GRAMMAR & STRUCTUREConjunctions

Definition

Conjunctions are words that show the relationship between one idea and another idea. They also connect ideas.

Example

    I like apples, but I don't like apple juice.

Explanation

Conjunctions --

join two sentences into one sentence. follow specific punctuation rules. For example:

o Use commas when a conjunction joins two simple sentences in a compound sentence, complex sentences, and time clauses.

o Do not use commas when "because" introduces the second part of a complex sentence. For example: "Because I want to be healthy, I eat vegetables."BUT "I eat vegetables because I want to be healthy."

have a variety of uses. For example, they can:o show the time order of information o contrast informationo add informationo show cause and effect

are used in a sentence to link ideas within the sentence.

There are many conjunctions. The chart on the Examples Page shows some of the most common ones.

GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE — ExamplesConjunctions

   

Examples of common conjunctions and their uses

Conjunction Function Example

and adds more information Stephan runs every day, and he swims.

or shows choice(positive sentence)

Julie runs every day, or she swims.

nor shows choice (negative sentence)

Billie does not run every day, nor does he swim.

but / yet shows opposite information Jacob does not run every day, but he does swim.

because / for

shows reason Candice runs every day because she wants to lose weight.

so shows result Candice wants to lose weight, so she runs every day.

before shows time order (second action)

Before Candice runs, she swims.

when shows time order (first action, next action happens soon after)

Candice goes swimming when she finishes running.

after shows time order (first action) Candice swims after she runs.

while shows time order (same time) While Andrea runs, Candice swims.

as soon as shows time order (first action, next action happens immediately after)

As soon as she finishes running, Andrea takes a shower.

GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE — ExercisesConjunctions

   

Answer the following questions to check your knowledge of conjunctions.

Identify the conjunction in the following sentences.

ExampleSamuel plays baseball every day after he does his homework.

playsevery dayafter

The correct answer is "after".

1. Mark has a new job, but he wants to find a better one.  one  but  new     

2. Alice swam very fast, so she won the swimming race.  she  won  so     3. I love Italian food, and my mother does too.  and  too  I     4. I believe in UFOs, but I have never seen one.  UFOs  but  in     5. Sam woke up, and he got dressed.  dressed  and  up     Which kind of conjunction is being used in the following sentences?     6. Mary wants to be a doctor, so she studies hard.   conjunction showing result  conjunction showing reason  conjunction showing opposite information     7. After Jack cooks dinner, Sue washes the dishes.  conjunction showing time order  conjunction showing opposite information  conjunction showing reason

     8. You have a car, so you can drive us to the airport.  conjunction showing more information  conjunction showing reason  conjunction showing result     9. Vancouver has a lot of beautiful scenery, but there is a lot of pollution.  conjunction showing result  conjunction showing more information  conjunction showing opposite information     10. Jack wants to move to France because he loves French culture.  conjunction showing more information  conjunction showing opposite information  conjunction showing reason