Grammar
Conjunctions
1st Part
Coordinating conjunctions
2nd Part
Subordinating conjunctions
3rd Part
Correlative conjunctions
Grammar in use
- Topic : Coordinating conjunctions
- Skills : Grammar
Use
What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
There are many conjunctions, but some common ones include and, or, but, because, for, if, and when.
This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal: two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
A conjunction is placed between the words/phrases/clauses that it links together.
What is a coordinating conjunction?
| Complement |
|---|
| “The‟ is used before superlatives.
Examples: The most expensive object is not necessarily the best. She was the first woman from here to become a doctor. The nearest bakery is down the street. “The‟ also refers to a class of people or objects. Examples: The nene is the official state bird of Hawaii. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. |
Words
Coordinating conjunctions can join two words:
I am very outspoken and direct.
 Customers can pay in cash or by debit card.
 He did not travel by car this time, but by train.
Phrases
They can also join different types of phrases.
You are a valued participant and we miss you.
 We haven’t needed extra staff as yet, but we may in the future.
You should eat more, or you’ll make yourself ill.
Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb.
An independent clause can stand on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete thought.
 Money can be transferred easily to your account with a bank draft, but itrequires time to be cleared.Â
In the sentence above, the coordinating conjunction but creates a relationship between two independent clauses.
Language Tips about coordinating conjunctions
When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a comma.
John stayed with her brother and her cousin.
When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the conjunction.
John stayed with her brother, and her cousin Ramon stayed with his cousin.