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Note On Conjunctions

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Published in: Effective Communication
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Conjunctions: a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g. and, but, if ).

Helen F / Pune

7 years of teaching experience

Qualification: Diploma (Deccan Institue of Commerce, Pune - 1991)

Teaches: Accent Training, HR/Personnel, Marketing Training, Personality Development, Sales Training, Soft Skills, Microsoft Certification, Salesforce Certification, English, Human Resource, Business English, Effective Communication, Public Speaking, Spoken English, GMAT, IELTS

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  1. Table of Content Conjunctions 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.8 1.9 1. 6.1 1.6.1. 1. 7.1 1. 7.2 1. 7.3 7.4 1. 1 .8.1 1 .8.2 1 .8.3 .8.4 .8.5 1 1. 9.1 1 .9.2 1 .9.3 1 What is a conjunction? Types of Conjunctions Conjunction Rules Conjunctions List Examples of Conjunctions Conjunction Exercises Subordinating Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions List Subordinating Conjunction Exercises Correlative Conjunctions Examples of Correlative Conjunctions Correlative Conjunctions Exercises Correlative Conjunctions List Correlative Conjunctions Exercises Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunction Rules Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises Coordinating Conjunctions List Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises Conjunctive adverbs Examples of Conjunctive adverbs Conjunctive Adverb Exercise Conjunctive adverbs List Conjunction Exercises Subordinating Conjunction Exercises Correlative Conjunction Exercises Coordinating Conjunction Exercises Conjunctive Adverb Exercises FANBOYS Examples For And Nor But Or Yet so .10 .10 .11 .12 .12 .15 .15 .17 .17 .18 .18 .19 .21 .22 .22 .23 .24 .25 .28 .28 .29 .30 .30 .31 .31 .31 Page 1 of 32
  2. Conjunctions 1, 1.1 What is a conjunction? A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions are considered to be invariable grammar particle, and they may or may not stand between items they conjoin. Types of Conjunctions There are several different types of conjunctions that do various jobs within sentence structures. These include: Subordinating conjunctions - Also known as subordinators, these conjunctions join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Coordinating conjunction Also known as coordinators, these conjunctions coordinate or join two or more sentences, main clauses, words, or other parts of speech which are of the same syntactic importance. Correlative conjunction - These conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or words that carry equal importance within a sentence. Conjunctive adverbs While some instructors do not teach conjunctive adverbs alongside conjunctions, these important parts of speech are worth a mention here. These adverbs always connect one clause to another, and are used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships. When people first learn to write, they usually begin with short, basic sentences like these: "My name is Ted. I am a boy. I like dogs. " One of the most important jobs conjunctions do is to connect these short sentences so they sound more like this: "I am a boy named Ted, and I like dogs. " Page 2 of 32
  3. 1.2 1.3 Conjunction Rules There are a few important rules for using conjunctions. Remember them and you will find that your writing flows better: Conjunctions are for connecting thoughts, actions, and ideas as well as nouns clauses, and other parts of speech. For example: Mary went to the supermarket and bought oranges. Conjunctions are useful for making lists. For example: We made pancakes, eggs, and coffee for breakfast. When using conjunctions, make sure that all the parts of your sentences agree. For example: "I work busily yet am careful" does not agree. "I work busily yet carefully" shows agreement. Conjunctions List There are only a few common conjunctions, yet these words perform many functions: They present explanations, ideas, exceptions, consequences, and contrasts. Here is a list of conjunctions commonly used in American English: And Because But For Just as Or Neither Nor Not only so Whether Yet Examples of Conjunctions In the following examples, the conjunctions are in bold for easy recognition: I tried to hit the nail but hit my thumb instead. I have two goldfish and a cat. I'd like a bike for commuting to work. You can have peach ice cream or a brownie sundae. Neither the black dress nor the gray one looks right on me. My dad always worked hard so we could afford the things we wanted. I try very hard in school yet I am not receiving good grades. Page 3 of 32
