I love words. Like a good woman who stands behind her man, words are the backbone of a great story. Therefore, I often coach my students to increase their writing revenues by expanding their vocabulary. Make it a habit to learn one new word everyday. I've also discovered that the practice of learning new words daily, not only strengthens one's speaking skills, it also helps one understand primary language concepts.
For example, the word conjunct is an adjective that means united, or joint. Other synonyms for conjunct include: combined, collective, cooperative, mutual, pooled, and shared. And because I know what conjunct means, I find it's much easier for me to both remember what a conjunction is, and how to spot one in a sentence. Take a looksee:
conjunction: one of the eight main parts of speech; a conjunction is a word that connects parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal, e.g., words to words, phrases to phrases, or clauses to clauses. The coordinating conjunctions listed in the next sentence, connect other words and phrases:
coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so. Try and remember the seven-letter acronym, FANBOYS that comes from the first letter in each of those words. The FANBOYS always come between the words or clauses they join, e.g., Boys and girls; just for fun; steak or chicken. So, let's meet these popular guys, and learn a little more about each one:
For example, the word conjunct is an adjective that means united, or joint. Other synonyms for conjunct include: combined, collective, cooperative, mutual, pooled, and shared. And because I know what conjunct means, I find it's much easier for me to both remember what a conjunction is, and how to spot one in a sentence. Take a looksee:
conjunction: one of the eight main parts of speech; a conjunction is a word that connects parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal, e.g., words to words, phrases to phrases, or clauses to clauses. The coordinating conjunctions listed in the next sentence, connect other words and phrases:
coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so. Try and remember the seven-letter acronym, FANBOYS that comes from the first letter in each of those words. The FANBOYS always come between the words or clauses they join, e.g., Boys and girls; just for fun; steak or chicken. So, let's meet these popular guys, and learn a little more about each one:
- For: presents a reason,
- And: presents non-contrasting item(s) or idea(s),
- Nor: presents a non-contrasting negative idea (also pairs with the word "neither"),
- But: presents a contrast or exception,
- Or: presents an alternative item or idea build (also pairs with the word "or"),
- Yet: presents a contrast or exception,
- So: presents a consequence.
The FANBOYS have a few simple rules when it comes to punctuation:
- No comma is needed between word-to-word connections, e.g., You can bring cupcakes or cookies to the party.
- When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (or complete thoughts), it is always correct to place a comma before the conjunction, e.g., You are not going to the party, and I’m not discussing it any further.
subordinating (subordinate) conjunction: also known as a subordinator or dependent word; consists of one or more words that connect an independent clause to a dependent clause (incomplete thought). In doing so, the coordinating word forces the dependent clause to rely upon the other. A subordinating conjunction may appear at the beginning of a sentence, or between two clauses in a sentence. For example, So, you wanna hear more about conjunctions? My neighbor refused to turn doe his music, so I called the cops.
The following words are popular subordinators. Notice that a few of them, e.g., after, before, and since, are also prepositions. When used as subordinators, they introduce a clause.
- as as if as much as as soon as as long as as far as in so far as in as much as
- because
- before
- if even if
- lest
- so
- though although as though even though
- that in order that now that provided (that) so that
- unless nevertheless
- when whenever
- where wherever
- while meanwhile
- I'll buy party supplies, while you buy groceries.
- I'll buy party suplies and you buy groceries.
The first sentence indicates that the two people will being buying items at the same time. Although the second sentence is gramatically correct, the word and loosens up the sentence and suggests an assignment for each person that could be done at separate times rather than concurrently. The word while tightens the idea.
correlative conjunctions: these words always travel in pairs, and combine with other words to join various grammatically equal sentence elements. Common correlative conjunctions include:
correlative conjunctions: these words always travel in pairs, and combine with other words to join various grammatically equal sentence elements. Common correlative conjunctions include:
- as . . . as
- both . . . and
- neither . . . nor
- not . . . but
- not only . . . but also
- either . . . or
- whether . . . or
The key point here is that these guys always go hand-in-hand. Think of correlative conjunctions as the harmonizers of your sentence. Unless you use them in pairs, your sentence will sound "off key." The reason for this, is because both words in the pair match in function and in form. For example, either...or are both positive, while the words neither...nor are both negative. Break up either of those pairs, and your sentence winds up all out of whack. Compare the following two sentences:
- Alana want neither steak or chicken for dinner because she is a vegetarian.
- Alana wants neither steak nor chicken for dinner because she is a vegetarian.
The first sentence suggests that while Alana definitely does not want steak, chicken is a possibility. The second sentence makes is very clear that she wants neither of the two menu items.
conjunctive adverb: also known as an adverbial conjunction (or connector) or conjunct adverb, the conjunctive adverb looks like an adverb and connects like a conjunction: hence the term, conjunctive adverb.
Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs:
conjunctive adverb: also known as an adverbial conjunction (or connector) or conjunct adverb, the conjunctive adverb looks like an adverb and connects like a conjunction: hence the term, conjunctive adverb.
Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs:
- accordingly
- also
- besides
- consequently
- conversely
- finally
- furthermore
- hence
- however
- indeed
- instead
- likewise
- meanwhile
- moreover
- nevertheless
- next
- nonetheless
- otherwise
- similarly
- still
- subsequently
- then
- therefore
- thus
A conjunctive adverb has a few vital functions. One, it connects two independent clauses. Punctuate them with a semi-colon instead of a comma. However, you should place a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
Here's how your punctuation should look when using a conjunctive adverb:
Here's how your punctuation should look when using a conjunctive adverb:
- True to her name, Diva thought she was different than the other dogs; therefore, she refused to sleep on the floor. Notice the semi-colon between the two clauses, and the comma after the conjunctive adverb. ** To learn more about conjunctive adverbs, see my blog on adverbs entitled: Wake up Your Mojo.
Need more help with conjunctions?
If you have a specific question about conjunctions, clauses, adverbs, or any other grammar matter, send me an e-mail and I will answer within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, here is a paragraph that includes all three of the conjunction types mentioned in this blog. See if you can spot them:
Despite numerous warnings, Carmen refused to do her homework. Instead, she spent time chatting with her friends on Facebook. Consequently, Carmen was given several punishments. Thinking that Carmen spent too much time socializing, first, her mother restricted Carmen's access to both her computer and her cell phone. Next, she restricted her driving privileges to work-related driving only. Carmen still refused to do her homework, however; so her father gave her a spanking.
Write on my friends!
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