Conjunctions Flashcards
The 8 Parts of Speech (6 cards)
Conjunctions
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunctions]
A conjunction is a word that links other words, phrases, or clauses together. Conjunctions create connections that identify the logical relationships between ideas or sentence elements. These relationships may be used to indicate an addition (as with and), create contrast (but, yet, although), establish cause and effect (because), or introduce a condition (unless), among other things.
Three Main Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating
- Correlative
- Subordinating
There are also conjunctive adverbs.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunctions]
Coordinating Conjunctions
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types;Syntax;Clauses; Combining Clauses]
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses that are grammatically equal. The most common are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so—remember them with the acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
Grammatically equal means the two things joined by a coordinating conjunction are the same type, like:
Word + word (e.g., noun + noun)
Phrase + phrase (e.g., prepositional phrase + prepositional phrase)
Clause + clause (e.g., two full sentences)
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) can only connect elements that are equal in structure.
Example: I’d like pizza or a salad for lunch.
Use a comma before the conjunction when connecting independent clauses:
She enjoys painting, and he loves playing the guitar.
Make sure elements joined are parallel:
Incorrect: I work quickly and careful.
Correct: I work quickly and carefully.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Incorrect: I work quickly, I check my work carefully.
Correct: I work quickly, but I check my work carefully.
Three Main Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating
- Correlative
- Subordinating
There are also conjunctive adverbs.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types;Syntax;Clauses; Combining Clauses]
Correlative Conjunctions
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types]
Correlative conjunctions are pairs that work together to connect equal parts of a sentence. Common pairs include: both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also.
Example: I am finished with both my English essay and my history essay.
These require parallel structure:
Incorrect: I take both pilates as well as swimming.
Correct: I take both pilates and swimming.
Three Main Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating
- Correlative
- Subordinating
There are also conjunctive adverbs.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types]
Subordinating Conjunctions
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types;Syntax;Clauses; Combining Clauses]
Subordinating conjunctions link dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships like time, cause, or contrast. Common ones include: because, since, although, while, until, whereas.
Example: I drank a glass of water because I was thirsty.
When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma:
Because I was thirsty, I drank a glass of water.
That can also act as a subordinating conjunction, often following verbs, adjectives, or nouns:
I imagine that she will call soon.
He was certain that he had locked the door.
I am holding on to the hope that the café will stay open.
“That” may be omitted when the meaning is still clear:
I imagine she will call soon.
Three Main Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating
- Correlative
- Subordinating
There are also conjunctive adverbs.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Types;Syntax;Clauses; Combining Clauses]
Conjunctive Adverbs
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Other]
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that acts like a conjunction by connecting two clauses or ideas. It can join independent clauses using a semicolon before and a comma after the adverb, or it can connect ideas across sentences or within a single clause.
These adverbs often show relationships such as:
Addition: also, besides, furthermore
Cause and effect: accordingly, consequently, therefore
Contrast: however, nevertheless, still
Time: meanwhile, recently
Clarification, comparison, emphasis
Examples:
I have lived here since I was seven; also, I still live in my childhood home.
Raven works a lot; nevertheless, they find time for art.
She is an avid gardener. That is, she grows her own food.
Three Main Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating
- Correlative
- Subordinating
There are also conjunctive adverbs.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Other]
Starting a Sentence with a Conjunction
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Rules]
It is perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with a conjunction like and, but, or because. This rule was once taught in schools, but it’s a myth. Starting a sentence with a conjunction can add emphasis or style.
Coordinating conjunction:
Have a safe trip. And don’t forget to call.
Subordinating conjunction:
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
Just be sure not to overuse this technique—starting too many sentences with conjunctions can make writing feel repetitive or informal.
[Grammar Basics/The 8 Parts of Speech/Conjunction Rules]
