Conjunctions and Interjections!

Conjunction-junction, what’s your function? Hookin’ up words and phrases and clauses! Just like we learned in the clause lecture, they’re connectors that hook things together! (the chains) Sometimes referred to as “transition words.” There are four types of conjunctions. Just like pronouns, you don’t have to memorize the types; you just have to understand them.

1) Coordinating Conjunctions Connect things of equal importance Examples: FANBOYS for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions Sonia and her friends watched the new music video. Let’s try to figure out all the words in that sentence! Noun: people Adj: article Pronoun: Possessive ADJECTIVE TOO! Adj: What kind of video? Noun: Person Verb: To watch Noun: Thing (the video) Adj: What kind of video?

Examples of Coodrinating Conjunctions The action started out on a beach, but the scene changed quickly. What part of speech is “quickly”? Adverb (LOLLY LOLLY LOLLY!) What part of speech is “a”? Adjective (It’s an article!) What part of speech is “action”? Noun (the action) What part of speech is “started”? Verb (to start)

2) Correlative Conjunctions Conjunctions that come in pairs Are often in different parts of the sentence Examples: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions You will not only hear your favorite song, but also see the performer. Either the music or the visual images will grab your attention.

3) Subordinating Conjunctions Begin subordinating clauses and connect them to independent ones (hooking up the trains!) Examples: after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, even though, if, in order that, provided, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, whereas, while

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions The band waited while the director checked the lighting. What is the subject of the sentence? band, director (“band” is the primary subject) What are the two verbs of the sentence? waited (to wait), checked (to check) Although music videos are short, they are expensive to produce.

4) Conjunctive Adverbs Express relationships between independent clauses (BETWEEN IDEAS) DON’T hook sentences together; instead, often start a new sentence (“transition words”) Often (not always) preceded by a semi-colon (;) Examples: Accordingly, Also, Besides, Consequently, Finally, Furthermore, Hence, However, Instead, Nevertheless, Otherwise, Similarly, Still, Therefore, Thus

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs The invention of the transistor radio contributed to the rise of rock and roll. Similarly, the introduction of cable television helped music videos. The test was on Thursday; however, I started studying on Monday.

Let’s Go Conjunction Huntin’! The face of the music industry changed when cable television came along and began running music videos. The face of the music industry changed when cable television came along and began running music videos. However, many people predicted that the idea would fail. Either an all-video station would not attract viewers, or the producers wouldn’t find enough programming. These predictions seemed reasonable, but the skeptics turned out to be wrong.

Conjunction Huntin’ Cont’d Singers and bands began to make more and more videos; consequently, viewers turned in to watch. Singers and bands began to make more and more videos; consequently, viewers turned in to watch. According to critics, performers were creating works that were not only visually but also musically insubstantial. According to critics, performers were creating works that were not only visually but also musically insubstantial. There’s some truth to the criticism that many videos aren’t creative; however, there are plenty that are truly innovative. It’s been roughly twenty years since videos first appeared. It’s been roughly twenty years since videos first appeared.

Who CARES about conjunctions anyway? Conjunctions matter in writing in two ways: 1) Show relationships between ideas 2) Allow ideas to be combined to form complex sentences For example: Although Hugh was a stinky dog, it was not surprising since his owner didn’t bathe him.

Interjections A word or phrase used to express emotion Often offset by a comma (not as much emphasis) or an exclamation point (lots of emphasis) Examples: Wow, gee, hey, ouch, aha, boy, imagine, unbelievable, rats, darn, oh, goodness, and many, many more…

Examples of Interjections Oh my! You lost a tooth, Jimmy! Ouch! Don’t bite, Tommy! Well, I don’t plan on serving snack until later. Wow, someone did a very good job on her art project. Yikes, it looks like someone spilled the glue. Wonderful! You picked up the toys without being asked!

Why Use Interjections? Can add emotion and enthusiasm to your writing Choose which interjection fits the scenario best: (Great!/Oh no!) We’re almost finished with our presentation. (Wow,/Well,) we still have to choose the music. (Here,/Ouch,) listen to this. (Alas!/Wow!) I think that’s perfect.

The End! …or is it?