  4. 1.5 Conjunction Exercises The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. 1. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy kitten home with him. 1. But 2. Or 3. Yet 4. And a Answer: 4. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy and a kitten home with him. 2. 3. 4. 5. I'd like to thank you 1. Or 2. For 3. And 4. Yet the lovely gift. Answer: 2. I'd like to thank you for the lovely gift. I want to go for a hike 1. But 2. Yet 3. Or 4. For I have to go to work today. Answer: 1. I want to go for a hike but I have to go to work today. They do not smoke, 1. And 2. Or 3. Nor 4. Yet do they play cards. Answer: 3. They do not smoke, nor do they play cards. I'm getting good grades 1. Or 2. Yet 3. But 4. Because I study every day. Answer: 4. I'm getting good grades because I study every day. Page 4 of 32
  5. 1.6 Subordinating Conjunctions Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions In the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are in bold for easy identification: 1. 3. As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire. Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air. When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly. 1.6.1 Subordinating Conjunctions List Subordinating Conjunctions After Although Because Before Even if Even though In order to Once Provided that Rather than Since So that Than That Though Unless Until When Whenever Where Whereas Wherever Whether While Why Page 5 of 32
  6. A Handy List of Subordinating Conjunctions After Although as if as long as as much as As soon as as though Because Before By the time Even if Even though Every time If In case in order that in the event that lest (incase) Now that Once only only if provided that Since so So that supposing Than that The first time though till Unless Until until, when When Whenever Page 6 of 32
  7. where whereas wherever Whether or not While Why Page 7 of 32
  8. 1.6.1.1 Subordinating Conjunction Exercises The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how subordinating conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up. After Although Before Even if Answer: 1. After the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up. I don't want to go to the movies popcorn. 1. Although 2. Because 3. Whenever 4. So that Answer: 2. I hate the smell of I don't want to go to the movies because I hate the smell of popcorn. I paid Larry, 1. Whenever 2. Whose 3. After 4. If Answer: 2. garden design work is top-notch. I paid Larry, whose garden design work is top-notch. Page 8 of 32
  9. 4. snow. spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more 1. Because 2. Until 3. Although 4. Now that Answer: 2. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. snow. the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button. As soon as Because Before Now that Answer: As soon as the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button. Page 9 of 32
  10. 1.7 1.7.1 Correlative Conjunctions When using correlative conjunctions, ensure verbs agree so your sentences make sense. For example: Every night, either loud music or fighting neighbors wake John from his sleep. When you use a correlative conjunction, you must be sure that agree. For example: Neither Debra nor Sally pronouns expressed her annoyance when the cat broke the antique lamp. When using correlative conjunctions, be sure to keep parallel structure intact. Equal grammatical units need to be incorporated into the entire sentence. For example: Not only did Mary grill burgers for Michael, but she also fixed a steakfor her dog, Vinny. Examples of Correlative Conjunctions In the following examples, the correlative conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. She is both intelligent and beautiful. I will either go for a hike or stay home and watch TV. Jerry is neither rich nor famous. He is not only intelligent, but also very funny. Would you rather go shopping or spend the day at the beach? Page 10 of 32
  11. 1.7.2 Correlative Conjunctions Exercises The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how correlative conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. She is neither polite 1. Or 2. Nor 3. Not 4. Yet funny. Answer: B. She is neither polite nor funny. that is the case, happening. 1. If / then 2. No sooner / than 3. Scarcely / when 4. Whether / or I'm not surprised about what's Answer: A. If that is the case, then I'm not surprised about what's happening. Have you made a decision about 1. If / then 2. Either / or 3. Whether / or 4. What with / and to go to the movies Answer: C. Have you made a decision about whether to go to the movies or not? had I put my umbrella away, _ 1. No sooner / than 2. If / then 3. What with / and 4. Neither / nor it started raining. Answer: A. No sooner had I put my umbrella away, than it started raining. This salad is delicious healthy. 1. Whether / or 2. Both / and 3. Scarcely / when 4. Rather / than Answer: B. This salad is both delicious and healthy. Page 11 of 32
