CONJUNCTIONS
DEFINITION
Words that connect or link two parts of a sentence are called conjunctions (see "to conjoin"). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. There are three basic types of conjunctions:
1. Coordinating conjunctions used to connect two independent clauses.
2. Subordinating conjunctions used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence.
3. Correlative conjunctions, joining various sentence elements which are grammatically equal.
List of Conjunctions
1.Coordinating Conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction usually comes in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.
Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a 'sentence', the purpose of transitional words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.
Examples:
We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it. [Lyndon B. Johnson]
The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a comma. [Larry Wall]
And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so |
2.Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause.
Examples:
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. [Abraham Maslow]
Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-DeWitt]
**after, although, as, as if, as long as, because, before, how, (only) if, in case that, in order that,
provided that, now that, once, rather than, since, so that, than, that,...