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Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions
A clause has a subject and a verb. There are two types of clauses:
- independent clause
- dependent.clause
An independent clause has a subject and a verb. It can stand alone.
A subordinate clause is also called a dependent clause. It has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone.
Things to Remember
Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect a noun to a noun, a phrase to a phrase, or an independent clause to an independent clause.
Frank wanted both fame and fortune.
(creates balance and consistency)
Frank wanted both fame and he also wanted fortune.
(does not create balance and consistency)
Darlene would either spend the day reading a book or painting a picture.
(creates balance and consistency)
Darlene would either spend the day reading a book or she would try to
paint a picture.
(does not create balance and consistency)
George likes neither apples nor oranges.
(creates balance and consistency)
George likes neither apples nor does he like oranges.
(does not create balance and consistency)
Martin likes not only spinach but also broccoli.
(creates balance and consistency)
Martin not only likes spinach, but also likes broccoli.
(does not create balance and consistency)
I was not sure whether to go skiing or to go hiking.
(creates balance and consistency)
I was not sure whether to go skiing or if I wanted to go hiking.
(does not create balance and consistency)
Now the subordinate clause becomes an independent clause.
This section will cover the three types of conjunctions.
Subordinating conjunctions are used to link a dependent clause to an independent clause.
For a list of subordinating conjunctions, click here.
Coordinating conjunctions are words that are used to connect words or parts of sentences together.
Below are the coordinating conjunctions and what they mean:
information is added
on the other hand
options are available
no options are available
the reason why, because
shows a result
in spite of the fact
Correlative conjunctions connect equal parts together in a sentence.
Below is a list of correlative conjunctions:
A comma is not needed when connecting a noun to a noun.
These conjunction pairs work together as partners.
and
but
or
nor
for
so
yet
Sam and Fred are going camping this weekend.
The plates nor the bowls were placed on the table.
Sandy spends time reading a book or painting a picture.
A comma is not needed when connecting a phrase to a phrase.
George wanted to buy a new car, but he did not have enough money.
Tess could not go to the ball, for she had lost her shoe.
The store was closed, so the customers had to wait outside.
Vera studied very hard for the exam, yet she felt unprepared.
A comma is used to connect two independent clauses (sentences).
Connect a noun to a noun
Connect a phrase to a phrase
Connect an independent clause to an independent clause
both-and
either-or
neither-nor
not only-but also
whether-or
Note: Correlative conjunctions should be evenly placed in a sentence to create balance and consistency.
Commas are not needed with correlative conjunctions.
Amy stayed home from school because she had the flu.
Amy stayed home from school
(This is an independent clause.)
because she had the flu
(This is a subordinate clause.)
In case you did not know, I sold the car last Friday.
In case you did not know,
(This is a subordinate clause.)
I sold the car last Friday.
(This is an independent clause.)
While she waited for the beautician, Pam read a magazine.
While she waited for the beautician,
(This is a subordinate clause.)
Pam read a magazine.
(This is an independent clause.)
Jan wanted to go to the park, but there was not enough time.
Use a comma if a coordinating conjunction connects two complete sentences.
No commas are needed with correlative conjunctions.
If the subordinate clause appears at the beginning of the sentence, then use a comma to separate it from the independent clause.
While Dad washed the car, he listened to the radio.
If the subordinate clause appears at the end of the sentence, no comma is needed to separate the independent clause from the subordinate clause.
Dad listened to the radio while he washed the car.
While Dad washed the car,
If the subordinating conjunction is removed, the thought will be complete.
Dad washed the car.
Language Arts: Conjunctions - Tutorial
We can go to either the circus or the zoo.
