Conjunctions

by: Amy E. Sanders

edited by: The UWC Staff

( DBU University Writing Center)

Table of Contents
List of Conjunctions.........slide 3
What is a conjunction?..............................slide 4
Types of Conjunctions.....slides 5-13
Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinate Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions
Conjunctive Adverbs

Quiz and Answers....slide 14-15

All of these words, and many more,

are conjunctions ! ! !
or

for

than
while

if

before

even though
nor

and
since
ye
t
wher
e

whether

wherever

then
because

so
although
unless
until

Let us take a closer

but

What is a conjunction?
Conjunction is the name for those common words
that are used to join (conjoin) parts of sentences. Also,
conjunctions may be used to begin certain sentences.

There are two different types of conjunctions:

coordinating conjunctions and subordinating
conjunctions.

Conjunctions sometimes work in pairs and are called

correlative conjunctions.

Conjunctive adverbs are also frequently used to

provide logical connections in sentences.

Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are seven very common words.
They are very small, made up of three or fewer
letters.
When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:
Reason

Coordinating Conjunction

To communicate addition
To communicate contrast
To communicate a result/effect
To communicate a reason/cause
To communicate a choice
To communicate a negative choice

and
but, yet
so
for
or
nor

Use them between two independent clauses.

Coordinating Conjunctions cont.

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words,
phrases, and independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
Ex.

He only wears striped ties and polka dotted bow

ties. ( And joins two words.)
Ex. The shoes were not
(Nor joins two phrases.)
Ex.

blue suede nor black leather.

It wasnt a costume party, yet many came dressed

as literary villains. (Yet joins two independent clauses.)

More Coordinating Conjunctions...

These are likely used less often; however, they serve an important function.

When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:

Reason
To communicate additional
information

Coordinating Conjunction

consequently
furthermore
however
indeed
moreover
nevertheless
then
therefore
Use them between two independent clauses.

Coordinating Conjunctions cont.

These coordinating conjunctions are used to join
independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
Ex.

He only wears brown wingtips; consequently, he

does not wear white socks. ( Consequently joins two
independent clauses.)
Ex.

The shoes were not suede; however, they were

leather. (However joins two independent clauses.)
Ex.

It was not a Halloween party; nevertheless, many

came dressed in costumes. (nevertheless joins two
independent clauses.)

Subordinate Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to express relationships
between a dependent and an independent clause.
When to Use Common Subordinate Conjunctions:
Reason
Regarding time

Subordinate Conjunction

after, before, once, since,

until, when, whenever, while
To communicate a reason/cause
as, because, since
To communicate a result/effect
in order that, so, so that, that
To communicate a conditionif, even if, unless
To communicate contrast
although, even though,
though, whereas
Regarding location
where, wherever
Regarding a choice
than, whether

Subordinate Conjunctions cont.

Subordinate conjunctions often begin a dependent
clause. If the dependent clause begins or interrupts the
sentence, then it is separated from the independent
clause by a comma.
Examples of subordinate conjunctions in sentences:
Once she found the perfect broach, she purchased
three outfits to match it. (Once demonstrates a time context. A
Ex.

comma is used because the conjunction begins the sentence.)

Ex. He wore the top hat wherever he went. (Wherever
demonstrates a location context. Though wherever begins the
dependent clause, no comma is used because it does not begin the
sentence or interrupt the sentence.)

Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are two separate
conjunctions that are often in sentences together.
Common Correlative Conjunctions and Examples:
both, and

Ex. Both maroon and gray accent nicely.

either, or

Ex. I like to wear either pants or capris.

neither, nor

Ex. Neither the shirt nor the jacket fit.

not only, but (also)

Ex. Not only one button fell off, but all of

them.

whether, or

Ex. Whether or not you wear nice clothes,

you have to wear clothes.

not, so much as

Ex. It was not that his clothes were

flamboyant so much as they were
florid.

Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs provide connections and
transitions that clarify or limit the meaning of words.
When to Use Common Conjunctive Adverbs:
Reason
To communicate addition
To communicate contrast

Conjunctive Adverb

also, furthermore, besides

however, still, nevertheless,
instead, otherwise
To communicate comparison
similarly, likewise
To introduce a result/summary therefore, thus, consequently,
accordingly, hence, then
To indicate time
next, then, meanwhile, finally
To communicate emphasis
indeed, certainly

Conjunctive Adverbs cont.

Conjunctive adverbs can appear anywhere in a
sentence. They should be followed by a comma and,
when in the middle of a sentence, preceded by a
semicolon.
Examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences:
Ex. Furthermore, stiletto heels are not a fad; they are
classic! (Furthermore communicates an additional
statement and is followed by a comma.)
Ex. His crimson cape caught on the skyscraper;
therefore, his flying ended abruptly. (Therefore
communicates a result and is preceded by a
semicolon because it is in the middle of the sentence.)

A Parting Quiz...
Finally, the University Writing Center staff and I
hope that this presentation has helped you develop a
better understanding of conjunctions, since they are
vital to the English language; consequently, you will
use them often in your writing endeavors. Perhaps
this online lecture has not helped with your grammar
so much as with enhancing your fashion awareness.
Therefore, challenge yourself to a conjunction quiz,
or call it a review before signing off. (Review is
preferable, because the word quiz often has a
negative connotation.) Whether or not you feel like a
conjunction pro, scan this paragraph and see if you
can recognize the conjunctions, correlative
conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. After you are
done, click to the next slide where you will find the
answers.

Answers...
cc: coordinating conjunction
ca: conjunctive adverb

sc: subordinate conjunction

c2: correlative conjunction

Finally (ca), the University Writing Center staff and (cc)I hope
that this presentation has helped you to develop a better
understanding of conjunctions, since (sc) they are vital to the
English language; consequently (ca), you will use them often in
your writing endeavors. Perhaps this online lecture has not (c2)
helped with your grammar so much as (c2) with enhancing your
fashion awareness. Therefore, challenge yourself to a
conjunction quiz, or call it a review before (sc) signing off.
(Review is preferable, because (sc) the word quiz often has a
negative connotation.) Whether or (c2) not you feel like a
conjunction pro, scan this paragraph and see if (sc) you can
recognize the conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and
conjunctive adverbs. After (sc) you are done, click to the next
slide where (sc) you will find the answers.