CONJUNCTIONS

Discourse Analysis

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are little words like and, but and or.
Theyre used to connect concepts, clauses or parts
of sentences.

I was going to see a movie, but Ive changed my mind.

She couldnt decide if she wanted the lemon tea or the
Rosehip tea.

Uses of Conjunctions
To connect thoughts,
ideas, actions, nouns,
clauses, etc.
Martha went to the market
and bought fresh
vegetables.

I cant decide between the

blue shirt and the red
shirt.

Martha went to the market

and I went to the hardware
store.

We
barbequed
hamburgers, hotdogs and
sausages.

To make lists

Coordinating Conjunctions!
The coordinating conjunctions are conjunctions that join two
independent clauses, or two nouns, or two verbs, etc. You can remember
the coordinating conjunctions with the acronym FANBOYS.

 For - Explains reason or purpose (just like because)

I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the
ducks on the lake.
And - Adds one thing to another
I go to the park every Sunday to watch the ducks on
the lake and the shirtless men playing soccer.
Nor - Used to present an alternative negative idea to
an already stated negative idea
I dont go for the fresh air nor really for the ducks.
Honestly, I just like the soccer.

 But - Shows contrast

The soccer in the park is entertaining in the
winter, but its better in the heat of summer.
Or - Presents an alternative or a choice
The men play on teams: shirts or skins.
Yet -Introduces a contrasting idea that follows
the
preceding idea logically (similar to but)
I always take a book to read, yet I never seem to
turn a single page.
So - Indicates effect, result or consequence
Ive started dating one of the soccer players, so
now I have an excuse to watch the game each

Subordinating Conjunctions!
A subordinating conjunction always introduces a dependent
clause, tying it to an independent clause. In contrast to
coordinating conjunctions, a subordinate conjunction can
often come first in a sentence. This is due simply to the
nature of the relationship between the dependent and the
independent clause.

Subordinating Conjunctions!
In English, there are lots of subordinating conjunctions,
but the most common ones are "after," "although," "as,"
"because," "before," "how," "if," "once," "since," "than,"
"that," "though," "until," "when," "where," "whether," and
"while."

Subordinating Conjunctions!
Here are a few examples of how subordinating conjunctions are
used:
If you leave me now, youll take away the biggest part of me
(Peter Cetera/Chicago).
When I see you smile, I can face the world (Bad English).
[You] dont know what youve got til its gone (Cinderella).
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look
at my life and realize theres nothing left (Coolio).

Subordinating Conjunctions!
Subordinating conjunctions show a relationship
between an independent and a dependent clause; some of
the relationships can be cause-and-effect, and contrast.
Some examples of subordinating conjunctions are because,
since, as, although, though, while, and whereas.
Because of you, I never stray too far from the
sidewalk (Kelly Clarkson).
I guess Ill never be the same since I fell for
you (B.B. King).

Subordinating Conjunctions!
The subordinating conjunction doesnt need to go in the
middle of the sentence. It must be part of the dependent
clause, but it doesnt matter whether the clause is the first
or second on in the sentence.

Before he leaves, make sure his room is clea

Subordinating Conjunctions!
If the dependent clause comes first, youll need a comma; if the
independent clause comes first, you probably wont need a comma.
I drank a glass of water because I was
thirsty.
Because I was thirsty, I drank a glass of
When she askedwater.
why I wanted a glass of water, I
could only answer Because, because I was so
thirsty.

hat Are Conjunctive adverbs?

Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs which
join two clauses; some examples of are also,
besides, accordingly, finally, subsequently,
therefore,
thus,
meanwhile,
moreover,
nonetheless, instead, however, indeed,
hence, consequently, similarly and still.
Conjunctive adverbs frequently (but not
necessarily) have a semi-colon before them.
As theyre conjunctions (i.e. words that join
two thoughts or ideas), its best not to use

This is just one of the things youll need to remember; additional

rules for using conjunctive adverbs follow:
Always use a period or semicolon before the conjunctive
adverb when separating two independent clauses. Conjunctive
adverbs are not strong enough to join independent clauses
without supporting punctuation.
Use a comma if a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so
appears between the conjunctive adverb and the first clause.
Use a comma behind conjunctive adverbs when they appear
at the
beginning of a sentences second clause. The only
exception to this rule is that no comma is necessary if the
adverb is a single syllable.
If a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it
should be enclosed in commas most of the time. This is not an
absolute rule and
does not normally apply to short clauses.

The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for

easy identification.
1. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.
2. She went into the store; however, she didnt find anything she
wanted to buy.
3. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
4. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
5. Youre my friend; nonetheless, I feel like youre taking
advantage of me.
6. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy
driving such a nice vehicle.