A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses and indicates the relationship between the elements it connects. For example, the conjunction and joins elements; or selects and separates them.
When two successive sentences are closely related, you may start the second sentence with a coordinating conjunction to provide a transition.
Most students are impressed by how computers can speed revision and enhance a paper's appearance. But the bubble is burst when they lose a file or accidentally erase a semester's work.
TYPES OF CONJUNCTIONS
Coordinating conjunctions join two words or sentence elements that have identical functions (see also parallel structures). The coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, for, nor, yet, and so.
Bill and John are brothers. [joining two proper nouns]
People are always surprised that I'm able to cook meals and bake cookies., [joining two phrases]
She likes tennis, but he prefers Softball. [joining two clauses]
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used in pairs to join grammatically equal words, phrases, or clauses. The correlative conjunctions are either . . . or, neither . . . nor, not only . . . but also, both . . . and, and whether. . . or
Bill will arrive either at Midway or at O'Hare. [joining two phrases]
When a correlative conjunction joins a singular noun to a plural noun, the verb should agree with the nearest noun. (See also agreement of subjects and verbs.)
Neither the students nor the teacher looks forward to the Saturday morning class.
[The singular third-person form of the verb, looks, agrees with the singular noun, teacher]
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. The most frequently used subordinating conjunctions are so, although, after, because, if, where, than, since, as, unless, before, that, though, when, and whereas.
She went to bed ajter she had finished reading her book.
PUNCTUATION WITH COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
A comma should immediately precede a coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses, especially if they are relatively long.
The Life magazine project was her third assignment, and it was the one that made her reputation as a photographer. A semicolon may precede the coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses that have commas within them.
Even though it's finals week, we must finish our project; and all of our group, including first-year students, will have to contribute.
CONJUNCTIONS IN TITLES
Coordinating conjunctions in the titles of books, articles, plays, movies, and other works should not be capitalized unless they are the first or last word in the title or subtitle. (See also capital letters.)
The Complete Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Language Stories and Literacy Lessons
conjunctive adverbs
A conjunctive adverb functions both as an adverb modifying the clause it introduces and as a conjunction joining two independent clauses.
The car ran well for the mechanics: consequently, they ignored my complaints Here are some of the most frequently used conjunctive adverbs.
accordingly |
however |
nonetheless |
also |
incidentally |
otherwise |
anyway |
indeed |
similarly |
besides |
instead |
still |
certainly |
likewise |
subsequently |
consequently ; ' |
meanwhile |
then |
finally |
moreover |
therefore |
furthermore |
nevertheless |
thus |
hence |
next |
|
Two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb require a semicolon before and a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
My parents' new house is smaller than their old one; however, they find it very comfortable most of the time.
When the conjunctive adverb is in the middle o r at the end of a clause, though, it may be set off by commas; a semicolon alone then separates the two clauses.
My parents' new house is smaller than their old one; most of the time, however, they find it very comfortable.
OR
My parents' new house is smaller than their old one; they find it very comfortable most of the time, however.
A conjunctive adverb that begins a sentence can provide an emphatic transition. It is often set off with a comma, unless it. [lows smoothly into the rest of the sentence and calls for no pause in reading.
Our dog has been nothing but trouble. Therefore, he has to go.
