Parts of Speech:
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases and clauses. Conjunctions give writing and speech a natural flow and rhythm.
Common conjunctions in English are and, but, or, for, nor, yet, and so.
The most common conjunctions for linking words and phrases are and, but and or.
What is a coordinating conjunction?
To coordinate means to bring together different parts of a system. In English, we can coordinate (or bring together) parts of a sentence to form fully realized sentences. Coordinating conjunctions are said to be the glue that holds sentences together.
A coordinating conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases or clauses. The most common conjunctions for connecting words and phrases are and, but, and or.
Conjunctions like for, nor, so and yet are used to relate clauses in a specific ways..
Coordinating Conjunction | And | in addition to
- You can have peas and carrots with the steak. | words
- We hiked through the park and across the valley. | phrases
- We went to a movie and we stopped for pizza. | clauses
Coordinating Conjunction | Or | alternative
- You can have peas or carrots with the steak. | words
- We can hike through the park or across the valley. | phrases
- We can go to a movie or we can stop for pizza. | clauses
Coordinating Conjunction | But | contrasting ideas
- You can have peas but not carrots with the steak. | words
- We hiked through the park but not across the valley. | phrases
- We can go to a movie but we can’t stop for pizza. | clauses
Coordinating Conjunction | For, Nor, So, Yet
- I am going to the store for we are out of vegetables. | for means because
- They won’t wait for you nor will they wait for me. | nor makes the 2nd clause negative
- I went to cooking school so I could work at New York’s best restaurants. | so – therefore; in order that, consequence
- The runner was only fifteen years old yet he finished in front of most of the adults. | yet – however, but even so
What is a correlative conjunction?
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs (twos). They are not usually placed side by side in sentences. Together, the two conjunctions relate something specific about words or phrases being connected. Correlative conjunctions are similar to coordinating conjunctions because they express parts of sentences that are equal.
Coordinating Conjunctions
- You can have peas or carrots with the steak.
(alternative) - I want peas and carrots with the steak.
(in addition to) - I do not want peas or carrots.
(negative alternative) - He didn’t want peas or carrots.
(alternative)
Correlative Conjunctions
- You can have either peas or carrots with the steak.
(emphasize an alternative) - I want both peas and carrots with the steak.
(emphasize “in addition to”) - I don’t know whether I want peas or carrots.
(express doubt about an alternative) - He wanted neither peas nor carrots.
not the one or the other
What is a subordinating conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction is a conjunction used to connect two clauses. A clause that uses a subordinating conjunction becomes subordinate to the independent clause (main idea). A subordinate clause does not express a complete thought. The subordinate clause expresses expresses an idea secondary to the idea expressed in the main clause.
Subordinating Conjunctions
after / although / as / as if / as long as / as though / because / before / besides / even if / even though / if / if only / in order that / now that / once / provided / rather than / since / so that / that / though / unless / until / when / whenever / where / whereas / wherever / whether / while / within / without
Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
- I ordered dessert after I finished my steak.
- Although I don’t really like baseball, I still went to the game with my friends.
- We are leaving early in the morning because we have a long journey ahead.
- Before Ted gave his speech, he drank about four cups of coffee.
- You will spoil your dinner if you eat ice cream now.
- Since I have never been here, I am going to let you lead the way.
- We didn’t see any bears though we did see a couple of bighorn sheep.
- You are not going to succeed unless you take some chances.
- We can’t buy a new car until we have enough money.
- When I got to California, I decided to become an actor.
What are other examples of conjunctions in a sentences?
More Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences
- David and Sally left for the mall but David forgot his wallet. | (coordinating, coordinating)
- Randall or I will drive, unless you want to take a turn. | (coordinating, subordinating)
- Either we go to a soccer match or we can go on a hike. | (correlative, correlative)
- We toured the Governor’s mansion, as I had always wanted to see it. | (subordinating)
- I am short and overweight whereas my brother is tall and lean. | (coordinating, subordinating, coordinating)
- Did the teacher say anything before she left the classroom? | (subordinating)
- They went to both the Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum while they were in Italy. | (correlative, correlative, subordinating)