  12. 1.7.3 1.7.4 Correlative Conjunctions List There are many pairs of correlative conjunctions. This list contains many of the most commonly used pairs. As / as Both / and Either / or Hardly / when If / then Just as / so Neither / nor Not only / but also No sooner / than Not / but Rather / than Scarcely / when What with / and Whether / or Correlative Conjunctions Exercises 1. 2. 3. I like to sing opera, time practicing ballroom dances. A. not only / but also B. whether / or C. neither / nor D. not / but The test was A. not / but B. both / and C. whether / or D. scarcely / when Joe very short to spend my spare quite easy. his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French. A. Whether / or B. No sooner / than C. Rather / than D. Neither / nor Page 12 of 32
  13. Answer Key: 1 - A. I like not only to sing opera, but also to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances. 2 - B. The test was both very short and quite easy. 3 - D. Neither Joe nor his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke French. Page 13 of 32
  14. Coordinating Conjunctions 1.8 Coordinating Conjunction Rules 1.8.] As there are only seven of these words, there are just a few rules for using coordinating conjunctions correctly: F = for O = or Y = yet S = so 1. 2. 3. It's a good idea to use the mnemonic "FANBOYS" to memorize coordinating conjunctions so you'll never forget them. They are: A = and N = nor B = but Coordinating conjunctions always connect phrases, words, and clauses. For example: This batch of mushroom stew is savory and delicious. Some instructors warn that starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is incorrect. Mostly, this is because they are attempting to help prevent you from writing fragments rather than complete sentences; sometimes though, it's just a personal preference. The fact is, you can begin sentences with coordinating conjunctions as long as you follow these three rules for doing so: Ensure that the coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a main clause Don't use coordinating conjunctions to begin all of your sentences. Do so only when it makes your writing more effective. Although typically follow coordinating commas conjunctions used in areas other than the beginning of a sentence, they should not be used after coordinating conjunctions used to open sentences unless an interrupter immediately follows. Page 14 of 32
  15. 1.8.2 1.8.3 Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions In the following examples, the coordinating conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification. 1. 2. 3. 4. You can eat your cake with a spoon or fork. My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails trimmed. Bill refuses to eat peas, nor will he touch carrots. I hate to waste a drop of gas, for it is very expensive these days. Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how coordinating conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. 1. 2. 3. Would you rather have cheese sandwich? bologna on your 1. 2. 3. 4. For Nor Or so Answer: 3. Would you rather have cheese or bologna on your sandwich? His two favorite sports are football tennis. 1. 2. 3. 4. Or And Nor For Answer: 2. His two favorite sports are football and tennis. I wanted to go to the beach, Mary refused. 1. 2. 3. 4. But Or so For Answer: 1. I wanted to go to the beach, but Mary refused. Page 15 of 32
  16. 4. 5. I am allergic to cats, I have three of them. 1. 2. 3. 4. Or For Yet so Answer: 3. I am allergic to cats, yet I have three of them. I am a vegetarian, I don't eat any meat. 1. 2. 3. 4. so Yet Nor But Answer: 1. I am a vegetarian, so I don't eat any meat. Page 16 of 32
  17. 1.8.5 Coordinating Conjunctions List Remember, there are only seven coordinating conjunctions. This list contains all of them. For And Nor But Or Yet so Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises 1. Thomas will be late to work, A. but B. or C. for D. nor 2. Jennifer does not like to swim, A. and B. or C. but D. nor he has a dental appointment. does she enjoy cycling. 3. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, A. for B. but C, yet D. so Answer Key: he was on a diet. 1 - C. Thomas will be late to work, for he has a dental appointment 2 - D. Jennifer does not like to swim, nor does she enjoy cycling. 3 - B. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, but he was on a diet. Page 17 of 32
  18. 1.9 1.9.1 Conjunctive adverbs What is a conjunctive adverb? Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect one clause to another. They are also used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships. Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which they appear. This is just one of the things you'll 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 sentence's 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 most of the time. This is not an commas absolute rule and does not normally apply to short clauses. Examples of Conjunctive adverbs The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for easy identification. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble. She went into the store; however, she didn't find anything she wanted to buy. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias. You're my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you're taking advantage of me. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle. Page 18 of 32
