Writing with Connection: Using Conjunctions

Using conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions

Review A

Review B

Using conjunctions

Writers join clauses to show how ideas connect.

They can connect clauses in different ways. Think of each of these ways of connecting ideas as a tool in a writer’s toolbox.

Coordinating conjunctions

An independent clause (or main clause) can stand by itself as a sentence.

Subject

These streets were paved almost three centuries ago.

Our computer broke.

Verb

Subject Verb

An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

These streets were paved almost three centuries ago.

Our computer broke.Our computer broke.

These streets were paved almost three centuries ago.

Coordinating conjunctions

A writer can join two independent clauses into a single sentence if the ideas are

I forgot my sweater.

• related to each other in some way

• equally important

My mom brought it to me.I forgot my sweater, but my mom brought it to me.

She missed the bus. She walked to school.She missed the bus, so she walked to school.

This kind of sentence is called a compound sentence.

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are one tool that writers use to join independent clauses. You can use the word FANBOYS to remember all seven coordinating conjunctions.

ForAndNorBut

OrYetSo

Coordinating conjunctions

Which coordinating conjunction should a writer choose? That depends on how the ideas in the independent clauses relate to each other.

If the two independent clauses show parallel ideas, the writer may use and.

After hours in the water, the castaway struggled through the surf, and he clawed his way onto the beach, collapsing at the water’s edge.

Coordinating conjunctions

If the two independent clauses show a contrast, the writer may use but or yet to join them.

At first we planned to brave the crowds, but we decided to stay home instead.

Everyone was clearly uncomfortable, yet no one said a word.

The lost campers were hungry, for they had not eaten.

The parking lot does not have drains, so it flooded during the storm.

Coordinating conjunctions

If the two independent clauses show cause and effect, the writer may use so or for to join them.

cause effect

causeeffect

The parking lot does not have drains, so it flooded during the storm.

The lost campers were hungry, for they had not eaten.

The parking lot does not have drains, so it flooded during the storm.

The lost campers were hungry, for they had not eaten.

Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinate clause (or dependent clause) cannot stand by itself as a sentence.

Subject

until the sun sets

because it spoke to her

Verb

Subject Verb

A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

until the sun setsuntil the sun sets

because it spoke to herbecause it spoke to her

Subordinating conjunctions

An independent clause joined with a subordinateclause make a complex sentence.

The temperature dropped when the wind blew.

Independent Clause Subordinate Clause

Independent Clause Subordinate Clause

Sara pulled the weeds while she sang softly.

Subordinating conjunctions

Each subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

as before since when

although if unless whenever

because once until while

Subordinating conjunctions

Can you find the subordinating conjunctions in these sentences?

Which subordinating conjunction is used depends on how the two clauses relate to each other.

The band played when the football team scored.

Tells when the band played

subordinate clauseindependent clause

I have to watch my sister until my mother gets home.

Tells how long I have to watch my sister

subordinate clauseindependent clause

The band played when the football team scored.

I have to watch my sister until my mother gets home.

Subordinating conjunctions

Writers place the subordinate clause in different places depending on which idea they want to emphasize.

Although she had never been married, Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress.

Subordinate clause first

Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress although she had never been married.

Subordinate clause last

The idea that comes last is the one that readers will focus on.

Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinate clause can also be placed betweenthe subject and the verb.

Miss Havisham, although she had never been married, wore her wedding dress.

Subordinate clause between subject and verb

Notice that when the subordinate clause comes in the middle of a sentence, commas are used before and after the clause.

Subordinating conjunctions

On Your Own

Combine each pair of sentences by using a subordinating conjunction to turn one of the sentences into a subordinate clause.1. The wildfire started. Someone had left a campfire burning.

2. This water is not safe for drinking. It can be used to water plants.

3. I was talking on the phone. My phone battery ran out.

4. Sofia ate pancakes. Her mother cooked them.

Review A

Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using the conjunction indicated.

1. The class could raise money for fitness equipment. It could contribute to the new sound system. (or)

4. Camp activities are limited. Fewer students have enrolled. (because)

5. This band is unknown. Its new song is popular. (yet)

2. George left for college. His sister got his bedroom. (when)

3. She answers the phone. Ask her about the homework. (if)

Review B

Turn each of the following pairs of sentences into a single compound or complex sentence. Use each strategy at least twice.

1. Birds perched in the branches. Squirrels ran up the trunk.

2. I have never played rugby before. It looks fun.

3. The river flooded. It destroyed homes.

4. The refugees’ life had been so hard. Their new home seemed like paradise.

5. The auditorium is complete. We will perform there.

The End