UNIT 6: CONJUNCTIONS

1. I saw Mary at the store.

2. I saw Mary and John at the store.
3. I saw Mary and John and Harry at the store.
4. I saw Mary and John and Harry and Melissa at the store.
5. I saw Mary and John and Harry and Melissa and ten other people at the store.
6. I saw . . .
Well, you get the idea.
What are conjunctions? Conjunctions are connectors.They are words, such as and, that
join words, phrases and sentences together. Some other conjunctions are underlined in
the sentences below.
7. He didn’t respond much, just occasionally said ‘‘yes’’or ‘‘no.’’
8. They take life seriously but are still fun to be around.
9. I thought that he was crazy.
10. Adam left the room before Tabitha could say another thing.
11. Just turn right when you get to the corner.
There are di¡erent kinds of conjunctions.We’ll look at coordinating conjunctions ¢rst.

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 Lesson 18: Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect any two units that are the same type. For example,
they can connect two sentences, two nouns, two verbs, two determiners, two preposi-
tions, or two adjectives.

Quick tip 18.1

There are three common coordinating conjunctions in English. They are: and, or, and but.
Four less common ones are for, so, yet, and nor.

Quick tip 18.2

A commonly used way to remember the coordinating conjunctions is to think of FANBOYS:

F (for), A (and), N (nor), B (but), O (or), Y (yet), S (so).

But given that and, or, and but are the most common, you’ll be in good shape if you just
remember those.
The coordinating conjunctions in the sentences below are underlined.
1. You asked my friend, and then the other two came as well.
2. I go or he goes.
3. It wasn’t dark but the moon was out.
In these sentences, you can see that the coordinating conjunction has a complete sentence
on either side of it. (The sentences on either side are in bold.) Thus, the conjunction in
these examples is connecting two sentences.
In the next group of sentences, you can see that the coordinating conjunction has
a noun on either side of it. Thus, the conjunction is joining two nouns. The nouns are
in bold.
4. The children had milk and cookies.
5. People study medicine or dentistry when they enroll at that institution.
In the next sentences, the coordinating conjunction is joining two adjectives.The adjec-
tives are in bold.
6. That restaurant is known for healthy and nutritious food.
7. I’m buying either the striped or paisley wallpaper.

Test yourself 18.1

Underline the coordinating conjunction in each sentence below. Remember that the coordinating
conjunctions are: and, or, but, for, so, yet, nor.
Sample: The old carpet was worn out but the furniture looked relatively new.

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 Lesson 18: Coordinating conjunctions

Getting started (answers on p. 79) More practice (answers on the website)

1. You can hide between trips and make believe 6. He wants to work through the night but I
you’re innocent. don’t.

2. Was it near here or over there? 7. The general sent the dispatch to the army
and the navy.
3. Roger looked around but he didn’t see
anything. 8. He went to the cloister or to the small chapel
nearby.
4. They’ll eat chicken or turkey for
dinner. 9. Maud is not hungry, nor is her sister
thirsty.
5. Mr. Joseph pulled out three letters and
handed one to each of the men. 10. He’ll come over or he’ll call.

Test yourself 18.2

Underline the coordinating conjunction in each sentence below. Then decide if the conjunction is
joining two sentences or two nouns. In this exercise, if there is not a complete sentence on either
side of the conjunction, it is joining two nouns.
Sample: Mary decided to have either soup or salad. nouns

Getting started (answers on p. 79) More practice (answers on the website)

1. Mr. Eagle was called away on business, so 6. The color TV was too expensive, so Nancy
Mrs. Broxton took his place at the sentences
didn’t buy it. ............................................
sentences
meeting. ..................................................
7. Do you swear to tell the truth, nothing but
2. He’d heard of it, but he didn’t like the idea. nouns
the truth? ................................................
sentences
.................................................................
8. At one time my favorite band was Katrina
3. Erin felt real excitement and nouns
and theWaves. ..........................................
enthusiasm. nouns
............................................
9. Sammy wanted to go skydiving, but his
4. It was raining hard, yet we went to the ball parents didn’t let him. sentences
..............................
sentences
game. .......................................................
10. For me, going to Paris is always a treat, for
5. The airline attendant asked,‘‘Would you like I love its architecture. sentences
..............................
nouns
co¡ee or tea?’’ ...........................................

Test yourself 18.3

Underline the coordinating conjunction in each sentence below. Then decide if the conjunction is
joining two verbs, two adjectives, or two prepositions.
Sample: That is a di⁄cult but worthwhile lesson. adjectives

Getting started (answers on p. 79)

1. I’ll be near or between the stacks. Prepositions

................................................................................................

2. He came up with a quick and e¡ective remedy. adjectives

................................................................................................

3. I hope you won’t worry or brood too much about it. verbs
................................................................................................

4. This trip will be expensive but worthwhile. adjectives

................................................................................................