  19. 1.9.2 Conjunctive Adverb Exercise The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctive adverbs work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence. 1. 2. 3. You need to put more effort into your work; won't get a passing grade. 1. Moreover 2. Otherwise 3. Unless 4. Instead , you Answer: 2. You need to put more effort into your work; otherwise, you won't get a passing grade. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; rained so we stayed home. 1. Moreover 2. Unless 3. However 4. Additionally , it Answer: 3. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; however, it rained so we stayed home. She is a very smart girl; that she gets such good grades. 1. Again 2. Besides 3. Contrarily 4. Therefore , i€s not at all surprising Answer: 4. She is a very smart girl; therefore, it's not at all surprising that she gets such good grades. Page 19 of 32
  20. 4. 5. Jared is a millionaire; always flat broke. 1. In contrast 2. Accordingly 3. Again 4. Likewise his brother Jeremy is Answer: 1. Jared is a millionaire; in contrast, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke. He felt he couldn't tell the truth about what happened; , he lied. 1. In contrast 2. Likewise 3. Undoubtedly 4. Instead Answer: 4. He felt he couldn't tell the truth about what happened; instead, he lied. Page 20 of 32
  21. 1.9.3 Conjunctive adverbs List There are many conjunctive adverbs - in fact, there are many more of these than there are common conjunctions. Here is a comprehensive list of conjunctive adverbs. Additionally Again Almost Anyway As a result In addition Besides Certainly Comparatively Consequently Contrarily Comparatively Consequently Conversely Elsewhere Equally Eventually Finally Further Furthermore Elsewhere Hence Henceforth However Page 21 of 32
  22. Conjunction Exercises Subordinating Conjunction Exercises Complete each sentence using the subordinating conjunction from the parenthesis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. I visit the Grand Canyon I go to Arizona. (once, whenever, wherever) This is the place how) we stayed last time we visited. (where, when, you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless) You won't pass the test I could not get a seat, We are leaving Wednesday Pay attention to your work unless, or) you study. (when, if, unless) I came early. (as, though, when) or not it rains. (if, whether, though) you will not make mistakes. (so that, The musicians delivered a rousing performance rehearsed often. (though, as, once) they had She's honest Write this down everyone trusts her. (if, so, when) you forget. (or, when, lest) Answers: 1 - whenever, 2 - where, 3 - if, 4 - unless, 5 - though, 6 - whether, 7- so that, 8 - as, 9 - so, 10 - lest Page 22 of 32
  23. Correlative Conjunction Exercises Complete each sentence using the correct correlative conjunction pair from the parenthesis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. I plan to take my vacation either / or, as / if) I'm feeling happy in June in July. (whether / or, sad, I try to keep a positive attitude. (either / or, whether / or, when / I'm) had I taken my shoes off I found out we had to leave again. (no sooner / than, rather / than, whether / or) only is dark chocolate delicious, (whether / or, not / but, just as / so) I have salad for dinner, for dessert. (if [then, when / than, whether / or) it can be healthy. I can have ice cream flowers trees grow during warm weather. (not only / or, both / and, not / but) do we enjoy summer vacation, we enjoy winter break. (whether / or, not only / but also, either / or) Calculus is either / or) It's as) easy going to rain difficult (not / but, both / and, Savory flavors are both / and) sweet snow tonight. (as / if, either / or, as / sour. (often / and, neither / nor, Answers: 1 - either / or, 2 - whether / or, 3 - no sooner / than, 4 - not / but, 5 - if /then, 6 - both / and, 7 - not only / but also, 8 - not / but, 9 - either / or, 10 - neither / nor Page 23 of 32
  24. Coordinating Conjunction Exercises Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating conjunction from the parenthesis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. My car has a radio a CD player. (but, or, and) Sharon hates to listen to rap music, (but, nor, or) Carol wanted to drive to Colorado, will she tolerate heavy metal. Bill insisted that they fly. (and, or, but) I'm afraid of heights, building. (and, yet, nor) I have to be on time, nor, for) Do you like chocolate I have to go to work at six, I appreciate the view from the top of this my boss will be annoyed if I'm late. (and, vanilla ice cream better? (or, nor, and) I'm waking up at four. (but, so, yet) I was on time, everyone else was late. (so, but, for) Nadia doesn't like to drive, yet, so) she takes the bus everywhere. (but, Our trip to the museum was interesting, artifacts on display. (but, for, yet) there were several new Answers: 1 - and, 2 - nor, 3 - but, 4 - yet, 5 - for, 6 - or, 7- so, 8 - but, 9 - so, 10 - for Page 24 of 32
