Conjunctions

Coordinate Conjunctions

Conjunctions are called connecters---they join things together.

The most common conjunctions are and, but and or.

These conjunctions are called coordinate conjunctions.

They connect together things of equal importance such as a list of adjectives, adverbs, and even sentences.

Coordinate Conjunctions Each coordinate conjunction indicates a different

relationship between the words that they connect.

The coordinate conjunction and joins or adds similar things together: We are studying math and science. (nouns) The car was old and rusty. (adjectives) He went in the front door and out the back

door. (prepositions). You can walk or wait for the next bus. (verbs)

Coordinate Conjunctions

The coordinate conjunction but shows a contrast or a difference between ideas: The construction worker worked quickly but

carefully. (contrast of adverbs) We can close the door but we must leave the

window open. (contrast of independent sentences)

That test was difficult but fair. (contrast of predicate adjectives)

Coordinate Conjunctions

The coordinate conjunction or provides a choice between ideas.

Examples: You may walk home or wait for the next bus. Would you prefer chocolate cake or chocolate

pie? Students may study Spanish or French.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions connect things together just like coordinate conjunctions.

However, correlative conjunctions are used in pairs (more than a one word conjunction).

Correlative conjunctions make an even stronger connection between ideas.

Correlative Conjunctions

Here are the most common correlative conjunctions:

Both…and Either…or Neither…nor Whether…or Not only…but also

Correlative Conjunctions

Examples: Both the salad bowl and the dinner plate were

broken during shipping. Either Roger or Jane will return the broken

package. Neither Tom nor Mary will drive in such

weather conditions. Not only is Joe sick with the flu but Don is also

sick with the flu.

Summary

Conjunctions are used to connect words or a group of words together.

And, but, or are the most common coordinate conjunctions.

There are also correlative conjunctions. Correlative conjunctions are used in

pairs.