CONJUNCTION

Conjunction is the name for those common words that are used to join (conjoin) parts of sentences. A conjunction may be used to indicate the relationship between the ideas expressed in a clause and the ideas expressed in the rest of a sentence.

Example:

Defin

ition

Types of Conjunction

Coordinating ConjunctionAnd, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet—these are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember all seven, you might want to learn one of these acronyms: FANBOYS, YAFNOBS, or FONYBAS.

Subordination, however, emphasizes the idea in the main clause more than the one in the subordinate clause.

Use a coordinating conjunction when you want to give equal emphasis to two main clauses. The pattern for coordination looks like this:

MAIN CLAUSE+ Coordinating Conjunction, + + MAIN CLAUSE

While I am at work, my dog Floyd sleeps on the bed , and my cat Buster naps in the bathtub.

Example:

FANBOYS

OR

ND

OR

UT

R

ET

O

To communicate a reason/cause

To communicate addition

To communicate a negative choice

To communicate contrast

To communicate a choice

To communicate contrast

To communicate a result/effect

More Coordinating Conjunction

ConsequentlyFurthermoreHoweverIndeedMoreoverThen

Subordinate ConjunctionThese conjunctions are used to express relationships between a dependent and an independent clause.

The following is a list of the most common subordinating conjunctions

After Although As Because

Before how if While

Once since than that

though till until when

where whether

An adverb clause is always introduced by a subordinating conjunction. A noun clause and adjective clause sometimes are. Adverb clause: Before you go, sign the log book. Noun clause: He asked if he could leave early. Adjective clause: That is the place where he was last seen.

A subordinating conjunction is always followed by a clause. Many subordinating conjunctions can be other parts of speech.

Adverb: Jill came tumbling after.

Preposition: Jill came tumbling after Jack.

Subordinating Conjunction: Jill came tumbling after Jack had fallen.

Note:(A) Two independent clauses can be joined by a comma and a pure conjunction. However, a comma by itself will not work. (Using a comma without a conjunction to hook together two sentences creates a comma splice!)

[Independent Clause] , pure conjunction [independent clause].

Example:

Susan appreciated the flowers, yet a Corvette would be a finer gift.

(B) Two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb are separated by a semicolon. However, the writer still needs to insert a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

[Independent clause] ; conjunctive adverb , [independent clause] .

Susan appreciated the flowers; nevertheless,a Corvette would be a finer a gift.

Example

(C) Two independent clauses not joined by a conjunction are separated by a semicolon.

[Independent clause] ; [independent clause] .

ExampleSusan appreciated the flowers ;

a Corvette would be a finer gift.

(D) A dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence is introductory, and like most bits of introductory material, it is usually followed by comma. A dependent clause following the main (independent) clause is usually not punctuated.

Examples Using Introductory Clauses:

Though Susan appreciated the flowers ,

a Corvette would be a finer gift.

Note:By placing a subordinate conjunction in front of any independent clause, the writer transforms a perfectly good sentence into a fragment! Be careful, and use your conjunctions wisely. In the sentence fragments below, the clauses are dependent. To fix the problem, the grammarian must either connect them to another clause or delete the subordinate conjunction (in Red).

As mortals cowered in fear.

While Joey was shot seventeen times in the tibia.

Although a Corvette would be a finer gift.

Correlative Conjunction

Examples:

"It is difficult to produce a television documentary that is both incisive and probing when every twelve minutes one is interrupted by twelve dancing rabbits singing about toilet paper."(Rod Serling)

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."

(MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.)

The following are some of the most common correlative conjunctions

Neither NorEitherBothWhetherNot Only

OrAndOr

But Also

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Restrictions on Multiple Correlatives

"A rule of traditional grammar limits the use of correlative conjunctions to two elements. Sentences using three or more correlative conjunctions are widely viewed as erroneous in their construction. Thus sentences like the following are widely viewed as mistakes: Both her mother, her father, and her sister are great public speakers. The team has neither the talent, discipline, nor stamina to win the championship."

(The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style. Houghton Mifflin, 2005)

"According to didactic tradition, the use of correlative coordinators is unacceptable when there are three or more conjoins:(1) We are both willing, able, and ready to carry out the survey.(2) Either the Minister, or the Under-secretary, or the Permanent Secretary will attend the meeting.(3) Tompkins has neither the personality, the energy, nor the experience to win this election.