I'm Connie, and I join words, phrases, and clauses. Come on in, and let's bring it all together.
What's Your Function?
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Section 1 · Meet the Conjunctions
Sections 2–6
Meet the Conjunctions!
A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. The coordinating conjunctions, the FANBOYS, join pieces of equal importance; correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs; and subordinating conjunctions lean one clause on another. Whichever you pick, it connects and names the relationship between the ideas.
One joiner links two words, one links two phrases, and one links two whole ideas.
Coordinating Conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The seven coordinating conjunctions are FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. When joining independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.
In a sentence
One FANBOYS word joins two words, one joins two phrases, and one joins two complete thoughts.
Now you try
A FANBOYS word joins these two phrases into one. You could try and, or, or but. The FANBOYS are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
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Joining Complete Thoughts
A FANBOYS word can join two complete thoughts into one sentence. A complete thought, or independent clause, makes sense on its own. Put a comma before the joiner, then let so, but, or and say how the two thoughts relate.
In a sentence
Each FANBOYS word changes the meaning. The comma is already in place; you choose the joiner.
Now you try
A joiner can tie two complete thoughts together. You could try and, but, or so. Notice how the meaning changes with each one.
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Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs that work together: either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, both/and, whether/or, as/as. They join words or phrases of equal importance. Use parallel structure - words following each conjunction should have the same grammatical form.
In a sentence
Each two-part joiner sets its halves around the words it links: neither with nor, not only with but also.
Now you try
Some joiners travel in pairs, so let's finish this one. Either always pairs with or.
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Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause and shows their relationship. Common types include time (when, while, after, before, until), cause/reason (because, since), condition (if, unless, even though), contrast (although), and place (where).
In a sentence
The subordinating conjunction starts the clause that leans on the main idea, and that clause can come before or after it.
Now you try
A subordinating conjunction leans one clause on another. You could try because, after, or since. Each one shows how the clauses connect.
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Identifying Conjunctions
One sentence can carry more than one kind of joiner at once. A coordinating word like and, a subordinating word like because, and a correlative pair like not only can all work together. Find each joiner and name its kind.
In a sentence
Find each joiner and name its kind: the coordinating and, the subordinating because, and the correlative not only and but also.
Now you try
A coordinating conjunction joins the last two items in a list. You could try and. A FANBOYS word does this job.
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That's the whole department, all joined up. What's your function? The Big Conjunction Quiz is eight questions away, and I just know you'll bring it all together.
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