Conjunctions
A conjunction (CONJ), like a preposition, shows the relationship between parts of a sentence. There are four kinds of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, correlative and conjunctive adverbs.
A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses of equal rank.
and but for nor or so yet
Leslie and Hal caught three rock bass, but they didn’t get any lake trout or pike.
A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause (SC) and connects it to a main clause (MC).
| after | before | so | when |
| although | even if | than | where |
| as | if | that | whereas |
| as if | in order that | though | wherever |
| as though | rather than | unless | whether |
| because | since | until | while |
Unless we’re very lucky, we aren’t going to get there [SC] [MC]
before the concert starts. [SC]
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect words, phrases, clauses, and whole sentences.
both/and either/or not only /but also whether/or neither / nor not/but
We will be neither swayed nor delayed in our deliberations.
Conjunctive adverbs can function in two ways. First, they can serve as transitional expressions to connect units of thought.
Meanwhile, Todd was home making Lisa’s favorite dinner.
[Meanwhile connects Todd’s actions to the previous statement.]
Conjunctive adverbs can also link main clauses (MC).
Lisa thought she’d surprise Todd by picking up a pizza for dinner; [MC]
meanwhile, Todd was home making her favourite-fried chicken. [MC]
Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs.
| accordingly | finally | likewise | specifically |
| also | furthermore | meanwhile | still |
| anyway | hence | moreover | then |
| besides | however | nevertheless | thereafter |
| certainly | incidently | now | therefore |
| consequently | indeed | otherwise | thus |
| conversely | instead | similarly | undoubtedly |
