Grammar 3.2 Conjunctions

3.2. Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Used to join words, phrases and sentences. They help us to connect different pieces of information so that we can express ideas that are cohesive and comprehensive.

For (Cause): We left a day early, for the weather was not good.

And (Juxtaposition): Maria wants to go hiking and I want to go to the cinema.

Nor (Negation): I don't like neither fish nor fowl.

But (Contradiction): She did not invite me to her place, but I went.

Or (Alternatives): Give me liberty or give me death.

Yet (Contradiction): She did not invite me to her place, yet I went.

So (Effect): The weather was not good, so we left a day early.

When writing a sentence that uses coordinating conjunctions, think carefully about the order of the clauses.

3.2. Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

The workers had a few more weeks of renovations to complete, BUT/FOR the landlord said we could move in now.

You get to move in despite the construction.

The landlord said we could move in now, BUT/FOR the workers had a few more weeks of renovations to complete.

You cannot move in yet despite what the landlord said.

3.2. Conjunctions

2. Correlative Conjunctions

Pairs of words that work together to connect one part of a sentence to another.

EITHER ... OR

All of these clothes are either too small or worn out.

NEITHER... NOR

I was neither hungry nor thirsty, but I went to a café all the same.

BOTH... AND

Both cats and dogs make good pets.

NOT ONLY... BUT ALSO

I like not only ice skating but also hockey.

WHETHER... OR

You have to eat the eggs whether you like them or not.