to learn more? Click here to learn how to use colons correctlyin a sentence

Additionally

Again

Almost

Anyway

As a result

In addition

Besides

Certainly

Comparatively

Consequently

Contrarily

Comparatively

Consequently

Conversely

Elsewhere

Equally

Eventually

Finally

Further

Furthermore

Elsewhere

Hence

Henceforth

However

Exercises Part 2

You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.

I love to eat toffees; _____________, people often give them to me at holidays.

A. nevertheless B. accordingly C. however D. also

The tree has developed a large crack over the years; ____________, it will have to be cut down for safety’s sake.

A. for example B. however C. eventually D. likewise

It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica: ________________, it would be fun to hike the Swiss alps.

A. on the other hand B. as a result C. indeed D. therefore

Instead

Answer Key:

1 – B. I love to eat toffees; accordingly, people often give them to me at holidays.

2 – C. The tree has developed a large crack over the years; eventually, it will have to be cut down for safety’s sake.

3 – x. It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica;on the other hand, it would be fun to hike the Swiss alps.

When people first learn to write, they usually begin with short, basic sentences like these: “My name is Ted. I am a boy. I like dogs.” One of the most important jobs conjunctions do is to connect these short sentences so they sound more like this: “I am a boy named Ted, and I like dogs.”

Conjunction Rules

There are a few important rules for using conjunctions. Remember them and you will find that your writing flows better:

Conjunctions are for connecting thoughts, actions, and ideas as well as nouns, clauses, and other parts of speech. For example: Mary went to the supermarket and bought oranges.

Conjunctions are useful for making lists. For example: We made pancakes, eggs, and coffee for breakfast.

When using conjunctions, make sure that all the parts of your sentences agree. For example: “I work busily yet am careful” does not agree. “I work busily yet carefully” shows agreement.

Conjunctions List

There are only a few common conjunctions, yet these words perform many functions: They present explanations, ideas, exceptions, consequences, and contrasts. Here is a list of conjunctions commonly used in American English:

And

As

Because

But

For

Just as

Or

Neither

Nor

Not only

So

Whether

Yet

Examples of Conjunctions

In the following examples, the conjunctions are in bold for easy recognition:

I tried to hit the nail but hit my thumb instead.

I have two goldfish and a cat.

I’d like a bike for commuting to work.

You can have peach ice cream or a brownie sundae.

Neither the black dress northe gray one looks right on me.

My dad always worked hard so we could afford the things we wanted.

I try very hard in school yet I am not receiving good grades.

Conjunction Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy __________ a kitten home with him.

But

Or

Yet

And

Answer: 4. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy and a kitten home with him.

I’d like to thank you ______ the lovely gift.

Or

For

And

Yet

Answer: 2. I’d like to thank you for the lovely gift.

I want to go for a hike _____ I have to go to work today.

But

Yet

Or

For

Answer: 1. I want to go for a hike but I have to go to work today.

They do not smoke, _____ do they play cards.

And

Or

Nor

Yet

Answer: 3. They do not smoke, nor do they play cards.

I’m getting good grades _________ I study every day.

Or

Yet

But

Because

Answer: 4. I’m getting good grades because I study every day.

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