Joining Ideas with Conjunctions

In this episode, we’ll learn about conjunctions. Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or parts of sentences. They help us make longer and more complex sentences.

1. What is a Conjunction?

Think of conjunctions as connectors or bridges between different parts of a sentence.

Examples in Sentences:

• I like cats and dogs. (Connects two nouns)
• She is tall but her brother is short. (Connects two parts of a sentence)
• We can go to the park or stay home. (Connects two choices)

2. Three Main Types of Conjunctions (Simplified)

For beginners, let’s focus on three main types:

• Coordinating Conjunctions: These connect similar things (two nouns, two adjectives, two phrases, or two independent parts of a sentence).
• Subordinating Conjunctions: These connect a main idea to a less important idea.
• Correlative Conjunctions: These work in pairs to connect ideas.

3. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

There are seven main coordinating conjunctions. A helpful way to remember them is with the acronym FANBOYS:

• For (reason) Example: I went to bed early, for I was tired.
• And (addition) Example: I like to sing and dance.
• Nor (negative addition) Example: I don’t like coffee, nor do I like tea.
• But (contrast) Example: It is raining, but I will still go for a walk.
• Or (choice) Example: Do you want an apple or a banana?
• Yet (contrast, similar to “but”) Example: She is very young, yet she is very talented.
• So (result/consequence) Example: I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.

Examples in Sentences:

• She likes to read and write.
• He is tall but not very strong.
• Do you want coffee or tea?

4. Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that can’t stand alone) to an independent clause (a part of a sentence that can stand alone). They often show time, cause, or condition.

Some common subordinating conjunctions:

• Time: after, before, when, while, until, since
• Cause/Reason: because, since, as
• Condition: if, unless

Examples in Sentences:

• After I eat dinner, I will do my homework.
• I will go to the park if it doesn’t rain.
• Because I was tired, I went to bed early.

5. Correlative Conjunctions

These conjunctions always come in pairs.

Some common correlative conjunctions:

• both…and Example: Both my brother and my sister are here.
• either…or Example: You can have either cake or ice cream.
• neither…nor Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is outside.
• not only…but also Example: She is not only intelligent but also kind.

Examples in Sentences:

• Both cats and dogs make good pets.
• You can either stay or leave.
• Neither he nor I want to go.

What We Skipped (For Now):

• More complex subordinating conjunctions and their uses.

Why are Conjunctions Important?

Conjunctions help us create more complex and interesting sentences. They show the relationships between different ideas and make our writing and speaking flow more smoothly.

Other Useful Links
| Introduction to English Grammar | Noun | Pronoun | Adjectives | Verbs | Adverb | Preposition | Conjunction | Interjection | Articles | Phrases | Clause | Modal Verbs | Tenses | Passive Voice |