1 . Conjunctions
Conjunctions make it possible to build complex sentences that
express multiple ideas.
A conjunction is a part of speech that is
used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions are
considered to be invariable grammar particle, and they may or may not stand
between items they conjoin.
I like marinara sauce. I like alfredo sauce. I don’t like
puttanesca sauce. Each of these three sentences expresses a clear idea. There’s
nothing wrong with listing your preferences like this, but it’s not the most
efficient way to do it.
Consider instead: I like marinara sauce and alfredo
sauce, but I don’t like puttanesca sauce.
In this sentence, and and but are
the two conjunctions that link your ideas together.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1
Types of
Conjunctions
There are several different types of conjunctions that do
various jobs within sentence structures. These include:
- Subordinating conjunctions –
Also known as subordinators, these conjunctions join dependent clauses to
independent clauses.
- Coordinating conjunction – Also
known as coordinators, these conjunctions coordinate or join two or more
sentences, main clauses, words, or other parts of speech which are of the
same syntactic importance.
- Correlative conjunction – These
conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or words that
carry equal importance within a sentence.
- Conjunctive
adverbs – While some instructors do not teach
conjunctive adverbs alongside conjunctions, these important parts of
speech are worth a mention here. These adverbs always
connect one clause to another, and are used to show sequence, contrast,
cause and effect, and other relationships.
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.”
1.1.1.1.1.1.2 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.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3
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
1.1.1.1.1.1.4
Examples of
Conjunctions
In the following examples, the conjunctions are in bold for easy
recognition:
·
o
- I tried to hit the nail but hit
my thumb instead.
- I have two goldfish and a cat.
- I bought a new bag for my upcoming
trip.
- You can have peach ice cream or a
brownie sundae.
- Neither the black dress nor the
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.