Explanation

Conjunctions

Explanation & ExamplesA conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses.Types of Conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of grammar (nouns, phrases, or clauses) that are equal. There are six coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, so, yet.Examples:

Connecting nouns: Mabel, Joan, and Myrtle arrived early.

Connecting phrases: They arrived out of breath and out of money.

Connecting clauses: Joan will drive, Mabel will navigate, and Myrtle will read.

Correlative ConjunctionsLike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions join equal grammatical elements, yet they always come in pairs. Correlative conjunctions are:

- Either / or- neither / nor

- whether / not

- not only / but also

- Both / and- as / as (positive)- so / as (negative)

Examples:

Connecting nouns: Not only the student but also the instructor missed the error.

Connecting phrases: Mable talks incessantly not only on the phone but also in person.

Connecting clauses: Either the heroine committed the murder, or the butler framed her.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions join unequal grammatical elements such as a dependent clause and an independent clause. Subordinating conjunctions include although, if, whenever, because, unless, after, as long as, as if, even though, since, etcExamples:

If you decide to go to the picnic (dependent clause), we will accompany you (independent clause).

Practice

Use the right conjunction to complete the following sentences.

1. You can attend the meeting __________ you are willing to participate.

2. I am not leaving __________ I finish my work.

3. I enjoy tennis, swimming, __________ fishing.

4. __________ does Myrtle like to fish __________ she also likes to swim.

5. She took __________ her car __________ a bicycle.

6. She __________ phoned __________ sent a message about being late.

7. Our school offers __________ Legal secretarial training __________ Accounting training.

8. The reason I did not win the swimming race is __________ I had too much to eat for dinner.

9. I forgot to study for the test, __________ I still earned an A.10. My objectives are __________ to improve your writing skills __________ your speaking skill.

Diana Haddad

2007 Liberty University Graduate Writing Center

E-mail: graduatewriting@liberty.edu

Phone: 434-592-4727