Conjunctions: The Glue of Sentences
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They act as connectors, adding flow and coherence to your writing.
Here's a breakdown:
Types of Conjunctions:
* Coordinating Conjunctions: These join elements of equal grammatical rank (words, phrases, or clauses). They are commonly remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:
* For
* And
* Nor
* But
* Or
* Yet
* So
Example: I like cats and dogs.
* Subordinating Conjunctions: These connect a dependent clause (which can't stand alone) to an independent clause (which can stand alone). They often introduce information about time, place, reason, condition, contrast, or concession.
* Examples: because, although, since, while, until, if, unless, when, where, before, after, as, so that
Example: Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
* Correlative Conjunctions: These come in pairs and connect elements of equal grammatical rank.
* Examples: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or
Example: Both my sister and I love to bake.
Important Points:
* Commas: When using a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction.
* Semicolons: You can also use a semicolon to join two independent clauses without a conjunction.
* Conjunctive Adverbs: These words (like however, therefore, moreover, consequently) can also act as connectors, but they are followed by a semicolon and a comma.
In summary, conjunctions are essential for creating grammatically correct and engaging sentences. By understanding their roles and types, you can effectively join words, phrases, and clauses, making your writing clearer and more fluent.