Conjunctions
A conjunction is a joiner, a word that connects (conjoins) parts of a sentence. This category includes more than the words "just," "but," and "or". They are a closed class meaning that new conjunctions cannot be created.
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Coordinating Conjunctions
The smallest, most simple conjunctions include: and, but, or, yet, for, nor, so. It may help you to remember the acronym F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So.
Coordinating Conjunctions and Punctuation
When a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses it is often accompanied by a comma.
Example: Brianna wanted to pass the test, but she never made time to study.
A comma is also used when attaching a conjunction to the last item in a serial list.
Example: I need you to pick up milk, bread, and peanut butter from the store.
When a coordinating conjunction is used to connect all the items in a series a comma is not used.
Example: I need you to pick up milk and bread and peanut butter.
A comma can be used with but when expressing contrast.
Example: Brianna wanted to pass, but she didn't study.
Other than independent clauses conjunctions can combine two sentence elements without the use of a comma.
Example:
- Mary and I went shopping yesterday.
- I like to watch both House and The Bachelor on Mondays.
- We invited Carl but not Steve.
- We didn't invite Carl or Steve.
When considering beginning a sentence with "and," "or," or "but," ask yourself these questions: (1) Would the sentence and paragraph function just as well without the initial conjunction? (2) Should the sentence in question be connected to the previous sentence? If the initial conjunction still seems appropriate, use it.
Less commonly used conjunctions: Nor, Yet, For
"Nor" is not common. It is generally used along with "neither".
Example: He is neither dumb nor brilliant.
It can also be used to make a negative statement:
Example: That is not what I meant nor what I said.
The word "yet" sometimes functions as an adverb and has several meanings: In addition (and yet here is another one), even (yet more expensive), still (he is yet a boy), eventually (they may yet win), and soon (he is not here yet).
"For" is used most often as a preposition, but can also be used as a coordinating conjunction. It is used to introduce the reason behind the preceding clause.
Example: After work we just wanted to take a nap, for it had been a very long day.
"So" can sometimes connect two independent clauses with a comma, but not always. Where "so" means "as well" or "in addition too," you would generally use a semicolon.
Example: Sarah is not the only girl in her family; so are her two sisters Emily and Brianna.
When "so" means "therefore" it is okay to use a comma.
Example: Brittanie doesn't like Brianna, so she just ignores her.
Subordinating Conjunctions
A Subordinating Conjunction comes at the beginning of a subordinate(or dependent) clause and establishes the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence. It also turns the clause into something that depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.
Example: She depends on me as though I am her only friend.
Because he loved to dance, he refused to quit practicing. Unless we do something now, we will lose the competition.
Correlative Conjunctions
Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal.
Common correlative conjunctions include: both-and, not only-but also, not-but, either-or, neither-nor, whether-or.
Ex: I would like to have both ice cream and whip cream.
You can have either ice cream or whip cream.
Whether you win or lose it's how you play the game.
Conjunctive Adverbs
The conjunctive adverbs such as "however," "moreover," "nevertheless," "consequently," and "as a result" are used to create complex relationships and transitions between ideas.
Sources
"Conjunctions." Guide to Grammar and Writing. Capital Community College Foundation , 2004. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. <http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm>.
