Identify and use different types of conjunctions.
🚀 Conjunctions are words that connect sentences, phrases, or words together. They help us join ideas and make our writing clearer and more interesting. There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. 1. **Coordinating Conjunctions**: These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are similar or equal in structure. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: **for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so**. An easy way to remember them is by using the acronym FANBOYS. 2. **Subordinating Conjunctions**: These conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. They show a relationship between the two clauses, such as time, cause, or condition. Examples include: **because, although, since, unless, if**. 3. **Correlative Conjunctions**: These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect similar elements. Examples include: **either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also**. Understanding how to use conjunctions properly helps to make our sentences more complex and interesting, allowing us to express more detailed thoughts.
Key Points
- 🎯 Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or sentences.
- 🎯 There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.
- 🎯 Coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS.
- 🎯 Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that rely on independent clauses.
- 🎯 Correlative conjunctions come in pairs to connect similar ideas.
Examples:💡
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
In this sentence, 'but' is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses, showing a contrast.
Although it was raining, we decided to play outside.
Here, 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause, indicating a condition.
You can have either ice cream or cake for dessert.
In this example, 'either...or' is a correlative conjunction that connects two choices.
She is not only smart but also very kind.
This sentence uses 'not only...but also' as a correlative conjunction to emphasize both qualities.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing coordinating conjunctions with subordinating conjunctions, which can change the meaning of the sentence.
- Using correlative conjunctions incorrectly, such as saying 'either you will go or I will go' instead of 'either you will go or I will go.'
- Forgetting to use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses.