Parts of Speech

Conjunctions

Conjunctions

• Conjunction – a word that joins words or groups of words

Ex: and but or

• Ed and Stacy are going to the movies tonight• I want to go to the movies, but I need to study.• Did you decide to study or go to the movies?

Conjunctions• Coordinating Conjunction – joins words or word groups that are

used in the same way

*Hint: you can remember the coordinating conjunctions as FANBOYS

Ex: For And Nor But Or Yet So

• Conjunctions: beans and rice movies or television• Joining Words: sad but true Egypt, Italy, and Spain

• Conjunctions: could write or could telephone• Joining Phrases: after breakfast but before lunch

cooking dinner and fixing breakfast

• Conjunctions: I wanted to call, but it was too late.• Joining Clauses: The deer ran, for they smelled smoke.

We knocked on the door, and they answered.

Note:• Note: The word “for” can be used as either a

conjunction or a preposition

• Ex:• Conjunction: The zebra turned toward the

watering hole, for it was getting thirsty– for joins two sentences

• Preposition: The zebra lay down in the shade for a nap.– For shows the relationship between the object nap

and the verb lay

Correlative Conjunctions• Correlative Conjunction – pairs of conjunctions that

join word or word groups that are used in the same way

Ex: Both. . . . . And not only . . . . . But alsoEither. . . . . Or whether . . . . . orNeither. . . . . Nor

• Both Michael Jordan and David Robinson planned to play in the charity softball game.

• Chris turned neither to the west nor to the east.• Not only did Babe set world records in track and

field, but she also won more than fifty golf tournaments.

Practice Identifying Conjunctions

• Lena or I will pitch at batting practice.• or

• Julia and Roger joined a soccer team.• and

• Whether it rains or not, we will be there.• whether; or

• The squirrels are burying nuts, for the long, cold winter will be here soon.

• For

• He is not here, nor has he called.• Nor

More Practice Identifying Conjunctions

• Not only strong but also graceful, the eagle is a beautiful bird.• Not only; but also

• I already addressed the envelope but have not taken it to the post office yet.

• but

• I have enough money for either popcorn or juice• Either; or

• Did Nancy finish her report or is she still working on it?• or

• The Boys Choir will be singing tonight, so we bought tickets.• so