Conjunctions are the words like and, also, but, because, so, therefore, and which.
Conjunctions connect words and clauses.
Additive coordinating conjunctions (and, also, in
addition, etc.) tell you that what follows
the conjunction will add information.
• The class jeered, and the substitute
burst into tears.
Final coordinating conjunctions (therefore, so, in
consequence, etc.) imply a course of action.
• The party was loud, so the neighbors
called the police.
Coordinating conjunctions simply join sentences or
parts of sentences together.
• Diane prefers platinum, and Darla prefers
gold.
• I’m awake but not alert.
Correlative conjunctions, which come
in pairs (either . . . or; neither . .
. nor; not only . . . but also; and so
on), relate parts of a sentence to each other.
• Either Rebecca or Jason will win the
Cutest Baby in South Beach contest.
When using correlative conjunctions,
make sure the second conjunction is in the same part of the sentence
as the first conjunction.
Confusing: Liam
not only burned down the seats but also the stage.
• Liam burned down not only the seats
but also the stage.
• Liam not only burned down the seats
but also tore down the stage curtain.
Contrasting coordinating conjunctions (nevertheless, but, although, etc.)
contrast information.
• The principal begged the sub to stay,
but she refused violently.
Subordinating conjunctions (because, if,
etc.) precede clauses that are subordinate to the main clause.
• Brian works hard because his parents
pay him for every good grade he earns.
• Mrs. Vespa wondered if $200 tutus were
really necessary.
Participles like assuming, considering, and provided can
function as conjunctions when they subordinate one part of a sentence
to another.
• We’ll arrive around eleven, assuming
Angelina drives.
• This coffee is worth every penny, considering
that it helps me stay awake to study.
