Unit 2: Conjunctions

CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions are words that link other words in a sentence and indicate the relationship between those words. There are four types of conjunctions:

1. coordinating conjunctions
2. correlative conjunctions
3. adverbial conjunctions
4. subordinating conjunctions

You will study conjunctions again in Week 4 when you study the different types of clauses. But for now, learn the four types of conjunctions as subcategories of one of the eight parts of speech.

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Coordinating conjunctions join words or word groups of equal importance.

There are only seven coordinating conjunctions: 
*Use the memory word FANBOYS to help you remember all seven coordinating conjunctions.

1. For
2. And
3. Nor
4. But
5. Or
6. Yet
7. So

Examples

• The child was crying, for he had fallen and scraped both knees.
• The man and the woman walked hand in hand down the street.
• The Tan’s did not wish to visit Alaska, nor did they wish to visit Tierra del Fuego.
• She likes tea but not coffee.
• The student could play or study, but not both.
• The young man ate breakfast, yet he was still hungry.
• The game ended, so the team left the field.

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Correlative conjunctions are word pairs that join words or words groups of equal importance.

Common correlative conjunctions include:

• not only . . . but also
• whether . . . or
• both . . . and
• not . . . but
• either . . . or
• as . . . as
• neither . . . nor

Examples

• They want to travel not only to Europe but also to Asia.
• I want either the red dress or the black shoes.
• I want both the red dress and the black shoes.
• Whether you clean your room or vacuum the house is up to you.

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Unlike coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions that link words and word groups, adverbial conjunctions join independent clauses, which you will study in Unit 4.

Adverbial conjunctions tell the reader the relationship between the two main clauses. Below are common adverbial conjunctions organized by the relationship they specify.

AdditionEmphasisComparison 
or ContrastCause or 
EffectTimein addition 
furthermore 
moreover 
furtherin fact 
indeedhowever 
nevertheless 
nonetheless 
otherwise 
in contrast 
in comparisonas a result 
consequently 
hence 
therefore 
thusfinally 
meanwhile 
next

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Subordinating conjunctions are a word or group of words that introduces a subordinate clause, which you will study in Unit 4.

Below are common subordinating conjunctions organized by the relationship they specify.

Cause or 
EffectConcessionConditionComparison 
or ContrastPurposeSpace or Timeas 
because 
sincethough 
although 
even though 
even ifif 
since 
unless 
when 
wheneverwhile 
as 
rather thanin order that 
so thatbefore 
since 
once 
after 
while 
when 
until

Study these charts, for you will be referring to them throughout the course. You should become familiar with these words and the corresponding organizational relationship. They will help you to improve your thought and sentences as you write.