Conjunctions

All of these words, and many more,

are conjunctions ! ! !
or

for
than
while

before

if
even
though

wherever

nor

and
since
yet
where

then
because

whether
so

although
unless
until

but

Let us take a closer look . . .

What is a conjunction?
Conjunction is the name for those common words
that are used to join (conjoin) parts of sentences. Also,
conjunctions may be used to begin certain sentences.

There are two different types of conjunctions:

coordinating conjunctions and subordinating
conjunctions.

Conjunctions sometimes work in pairs and are called

correlative conjunctions.

Conjunctive adverbs are also frequently used to

provide logical connections in sentences.

Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are seven very common words. They are
very small, made up of three or fewer letters.

When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:

Reason

Coordinating Conjunction

To communicate addition
To communicate contrast
To communicate a result/effect
To communicate a reason/cause
To communicate a choice
To communicate a negative choice

and
but, yet
so
for
or
nor

Use them between two independent clauses.

Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words,
phrases, and independent clauses.

Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:

Ex.

He only wears striped ties and polka dotted bow

ties. ( And joins two words.)
Ex. The shoes were not
(Nor joins two phrases.)
Ex.

blue suede nor black leather.

It wasnt a costume party, yet many came dressed

as literary villains. (Yet joins two independent clauses.)

More Coordinating Conjunctions...

These are likely used less often; however, they serve an important function.

When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:

Reason
To communicate additional
information

Coordinating Conjunction

consequently
furthermore
however
indeed
moreover
nevertheless
then
therefore
Use them between two independent clauses.

Coordinating Conjunctions
These coordinating conjunctions are used to join
independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
Ex.

He only wears brown wingtips; consequently, he

does not wear white socks. ( Consequently joins two
independent clauses.)
Ex.

The shoes were not suede; however, they were

leather. (However joins two independent clauses.)
Ex.

It was not a Halloween party; nevertheless, many

came dressed in costumes. (nevertheless joins two
independent clauses.)

Subordinate Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to express relationships
between a dependent and an independent clause.
When to Use Common Subordinate Conjunctions:
Reason
Regarding time

Subordinate Conjunction

after, before, once, since,

until, when, whenever, while
To communicate a reason/cause
as, because, since
To communicate a result/effect
in order that, so, so that, that
To communicate a conditionif, even if, unless
To communicate contrast
although, even though,
though, whereas
Regarding location
where, wherever
Regarding a choice
than, whether

Subordinate Conjunctions
Subordinate conjunctions often begin a dependent clause. If the
dependent clause begins or interrupts the sentence, then it is
separated from the independent clause by a comma.

Examples of subordinate conjunctions in sentences:

Once she found the perfect broach, she purchased
three outfits to match it. (Once demonstrates a time context. A
Ex.

comma is used because the conjunction begins the sentence.)

Ex. He wore the top hat wherever he went. (Wherever
demonstrates a location context. Though wherever begins the
dependent clause, no comma is used because it does not begin the
sentence or interrupt the sentence.)

Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are two separate conjunctions
that are often in sentences together.
Common Correlative Conjunctions and Examples:
both, and

Ex. Both maroon and gray accent nicely.

either, or

Ex. I like to wear either pants or capris.

neither, nor

Ex. Neither the shirt nor the jacket fit.

not only, but (also)

Ex. Not only one button fell off, but all of

them.

whether, or

Ex. Whether or not you wear nice clothes,

you have to wear clothes.

not, so much as

Ex. It was not that his clothes were

flamboyant so much as they were
florid.

Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs provide connections and transitions that
clarify or limit the meaning of words.

When to Use Common Conjunctive Adverbs:

Reason
To communicate addition
To communicate contrast

Conjunctive Adverb

also, furthermore, besides

however, still, nevertheless,
instead, otherwise
To communicate comparison
similarly, likewise
To introduce a result/summary therefore, thus, consequently,
accordingly, hence, then
To indicate time
next, then, meanwhile, finally
To communicate emphasis
indeed, certainly

Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs can appear anywhere in a
sentence. They should be followed by a comma and,
when in the middle of a sentence, preceded by a
semicolon.
Examples of conjunctive adverbs in sentences:
Ex. Furthermore, stiletto heels are not a fad; they are
classic! (Furthermore communicates an additional
statement and is followed by a comma.)
Ex. His crimson cape caught on the skyscraper;
therefore, his flying ended abruptly. (Therefore
communicates a result and is preceded by a
semicolon because it is in the middle of the sentence.)