CONJUNCTIONS

A conjunction joins words and

elements in a sentence.

There are three types of

conjunctions: coordinating,
correlative, and subordinating.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join elements of
equal rank in a sentence.

That is, they join elements that have

essentially the same function in a sentence.

The most common coordinating conjunctions

are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
Coordinating conjunctions join words.

Ric and Dan flew to the scene of the accident.

The waves thundered and pounded the shore.

The dog’s fur is soft, silky, and clean.

The carpenters work quickly but efficiently.

Coordinating conjunctions connect phrases.

We went to the sale, but forgot our

checkbook.

She will eat cookies or drink coffee.

Turn to the left or to the right.

Coordinating conjunctions combine
Sentences.

They went swimming, for it was very hot.

She did not pass the audition, but she is

willing to try again.
Functions of the FANBOYS
FOR – used to explain the WHY in a situation.

She needs to be home, for her visitors are

waiting.

Give me the documents, for I have to leave

right now.
AND – used to add something, used when
two similar points are made.

I bought pen, paper, and marker.

The train stopped at the station, and two

men went out of it.
NOR – used for similar things but in negative
sense

Jane nor Jen will attend the camp.

Basking in the sun nor napping in the shade

won’t relax her.
BUT – used to show contrast

I like living in the city, but my brother prefers

living in the province.

She did not qualify in the test, but she is

determined to try again.
OR – used to suggest an option or alternative

I’ll order coffee or tea.

Don’t tell John about his party, or you’ll spoil

the surprise.
YET – used to show contrast in spite of
something

She regrets what she has done, yet she hasn’t

apologized.

He finished a degree in law, yet he has

chosen to start a small business.
SO – used to show consequence or result

I’ve just eaten dinner, so I’m not hungry.

Jane got an invite, so she went to the event.

Comma and Coordinating
Conjunctions
A comma is used before the coordinating
conjunction only when it connects two
independent clauses.

I wanted to go to the movies, but Ryan

preferred to stay at home.
When a coordinating conjunction is used to
join two words or phrases, comma is not
needed.

I love to eat Italian and Chinese cuisine.

When a coordinating conjunction is used
with more than two items, the comma before
the coordinating conjunction is optional.

Miss Cruz teaches music, arts and theater.

Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are coordinating
conjunctions paired with other words that
extend the meaning of the first.

The common correlative conjunctions are:

both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not
only…but also, and whether…or
We saw people both near the pier and along the
beach.

Either I can go shopping or I can study.

Neither Jane nor Peter will perform in the play.

Yogurt is not only nutritious but also tasty.

I do not know whether Al or I won.

Subordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating and correlative conjunctions
join parts of sentences that are
grammatically equivalent.

In contrast, subordinating conjunctions join

unequal elements: dependent clause and
independent clause.
The clock struck five. The workers stopped.

When the clock struck five, the workers

stopped.

He couldn’t order a dinner. He had forgotten his

wallet.

He couldn’t order a dinner because he had

forgotten his wallet.
RELATIONSHIP SUBORDINATING EXAMPLES
CONJUNCTION
TIME while, when, as, Before you came, the department was
since, before, after, in chaos.
until, whenever
He saw a stray dog as he was walking
home.
PLACE where, wherever Wherever I go, she goes too.
CAUSE as, since, because Since I am failing math, I need tutor.

He came back home because he was

sick.
PURPOSE so that, in order She came home early so that we
that could talk.
RELATIONSHIP SUBORDINATING EXAMPLES
CONJUNCTION
RESULT that It was so hot that we couldn’t go out.
CONDITION if, unless If you do not behave, you will be
punished.

You will lose your things unless you

get a new bag.
CONCESSION although, though, Although she is intelligent, she rarely
AND CONTRAT even though, studies.
whereas, while
Though the parents only finished high
school, they were able to send all their
children in college.
MANNER as, as if, as though He looked as if he was lost.
RELATIONSHIP SUBORDINATING EXAMPLES
CONJUNCTION
COMPARISON as….as, more than, Rene said he found the exam as easy
less than, than as fixing his bike.