Conjunctions
Use coordinating and correlative
conjunctions correctly.
Use correct punctuation in sentences containing
coordinating and correlative conjunctions.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Join words, phrases, or clauses that are equal
in grammatical construction and importance.
and
or
but
nor
Insert a comma before a coordinating
conjunction that separates two independent
clauses.
Business English at Work
PP 15-9a
Conjunctions
continued
Coordinating Conjunctions
Use but to express a contrasting idea.
Business owners usually enjoy their work, but they can
become the victims of burnout.
Use and to show an addition.
Your thoughts and reactions to events can affect your
health.
Use or to indicate a choice.
Lee copes with stress by exercising or by making jokes.
Business English at Work
PP 15-9b
Conjunctions
continued
Coordinating Conjunctions
Use nor to make a second choice negative.
Liz and Tony did not agree on the topics for the stress
management workshop, nor did they agree on the
speakers.
Business English at Work
PP 15-9c
Conjunctions
continued
Coordinating Conjunctions
Do not use a comma before a coordinating
conjunction that links two words or phrases.
Relaxation can add happiness and fulfillment into your
daily routine.
Do not use a comma before a conjunction if
the material following the conjunction is not a
complete sentence.
Losing your temper may get attention but usually makes
the situation worse.
Business English at Work
PP 15-9d
Conjunctions
continued
Coordinating Conjunctions
Use commas to separate three or more words,
phrases, or clauses in a series.
Include a comma before the coordinating
conjunction.
Ways to reduce stress include yoga, meditation, and
exercise.
Do not place a comma after the last item in a
series.
Joanne usually chooses soup, salad, or a pasta dish for
lunch.
Business English at Work
PP 15-9e
Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions
Join words, phrases, and sentences of equal
importance.
Appear in pairs, and both parts receive the
same attention.
both/and
either/or
whether/or
Business English at Work
neither/nor
not only/but
PP 15-10a
Conjunctions
both
either
neither
not only
whether
Business English at Work
and
or
nor
but
or
Conjunctions
both
and
Both Nancy and Bill rode the bus
to school.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
either
or
Tonight, I will cook either spaghetti or pizza.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
neither
nor
The bench is neither in the kitchen
nor the bedroom.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
not only
but
Jack is not only smart but funny as well.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
whether
or
I’m not sure whether Sam will stay or go.
Business English at Work
Conjunctions
1. ________ Zack_____ Zilpha want to go to the fair.
2. I’m not sure _________ the homework is due
today ____ tomorrow.
3. In order to learn, a student must __________
listen closely _________ understand.
either/or
neither/nor
both/and
not only/but also
whether/or
not/but
as/as
4. The Coopers will go to the beach __________
In June __________ in August.
5. The library is ______ close _______ the museum.
6. It’s _______ about how you look _______ how
you act.
Business English at Work