Conjunction Junction: What’s your function? A Mini-Lesson by Ms. Drake

What is a conjunction? Words that link other words, phrases, or clauses Three types: Coordinating Subordinating Correlative

Coordinating Conjuctions Connects two independent clauses Ms. Drake came into our room, and she taught us about conjunctions. Connect two phrases The squirrel scurried up the tree trunk and onto a low branch. Connect two words John and Bill play baseball for West Raleigh.

Coordinating Conjunctions FANBOYS For And Nor But Or Yet So

The Four Most Common The puppy is small, and it was energetic. Use it to show two ideas or things that belong together. I wanted to go to the beach, but I had a lot of work to do. Use it to create an exception or a contrast to the first part of the sentence. The storm interfered with the satellite, so I decided to read a book. Use it as a way to explain a reason or to sum up an idea. I was allowed to have chicken nuggets, or I could have a hamburger. Use it to show that only one of the possibilities presented can be realized.

The Other Three For is rarely used as a conjunction because it also sounds too “fancy” for common speech, but it sometimes used in place of “because” to provide an explanation. Mark thought he had a good chance of getting the job, for his father was the company’s president. Yet is commonly used to replace “but” or “nevertheless,” and it carries an air of extra thought or consideration that “but” may not provide. He has never shown an interest in basketball, yet when he plays he demonstrates amazing talent. Nor is rarely used anymore and sometimes sounds “fancy” or odd when it is used in a sentence. Use it with negative expressions like: That meal wasn’t tasty nor did it look good.

Subordinating Conjunctions Connects two groups of words by making one into a “huge adverb” that answers when or why or imposes a condition. Because he was only 50 inches tall, he wasn’t allowed to ride the roller coaster. (why?) I can go outside after I finish my homework. (when?) I’ll give you a hug if you give me a dollar. (condition)

Some Other Subordinating Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunctions Always used in pairs Both, and Both Sarah and Jane are my best friends. Neither, nor I want neither chicken pox nor the flu this year. Not only, but also Not only would it be nice to win the lottery, but also to avoid paying the taxes on my winnings.

Independent vs. Dependent Clauses A dependent clause is a part of a sentence with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone by itself as a sentence. If the cable breaks the bridge will collapse. An independent clause is a part of a sentence that could stand alone by itself as a sentence. The cable broke,and the bridge collapsed.

To use a comma or not use a comma, THAT is the question! If you are connecting two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, put a comma before the conjunction. I went to the carnival, and I won a stuffed animal. If you are connecting an independent clause to a dependent clause you do not have to use a comma. I bought a ticket and went to the carnival.