Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word that "joins". A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence. Here are some example conjunctions: Coordinating Conjunctions and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so Subordinating Conjunctions although, because, since, unless

We can consider conjunctions from three aspects.

Form
Conjunctions have three basic forms:

Single Word for example: and, but, because, although Compound (often ending with as or that) for example: provided that, as long as, in order that Correlative (surrounding an adverb or adjective) for example: so...that

Function
Conjunctions have two basic functions or "jobs":

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal. The two parts may be single words or clauses, for example: - Jack and Jill went up the hill. - The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming. Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a subordinate dependent clause to a main clause, for example: - I went swimming although it was cold.

Position

Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join. Subordinating conjunctions usually come at the beginning of the subordinate clause.

Coordinating Conjunctions
The short, simple conjunctions are called "coordinating conjunctions":

and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so

A coordinating conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example words or independent clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar. A coordinating conjunction shows that the elements it joins are similar in importance and structure: Look at these examples - the two elements that the coordinating conjunction joins are shown in square brackets [ ]:

I like [tea] and [coffee]. [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee].

Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join. When a coordinating conjunction joins independent clauses, it is always correct to place a comma before the conjunction:

I want to work as an interpreter in the future, so I am studying Russian at university.

However, if the independent clauses are short and well-balanced, a comma is not really essential:

She is kind so she helps people.

When "and" is used with the last word of a list, a comma is optional:

He drinks beer, whisky, wine, and rum. He drinks beer, whisky, wine and rum.

The 7 coordinating conjunctions are short, simple words. They have only two or three letters. There's an easy way to remember them - their initials spell: F
For

A
And

N
Nor

B
But

O
Or

Y
Yet

S
So

Subordinating Conjunctions
The majority of conjunctions are "subordinating conjunctions". Common subordinating conjunctions are:

after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while

A subordinating conjunction joins a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause: Look at this example: main or independent clause Ram went swimming subordinate or dependent clause although subordinating conjunction A subordinate or dependent clause "depends" on a main or independent clause. It cannot exist alone. Imagine that somebody says to you: "Hello! Although it was raining." What do you understand? Nothing! But a main or independent clause can exist alone. You will understand very well if somebody says to you: "Hello! Ram went swimming." A subordinating conjunction always comes at the beginning of a subordinate clause. It "introduces" a subordinate clause. However, a subordinate clause can sometimes come after and sometimes before a main clause. Thus, two structures are possible: Ram went swimming although it was raining. Although it was raining, Ram went swimming. it was raining.

Basic Coordinating Conjunctions

Complete the sentences by choosing the best coordinating conjunction for each space. and but or so 1. Jaewon was cold, he put on a coat. it was too difficult. you can

2. Maria tried to read a novel in French,

3. To get from Vancouver to Victoria, you can fly, ride the ferry. 4. I bought a bottle of wine, 5. The waiter was not very nice, 6. I went to buy a Rolling Stones CD, 7. Anna needed some money, we drank it together.

the food was delicious. the shop didn't have it. she took a part-time job.

8. There's so much rain lately! Maybe it's because of El Nino, maybe it's just coincidence. 9. Julie has a guitar, she plays it really well. we went to a nightclub 10. The concert was cancelled, instead.

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 1

Choose the best conjunction for each sentence. 1. I don't drink coffee ________ it makes me nervous. 1. although 2. as 2. I will be late today ________ my car has broken down. 1. though 2. because 3. Jerry passed the exam first time ________ I had to retake it three times. 1. as 2. while 4. ________ it was raining, I didn't get wet. 1. Although 2. Because 5. ________ my wife likes to travel abroad, I prefer to stay at home for my vacations. 1. Since 2. Whereas 6. ________ Mei Li doesn't speak English, she can't go to university in Canada. 1. Since 2. Whereas 7. Jun couldn't buy any Christmas presents ________ he didn't have any money. 1. even though 2. because 8. Paula got the job ________ she had no experience. 1. even though 2. as

Basic Subordinating Conjunctions 2

Combine the sentences using the subordinating conjunction at the end of the sentence. For example: "I put my coat on. It was cold. (because)" becomes" I put my coat on because it was cold."

1. (because)

You should stay away from bears. They are dangerous.

2.

The boat could not move. There was no wind. (since)

3.

I took my umbrella. It was raining. (as)

4.

Deer are cute. They eat all your flowers. (although)

5.

Some apples are red. Others are green. (while)

6.

Surfing is fun. It can be dangerous. (though)