Unit 3 CONJUNCTIONS What are Conjunctions A conjunction

Unit 3 CONJUNCTIONS

What are Conjunctions? • A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. • There a few important rules for using conjunctions. • Conjunctions are for connecting thoughts, actions, and ideas as well as nouns, clauses, and other parts of speech. For example: Mary went to the supermarket and bought oranges. • Conjunctions are useful for making lists. For example: We made pancakes, eggs, as well as coffee for breakfast. • When using conjunctions, make sure that all the parts of your sentences agree. For example: “I work busily yet am careful” does not agree. “I work busily yet carefully” shows agreement.

Types of Conjunctions There are three kinds of conjunctions: Coordinating Conjunctions And, but, or, nor, for, so, yet Subordinating Conjunctions After, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while. Correlative Conjunctions Both…and, either. . . or, neither. . . nor, not only. . . but also, so. . . as, whether. . . or.

Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions coordinate or join two or more sentences, main clauses, words, or other parts of speech. It’s a good idea to use the mnemonic “FANBOYS” to memorize coordinating conjunctions so you’ll never forget them. They are: F = for A = and N = nor B = but O = or Y = yet S = so Rules for effective usage • Ensure that the coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a main clause • Don’t use coordinating conjunctions to begin all of your sentences. Do so only when it makes your writing more effective.

Coordinating Conjunctions • Lilacs and violets are usually purple. In this example, the coordinating conjunction and links two nouns. • This movie is particularly interesting to feminist film theorists, for the screenplay was written by Mae West. In this example, the coordinating conjunction for is used to link two independent clauses • Ram's uncle claimed that he spent most of his youth dancing on rooftops and swallowing goldfish. Here the coordinating conjunction and links two participle phrases (dancing on rooftops and swallowing goldfish; ) which act as adverbs describing the verb spent.

Subordinating Conjunction A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and indicates the nature of the relationship (place, time, cause and effect) among the independent clause(s) and the dependent clause(s). • After she had learned to drive, Alice felt more independent. The subordinating conjunction after introduces the dependent clause “After she had learned to drive. ” • If the paperwork arrives on time, your cheque will be mailed on Tuesday. The subordinating conjunction if introduces the dependent clause “If the paperwork arrives on time”

Subordinating Conjunction • Gerald had to begin his thesis over again when his computer crashed. The subordinating conjunction when introduces the dependent clause “when his computer crashed” • Midwifery advocates argue that home births are safer because the mother and baby are exposed to fewer people and fewer germs. In this sentence, the dependent clause “because the mother and baby are exposed to fewer people and fewer germs” is introduced by the subordinating conjunction “because”.

Correlative Conjunctions Correlative conjunctions always appear in pairs and are used to link equivalent sentence elements. • When using correlative conjunctions, ensure verbs agree so your sentences make sense. For example: Every night, either loud music or fighting neighbors wake John from his sleep. • When you use a correlative conjunction, you must be sure that pronouns agree. For example: Neither Debra nor Sally expressed her annoyance when the cat broke the antique lamp. • When using correlative conjunctions, be sure to keep parallel structure intact. Equal grammatical units need to be incorporated into the entire sentence. For example: Not only did Mary grill burgers for Michael, but she also fixed a steak for her dog, Vinny.

Correlative Conjunctions • Both my grandfather and my father worked in the steel plant. In this sentence, the correlative conjunction both. . . and is used to link the two noun phrases that act as the compound subject of the sentence: my grandfather and my father. • Bring either sour cream or Greek yogurt. Here the correlative conjunction either. . . or links two noun phrases : sour cream and Greek yogurt. • The explosion destroyed not only the school but also the neighbouring pub. In this example the correlative conjunction not only. . . but also links the two noun phrases (the school and neighbouring pub) which act as direct objects.

Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect one clause to another. They are also used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships. Some examples of conjunctive adverbs are as follow: • • • Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble. She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias. You’re my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you’re taking advantage of me. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle.

Now take the assessment on Conjunctions!