Grammar Unit #4

Conjunctionsand

Interjections

Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word or small group of words that joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions are the connectors in our language.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join two words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical value.

Common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.

Melody invited Jim and Shaniqua to her birthday party. - connecting two words

Leslie looked in the closet and under the bed for the lost gift. - connecting two prepositional phrases

William returned to the party, and Monica went home without him. - connecting two independent clauses

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions also join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical value; a correlative conjunction is made up of two or more words that are used together.

Common correlative conjunctions are both-and, not only-but also, either-or, neither-nor.

Both Alexis and her sister play volleyball.The team not only played well but also won the title.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Unlike coordinating and correlative conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions join unequal grammatical constructions. They join an independent (main) clause to a dependent (subordinate) clause.

The class was in the library because they were working on the computers.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

after before unlessalthough if untilas in order that whenas if since wheneveras long as so that whereas soon as than whereverbecause though while

Identifying Conjunctions

In the sentences below, circle conjunctions and identify them as coordinating, correlative, or subordinating.

1. Mrs. Frank not only works for the local newspaper but also teaches journalism.

2. Although our French teacher is strict, he is fair.3. We will leave as soon as everyone checks in with the

sponsor.4. We had plans to go to the park, but the rain forced us to go

to a movie instead.

Interjections

An interjection is an exclamatory expression that shows emotion. It has no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence.

Ugh! This milk tastes sourWow! That was a really thoughtful answer.

Punctuating Interjections

Strong interjections are usually followed by exclamation points.

Ouch! That fall really hurt.

Mild interjections are simply set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

Ah, that makes it feel better.

Using Interjections

Interjections are used mainly in speaking and in writing dialogue. Avoid using them in formal types of writing.

Interjections in Formal Writing

Parts of Speech Review

In the sentences below, identify each word as its part of speech.1. Who plans the college day for seniors?2. The counselors have created a special opportunity for

everyone on campus.3. When the sophomores and juniors take the PLAN and the

PSAT, seniors will be involved in exploration of multiple higher education avenues.

4. Fortunately, everyone will not be doing the same activity at the same time.

5. Wow! This sounds like an extremely special day.