5. I am at or near a breakthrough. prepositions

................................................................................................

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 UNIT 6: CONJUNCTIONS

More practice (answers on the website)

6. Don’t you hate to eat and run? verbs ................................................................................................

7. What size shirt are you looking for: small or large? adjectives
................................................................................................

8. They came and went in a hurry. verbs

................................................................................................

adjectives
9. At seven in the morning Tamara is sluggish yet e⁄cient. ................................................................................................

10. It is not advisable to drink and drive at the same time.

verbs
................................................................................................

Test yourself 18.4

Write down the seven coordinating conjunctions. (Remember FANBOYS.) Answers on p. 79.
F for for
1. ...................................... o for or
5. ......................................

2. A for and
...................................... 6. y for yet
......................................

3.
N for nor
...................................... 7.
s for so
......................................

4.
B for but
......................................

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 Lesson 19: Subordinating conjunctions

Another kind of conjunction is called a subordinating conjunction. Here are some

examples of sentences with subordinating conjunctions. The subordinating conjunc-
tions are underlined.
1. She continued arguing until everyone ¢nally agreed with her.
2. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
3. Jack will buy a house once he gets a job.
4. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
5. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.
Subordinating conjunctions connect sentences; however, the two parts that are con-
nected are not of equal value in terms of the meaning of the whole sentence. There is a
main sentence with a subpart; the subordinating conjunction connects the subpart to
the main sentence. Here are sentences 1 through 5 again, but this time with the main sen-
tences in bold.
6. She continued arguing until everyone ¢nally agreed with her.
7. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
8. Jack will buy a house once he gets a job.
9. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
10. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.

Quick tip 19.1

Subordinating conjunctions connect a sentence with another sentence, which is a

subpart of it. The subpart sentence is called a dependent clause (or subordinate
clause). In the following sentence, the subordinating conjunction is underlined and
the dependent clause is in italics: Nick decided to try to escape, although he knew
his chances were slim.

The common subordinating conjunctions are listed below.

after even though than whenever

although how that where
as if though wherever
as if in order that till whether
as though once unless which
because rather than until while
before since what who
even if so (that) when why

You can see that sometimes a subordinating conjunction consists of more than one word.

Test yourself 19.1

Underline the subordinating conjunctions in the sentences below. Use the list above to help you.

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 UNIT 6: CONJUNCTIONS

Sample: She was so tired that she didn’t bother brushing her teeth.

Getting started (answers on p. 79) More practice (answers on the website)

1. I’ll leave the note here because I’m in a hurry. 6. Jake would be free once he reached the
fence.
2. Nick had coached him thoroughly, even
though they hadn’t had much time. 7. You were behaving as if you were the boss.

3. He could see the faint glow of a pipe that 8. They were determined to go for a walk,
Dr.Walters had lit. unless it was going to rain.

4. You should stay here since they obviously 9. Kevin should think twice before he
need you. speaks.

5. She hasn’t called here although she’d said 10. I am going to ¢nish this job even if it takes
she would. hours.

Here are the same sentences we saw earlier, but this time with the dependent clauses in
italics; the subordinating conjunctions are still underlined.
11. She continued arguing until everyone ¢nally agreed with her.
12. They live down south when the weather gets cold.
13. Jack will buy a house once he gets a job.
14. She listened to his comments politely, even though they sounded silly.
15. They stopped talking when it was Eleanor’s turn.
Notice that the subordinating conjunction is always the ¢rst word of the dependent
clause.

Quick tip 19.2

The subordinating conjunction is always the first word of the dependent clause.

In all of the examples we’ve looked at so far, the dependent clause has come after the
main sentence. But sometimes the dependent clause comes before the main sentence. In
the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are underlined, and the main
sentences are in bold:
16. If he knew the truth, her father would throw the doll away.
17. When I brought my ¢rst paycheck home, I wanted to frame it.
18. Once he gets a job, Jack will buy a house.
19. When it was Eleanor’s turn, they stopped talking.
Notice that sentences 18 and 19 are the same as sentences 13 and 15, except that in senten-
ces 18 and 19 the subordinating conjunction and the rest of the dependent clause come
before the main sentence rather than after it.

Test yourself 19.2

Underline the subordinating conjunction in each of the sentences below. In each of these sentences,
the dependent clause comes before the main sentence.
Sample: Although he was not happily married, he remained faithful to his wife.

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 Lesson 19: Subordinating conjunctions

Getting started (answers on p. 80) More practice (answers on the website)

1. Even though he calmed down, he did not go 6. Wherever we travel, we always have fun
back to the table immediately. together.

2. While I enjoy being in the yard, I hate mowing 7. As I was looking for my keys, I noticed a
the lawn. package in front of the door.

3. Unless there’s a heavy downpour, I’m going 8. Just after they crossed the river, the
on that trip. drawbridge opened up.

