Conjunctions
Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz
All of these words, and many more,
are conjunctions ! ! !
or
for
than
if
before
even though
while
wherever
nor
and
since
yet
where
then
whether
so
although
unless
because
until
but
Let us take a closer look . .
What is a conjunction?
Conjunction is the name for those common words
that are used to join (conjoin) parts of sentences. Also,
conjunctions may be used to begin certain sentences.

There are two different types of conjunctions:
coordinating conjunctions and subordinating
conjunctions.

Conjunctions sometimes work in pairs and are called
correlative conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are seven very common words.
They are very small, made up of three or fewer
letters.
When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:
Reason
Coordinating Conjunction
To communicate addition
To communicate contrast
To communicate a result/effect
To communicate a reason/cause
To communicate a choice
To communicate a negative choice
and
but, yet
so
for
or
nor
Use them between two independent clauses.
Coordinating Conjunctions cont….
Coordinating conjunctions are used to join words,
phrases, and independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
Ex. He only wears striped ties and polka dotted bow
ties. ( And joins two words.)
Ex. The shoes were not blue nor black leather. (Nor joins
two phrases.)
Ex. It wasn’t a costume party, yet many came dressed
as literary villains. (Yet joins two independent clauses.)
More Coordinating
Conjunctions...
These are likely used less often; however, they
serve an important function.
When to Use Each Coordinating Conjunction:
Reason
To communicate additional
information
Coordinating Conjunction
consequently
furthermore
however
indeed
moreover
nevertheless
then
therefore
Use them between two independent clauses.
Coordinating Conjunctions cont….
These coordinating conjunctions are used to join
independent clauses.
Examples of coordinating conjunctions in sentences:
Ex. He only wears brown wingtips; consequently, he
does not wear white socks. ( Consequently joins two
independent clauses.)
Ex. The shoes were not suede; however, they were
leather. (However joins two independent clauses.)
Ex. It was not a Halloween party; nevertheless, many
came dressed in costumes. (nevertheless joins two
independent clauses.)
Subordinate Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to express relationships
between a dependent and an independent clause.
When to Use Common Subordinate Conjunctions:
Reason
Regarding time
Subordinate Conjunction
after, before, once, since,
until, when, whenever, while
To communicate a reason/cause
as, because, since
To communicate a result/effect
in order that, so, so that, that
To communicate a conditionif, even if, unless
To communicate contrast
although, even though,
though, whereas
Regarding location
where, wherever
Regarding a choice
than, whether
Subordinate Conjunctions cont….
Subordinate conjunctions often begin a dependent
clause. If the dependent clause begins or interrupts the
sentence, then it is separated from the independent
clause by a comma.
Examples of subordinate conjunctions in sentences:
Ex. Once she found the perfect broach, she purchased
three outfits to match it. (Once demonstrates a time context. A
comma is used because the conjunction begins the sentence.)
Ex. He wore the top hat wherever he went. (Wherever
demonstrates a location context. Though wherever begins the
dependent clause, no comma is used because it does not begin the
sentence or interrupt the sentence.)
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are two separate
conjunctions that are often in sentences together.
Common Correlative Conjunctions and Examples:
both, and
Ex. Both maroon and gray accent nicely.
either, or
Ex. I like to wear either pants or capris.
neither, nor
Ex. Neither the shirt nor the jacket fit.
not only, but (also)
Ex. Not only one button fell off, but all of
them.
whether, or
Ex. Whether or not you wear nice clothes,
you have to wear clothes.
not, so much as
Ex. It was not that his clothes were
flamboyant so much as they were
florid.