Berlitz Hints - Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word that "joins". A conjunction joins two parts of a sentence.

Here are some example conjunctions:

• Coordinating Conjunctions - and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
• Subordinating Conjunctions - although, because, since, unless

We can consider conjunctions from three aspects.

• Form:

Conjunctions have three basic forms:

Single Word - for example: and, but, because, although

Compound (often ending with as or that) - for example: provided that, as long as, in order that

Correlative (surrounding an adverb or adjective) - for example: so.... that

• Function:

Conjunctions have two basic functions or "jobs":

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two parts of a sentence that are grammatically equal. The two parts may be single words or clauses - for example: John and Mary went to Japan. "or" The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming.

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a subordinate dependent clause to a main clause - for example: I went swimming although it was very cold.

• Position:

Coordinating conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join.

Subordinating conjunctions usually come at the beginning of the subordinate clause.

Feel free to ask questions. We are here to help you.

Your Berlitz Team