CONJUNCTIONS

Using conjunctions adds sophistication to sentences. Rather than using two very simple sentences such as, “The monkey climbed the tree,” and “The monkey threw down a banana,” combine them by using the conjunction and: “The monkey climbed the tree and threw down a banana” is a more sophisticated sentence. Make good use of the conjunctions for combining ideas. Types of conjunctions:

Coordinating conjunctions are single connecting words used to join grammatical units of the same class, rank or pattern. Common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. FANBOYS. They can join two verbs, two nouns, two adjectives, two phrases, or two independent clauses.  

For used as a coordinating conjunction means “for the reason that” or “because”. Example: The children were tired for they had run a long distance.

And (in addition to) is used to join words or sentences that show a similar idea. Example: Two and two are four. I have a pencil and an eraser.

Nor (and not) is used to present non-contrasting negative ideas. Example: Susan doesn’t like the mountains, nor does she like the beach.

But (however) presents a contrast or exception. Normally it is used to join two ideas that are opposites. Example: I like vanilla ice-cream but I prefer chocolate.

Or (either) presents an alternative item or idea. Normally it is used to show a choice. Example: Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Yet (but) presents a contrast or exception. Example: He says nice words, yet you don’t trust him.

So (therefore) presents a consequence. It is used to show result. Example: I didn’t feel good yesterday, so I couldn’t go to the theater.

When FANBOYS combine subjects, objects, or verbs in a sentence, do not use a comma. Example: Susan and John went to the musical together. In contrast, when FANBOYS combine two independent clauses into one sentence, use a comma. Example: I bought some balloons for the party, and my sister made a cake.

Correlative conjunctions go in pairs to join words and group of words of equal weight in a sentence. They, as coordinating conjunctions do too, connect parallel words, phrases and clauses, and make the relationship between words or group of words a little clearer than do coordinating conjunctions. Correlative conjunctions show the relationship between the ideas expressed in different parts of a sentence. Common correlative conjunctions are: both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or. Examples:

Both Susan and John were at the party. Represent the two parts.

It’s my final offer; you can either take it or leave it. Represent two alternatives choices of action (one or the other).  

Neither Karen nor Paul was at the party yesterday. Neither is negative, not one nor the other.

I won not only the race but also the championship. Add one more thing to the other.

The English students will have to learn all the lessons whether they are easy or difficult. I haven’t decided yet whether to go or stay. Use to introduce alternative possibilities.

Subordinating conjunctions show a relationship between two parts of a sentence. They normally join dependent clauses to main clauses. An independent clause is a completed thought that can stand alone in a sentence, whereas a subordinate or dependent clause cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence because it depends on a main clause for its meaning. Common subordinate conjunctions are: 

Examples:

We raked the leaves because so many had fallen.

This is the park where we played.

I’ll call you once I finish the meeting.

You can play football now that you have finished your homework.

You can use my car as long as you drive carefully.

We will go at the beach in order to have a sun bath.

We were at the party although we were tired.

Can you write some sentences using the different types of conjunctions learnt in this topic?