Conjunctions
a word or phrase that shows the relationship between two
words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank.
3 Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating
Correlative
Subordinating
Coordinating Conjunctions
AND BUT SO FOR OR NOR YET
Above is a list of the coordinating conjunctions. These are used to join two words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
“and” (+) and “nor” (-) are used to show an agreement between items/clauses.
“yet”, and “but” are used to show a disagreement between clauses.
“for” and “so” are used to show a reason between clauses.
“or” is used to show agreement or disagreement between items/clauses.
Remember, when using a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses
(complete thoughts) you must insert a comma before the conjunction.
Example: I want to buy the new jacket, but it is too expensive.
In this example, there are two independent clauses:
#1: “I want to buy a new jacket.” (complete thought)
#2: “It is too expensive.” (complete thought)
These clauses are separated by a comma and the conjunction “but” which is used to
show disagreement.
PRACTICE
Circle each independent clause in the sentences below (Some sentences may
only have one). Next, say whether the conjunction is used to show an agreement,
disagreement, or reason.
1. I normally like to run, but today I am walking.
agreement / disagreement / reason
2. I like strawberry and chocolate ice cream.
agreement/disagreement/reason
3. I am smarter than my brother, yet he still got a higher grade on the test.
agreement / disagreement / reason
4. I don’t make good grades, nor do I try very hard in school.
agreement / disagreement / reason
5. It is raining outside today, so I think I will wear my raincoat.
agreement / disagreement / reason
6. He is always crying, for he is very sad.
agreement / disagreement / reason
7. I don’t like yellow or blue
agreement / disagreement / reason
PRACTICE
Now say whether the conjunction is used to show an agreement,
disagreement, or reason.
1. and agreement / disagreement / reason
2. but agreement / disagreement / reason
3. or agreement / disagreement / reason
4. yet agreement / disagreement / reason
5. for agreement / disagreement / reason
6. nor agreement / disagreement / reason
7. so agreement / disagreement / reason
PRACTICE
Try to fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunction. Use commas if
necessary.
1. My dad _______ I are going fishing this afternoon.
2. The old man doesn’t have much money _____ he always seems to have nice things.
3. Either we are going to win ______ they are going to win.
4. I don’t have much time _____ hurry up!
5. He wasn’t a popular king _____ all of his country men hated him.
6. I want to get there early ____ we should leave soon.
7. It doesn’t matter whether they get the job ___ not.
8. We don’t like red ____ do I like blue.
9. I ran after the cat _____ could not catch her.
10. We played very well ____ we still lost the game.
APPLICATION
Now practice creating your own sentences using the conjunctions list above.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that connect words, phrases, or clauses
USING CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
Words Joined Examples
Nouns At the party, Jen served both hamburgers and hot dogs.
Pronouns Mom wants to know whether you or I will set the table.
Verbs Danny not only entered but also won the marathon.
Adjectives The house was neither attractive nor affordable.
Adverbs He spoke both rapidly and clearly.
Prepositional Phrases You will find the books either on reserve or on the shelves.
Sentences Not only did we bake the pies, but we also sold them.
PRACTICE
Circle both parts of the correlative conjunction in each sentence below, and underline the words or word groups it connects.
1. Ellen usually either walks or rides her bike to school.
2. This pie crust is not only tender but also flaky.
3. Both Paul and his family are Tiger fans.
4. My new record was neither in its jacket nor on the turntable.
5. Do you know whether Shana or her sister took the message?
6. The dinner includes either salad or vegetable.
7. Ben not only set the table but also washed the dishes.
8. Either Fran will make the arrangements, or Mom will be angry.
9. My sneakers are neither in the closet nor under my bed.
10. I like both sausage and peppers in my sandwich.
APPLICATION
Write sentences using correlative conjunctions to combine the following types of words, phrases, or clauses.
EXAMPLE: Use either . . . or to join two adjectives.
Only someone who is either brave or crazy would take that job.
1. Use neither . . . nor to join two adverbs.
____________________________________________________
2. Use whether . . . or to join two pronouns.
____________________________________________________
3. Use either . . . or to join two sentences.
____________________________________________________
4. Use not only . . . but also to join two prepositional phrases.
____________________________________________________
5. Use both . . . and to join two verbs.
____________________________________________________
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to
an independent clause (complete thought).
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after
before
once
although
as
as if
as long as
as though
because
still
even if
even though
if
if only
in order to
now that
rather than
since
so that
than
that
PRACTICE
Directions: please fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunction. Try to use commas where you think they are necessary.
1. He behaves ___ _________ he rules the world.
2. We started moving _____ he took his foot off the brake.
3. I am going to go _____ __ my parents say I can’t.
4. ___________ _____ kill living animals for food, I am going to become a vegetarian.
5. I waited ________ my mom paid for the groceries.
6. I ran _____________ I was scared.
7. Typically, dessert comes _________ dinner.
8. My sister is nicer ______ my brother.
9. ______________ I get happy I smile.
10. I’m not leaving ________ you say you’re sorry.
11. We cannot go skiing __________ we have skis.
12. I turned the key __ _______ __ start the car.
13. I want to go ________ money grows on trees.
14. We got to the scene of the crime right _______ the robbers ran away.
15. ___ we can’t find work here, we’ll have to move to a place ________ we can.
16. __________________ I am only 5’3” tall, I _________ love playing basketball.
17. __________________ you finish eating your vegetables, you may eat cake.
18. ____________ ____ complain about not being able to do the things I want, I will
work to achieve my dreams.
19. ______ ____________ it is cold out, I’m not going to wear my jacket.
20. We will start work _________ the sun rises.
APPLICATION
Directions: Now practice creating your own sentences using the
conjunctions list above.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________