4. Why anyone would swim in ice cold water, 9. Before anyone could shout a warning, the
I just don’t understand. tree fell.

5. Whether you are right or wrong, I will 10. Since you think you are so smart, tell me the
support you. capital of Ghana!

Test yourself 19.3

Underline the subordinating conjunction in each of the sentences below. In some of them, the
dependent clause will be after the main sentence; in others, it will come before the main sentence.
Again, use the list of subordinating conjunctions to help you.
Sample: Even if you get angry, I will still be there for you.

Getting started (answers on p. 80) More practice (answers on the website)

1. Sally spent a lot of time with the babysitter, 6. I always get anxious when I am in the
because her mother had to work. doctor’s o⁄ce.

2. Since you’re always busy, I decided to go to 7. Though Tatiana passed the bar exam, she
the movies without you. won’t be practicing law until next year.

3. After he read the article, he decided not to 8. Did you ever wonder how children learn
argue any further. language?

4. We will move to Seattle, unless you can 9. Once he ¢nishes college, he will look
convince me not to. for a job.

5. As if speaking Igbo wasn’t enough, this 10. I took the express train so that I could arrive
professor speaksYoruba as well. on time.

Test yourself 19.4 – Grand finale

In each of the sentences below, underline the coordinating or subordinating conjunction. Also,
write C if it’s a coordinating conjunction and S if it’s a subordinating conjunction.
Sample: I work at the mall when I’m home for the holidays. (S)

Getting started (answers on p. 80)

1. I’m the owner and editor of the local 4. They painted her house while she was at
newspaper. work.

2. Before Megan helped him, George would 5. I arrived early but I still wasn’t the ¢rst in
have to prove his loyalty. line.

3. There’s more than one career that he’s

interested in.

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 UNIT 6: CONJUNCTIONS

More practice (answers on the website)

6. If you can understand this, you are a genius! 9. Her administrative assistant will work on
that project until it is completed.
7. Because you are a dear friend, I will share
this with you. 10. I rely on Joe to ¢x my computer, for he is an
electronics expert.
8. Some people are aggressive yet polite.

To enhance your understanding

Don’t confuse conjunctions with prepositions. Some words may function as either:
20a. I’ve been working hard, for I hope to be promoted. (Coordinating conjunction:
connects two sentences.)
20b. I’ve been working hard for IBM. (Preposition: introduces a noun.)
21a. John left before they served dinner. (Subordinating conjunction: connects two
sentences.)
21b. John left before dinner. (Preposition: introduces a noun.)

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 Lesson 20: Correlative conjunctions

1. Both the windows and the doors need to be replaced.

2. Either I cook or we order take-out.
3. Neither the French nor the British were willing to surrender.
4. If that’s a problem, then let me know.
You can see that the underlined conjunctions in these sentences come in pairs, for
example both/and. The two parts ‘‘go together’’ in these sentences, even though
they’re not next to each other. These conjunction pairs are called correlative
conjunctions.

Quick tip 20.1

Correlative conjunctions are two-part conjunctions. Common correlative conjunctions are:

both/and, either/or, if/then, neither/nor.

Test yourself 20.1

Underline the correlative conjunctions in the sentences below. Don’t forget to underline both parts.
Sample: Either the Democratic or the Republican candidate will win.

Getting started (answers on p. 80) More practice (answers on the website)

1. Neither you nor your friends are likely to win 6. If the train runs on Sunday, then
that ra¥e. I won’t drive.

2. Both Laurette and Denise have been working 7. Both the director and the playwright
towards that goal. attended the rehearsal.

3. If my neighbor decides to plant bushes there, 8. Neither Iowa nor Tennessee lies on the
then I’ll do some landscaping on my side of shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
the fence as well.
9. If they’re as nice as they seem, then we’ll all
4. Neither Don’s comments nor his actions get along well.
surprised me.
10. You must call either heads or tails.
5. This athlete is likely to win either a gold or a
silver medal.

Test yourself 20.2 – Grand finale

In each of the sentences below, underline the coordinating, subordinating, or correlative
conjunction. Also, write C if it’s a coordinating conjunction, S if it’s a subordinating conjunction,
and CORR if it’s a correlative conjunction.
Sample: 1. Neither the brown nor the black shoes look good with that out¢t. (CORR)

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 UNIT 6: CONJUNCTIONS

Getting started (answers on p. 80) More practice (answers on the website)

1. They were pleased with the plan and happy C 6. I will be on this case till it is resolved. s
about the decision.
7. Once she settles down in her apartment,
s
2. I’ll see you when you
s Jane does not plan to move for a while.
get here.
8. You and I make a good team. c
3. They’re worried because she hasn’t been
feeling well lately. s
9. Either you or I will get to the bottom of corr
this.
4. Our encounter was short but sweet. c 10. They dressed as though they were members
5. If you tell the truth, then I won’t get upset. s of the aristocracy. s

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