ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTRE, DAWSON COLLEGE B3.4

CONJUNCTIONS

COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:

These are used to join two related statements within a single sentence.

main clause + comma / conjunction + main clause = compound sentence

examples: It began to rain, but it stopped before noon.

The drive was very long, so we stopped for a break.

and / but / or / nor / for / so / yet

CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS:

These are used in pairs to join two related ideas within one sentence.

examples: She excels not only in tennis, but also in swimming.

Both the students and the teacher enjoyed the play.

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

SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:

These introduce subordinate clauses. They create sentence fragments unless joined to a main clause.

Comma Rules: If the subordinate clause is at the start of the sentence, use a comma.

A comma may not be necessary when the main clause comes first.

subordinate clause + main clause = complex sentence

examples: Although rain was expected, I forgot to take an umbrella.

I forgot to take an umbrella although rain was expected.

although / because / before / after / while / wherever / unless / if / during
whenever / though / since / until / as if / so far as / whereas / as / so that

CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS:

These introduce main clauses. When using them as connectors, place a semicolon in front, or the result will be a comma splice or run-on sentence. (Note that a conjunctive adverb is often followed by a comma.)

main clause + semicolon / conjunctive adverb + main clause = compound sentence

examples: We missed the bus; therefore, we had to walk to school.

The course was difficult; however, I was pleased with my final grade.

thus / hence / therefore / however / otherwise / nevertheless / furthermore / consequently
then / indeed / moreover / besides / likewise / nonetheless / meanwhile / accordingly

ASC 2003