C o n j j u n c t t i i o n s s
A conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses.

Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of grammar (nouns, phrases, or clauses) that are equal. There are six coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, so, yet.
Examples:
Connecting nouns: Mabel, Joan, and Myrtle arrived early.
Connecting phrases: They arrived out of breath and out of money.
Connecting clauses: Joan will drive, Mabel will navigate, and Myrtle will read.

Like coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions join equal grammatical elements, yet they always come in pairs. Correlative conjunctions are:
- Either / or
- Both / and
- neither / nor
- as / as (positive)
- whether / not
- so / as (negative)
- not only / but also
Examples:
Connecting nouns: Not only the student but also the instructor missed the error.
Connecting phrases: Mable talks incessantly not only on the phone but also in person.
Connecting clauses: Either the heroine committed the murder, or the butler framed her.

Subordinating conjunctions join unequal grammatical elements such as a dependent clause and an independent clause. Subordinating conjunctions include although, if, whenever, because, unless, after, as long as, as if, even though, since, etc…
Examples:
If you decide to go to the picnic (dependent clause), we will accompany you
(independent clause).
Diana Haddad
©2007 Liberty University Graduate Writing Center
E-mail: graduatewriting@liberty.edu
Phone: 434-592-4727

C o n j j u n c t t i i o n s s
Use the right conjunction to complete the following sentences.
1.
You can attend the meeting __________ you are willing to participate.
2.
I am not leaving __________ I finish my work.
3.
I enjoy tennis, swimming, __________ fishing.
4.
__________ does Myrtle like to fish __________ she also likes to swim.
5.
She took __________ her car __________ a bicycle.
6.
She __________ phoned __________ sent a message about being late.
7.
Our school offers __________ Legal secretarial training __________ Accounting training.
8.
The reason I did not win the swimming race is __________ I had too much to eat for dinner.
9.
I forgot to study for the test, __________ I still earned an A.
10.
My objectives are __________ to improve your writing skills __________ your speaking skill.
Diana Haddad
©2007 Liberty University Graduate Writing Center
E-mail: graduatewriting@liberty.edu
Phone: 434-592-4727