Conjunctions and Interjections
Different Kinds of Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word used to connect other words or groups of words.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and sentences.
Coordinating Conjunctions
and
but
Examples
for
nor
or
so
yet
My sister and brother play basketball. (connecting two words)
Cameron doesn’t enjoy math, but he loves money. (connecting two
sentences) When using a coordinating conjunction to combine two
sentences, you must use a comma before the conjunction.
Everyone decided to go to the school dance but not dance.
(connecting two phrases)
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions also connect similar words or groups of words. However, they
always appear in pairs.
Correlative Conjunctions
Examples
Both…and
neither…nor
whether…or
Either…or
not only…but also
He watched both lions and tigers.
Neither Don nor she will go.
Jean recycled bottles and cans not only consistently but also
carefully.
1
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect two complete ideas by making one of the ideas
subordinate to the other.
Frequently Used Subordinating Conjunctions
After
Although
As
As if
As long as
As soon as
As though
Because
Before
Even though
If
In order that
Since
So that
Than
Though
Till
Unless
Until
When
Whenever
Where
Wherever
while
The subordinating conjunction always comes before the subordinate idea.
Example
We protect the wetlands because they are important to the
ecosystem.
As soon as the volunteers arrived, the cleanup work began.
Conjunctive Adverbs
A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that acts as a conjunction to connect ideas.
Conjunctive adverbs are often used as transitions. Transitions serve as bridges between
different ideas.
Frequently Used Conjunctive Adverbs
accordingly
again
also
besides
consequently
Examples
finally
furthermore
however
indeed
moreover
nevertheless
otherwise
then
therefore
thus
Jason loves animals; moreover, she is a student of plant and animal
science.
I arrived late; furthermore, I forgot my books.
2
Interjections
Interjections are used to express emotions.
Interjections
Ouch
Whew
Yes
Hey
Oh
Ugh
Well
Examples:
Aha
Bravo
Goodness
Great
Aww
Hurray
Oops
Ouch! That burns.
Wow! This is great!
Oh, go away.
3