  25. Conjunctive Adverb Exercises Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating conjunctive adverb from the parenthesis: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Bianca wore her rain boots; her feet stayed dry during the storm. (however, therefore, on the other hand) I love the color red; _, this shade seems a little too bright. (therefore, nonetheless, in fact) You have to be on time; however, otherwise) Teresa likes to read; (however, in contrast, again) you'll miss the train. (nonetheless, her sister Julia prefers to watch TV. She really wanted to eat ice cream; , she had a salad. (however, likewise, instead) We were working hard; (meanwhile, instead, therefore) , Jill and Jerry were lounging by the pool. He is a weak leader; moreover, nevertheless) She has an incredible voice; he has plenty of supporters. (otherwise, , she will go far in her music career. (otherwise, undoubtedly, similarly) Natalie wanted to make pie but didn't have apples; to bake a cake. (therefore, namely, in contrast) , she decided We had hoped to go to Spain; instead, again) , we ended up in France. (otherwise, Answers: 1 - therefore, 2 - nonetheless, 3 - otherwise, 4 - contrast, 5 - instead, 6 - meanwhile, 7- nevertheless, 8 - undoubtedly, 9 - therefore, 10 - instead Page 25 of 32
  26. 'After dinner, we'll go see a movie.' 1. 'Although I'd rather not, I'll make an exception.' 2. 3. "As you know, she's rather eccentric." 4. "When we're done, let's get some ice cream.' 5. "Whenever I go, I try to see something I've never seen before.' 6. "Whether or not you agree, I think it looks fine." 7. "Where I go, they always have sales." 8. "Wherever I go, I try to enjoy myself.' 9. "While I'm there, I play music on a jukebox." 10. "How is it that even though you go there all the time, you've never noticed that before?" 1 If you find out, please let me know.' 11. 'In case you hadn't heard, I couldn't care less." 12. 13. ' In order to enjoy your trip, take your time and enjoy the sights." 'That I like wearing red — that has never been in dispute." 14. 'Though I'm flexible, I draw the line about that.' 15. Page 26 of 32
  27. 16. "Even if it is true, I'll forgive him.' 'Even though I'd heard the song before, I hadn't known who sang it.' 17. 'Ever since I met her, I haven't been able to think about anything else." 18. B 19. "Because I've been there before, I'd rather go somewhere else." 20. ' Before I saw the house, I was ready to just rent an apartment.' The dress was beautiful but slightly expensive. 21. I put a lot of effort into the assignment, but I couldn't even get an A. 22. My mom doesn't like to cook, but she does it anyway. 23. Unless you're willing to wait, you'll have to come back tomorrow.' 24. 'Until we find it, we can't leave.' 25. S 26. "Since then, I've had a different opinion of him. 27. "So sure were you of your theory about them, you ignored evidence that you were wrong.' 28. "So that I'm sure I understand you, please repeat what you said.' Page 27 of 32
  28. FANBOYS Examples For And Nor But Or Yet so For shows reason or purpose (sometimes because can be used instead) I go to the library, for I love to read. While the word "so" introduces the "effect" part of a cause-and-effect relationship, the word "for" introduces the cause. My husband and I went to Costa Rica, for it was our five-year anniversary. The neighborhood had a memorial last weekend, for a family's son had passed away. Using the word "for" like this, however, can sound a bit formal and unnatural in spoken English. Instead, it's better to use subordinating conjunctions like "because" or "since," which we'll discuss later. Meanwhile, the word "for" can take different usages as a preposition, not a conjunction. For example: What are you doing for New Year's? Is this gift for me or someone else? , I've been living in Los Angeles for about six months. Page 28 of 32
  29. Although you may have been taught otherwise, it's often acceptable for a sentence to begin with a coordinating conjunction, as long as it forms a continuity with the sentences preceding it. When used in writing, in fact, it can often feel more natural to begin a sentence with "and" or "but" instead of forcing separate sentences together with a comma. For example: Sometimes, Jack can come off as a bit insensitive, but I know he means well. Sometimes, Jack can come off as a bit insensitive. But I know he means well. (Also, a valid use of the word "but") The sushi restaurant down the street is the best I've ever been to. And it was a good deal. And connects two or more ideas I like to eat cookies, and I like to drink milk. The conjunction "and" is used to join two or more items that make sense with each other. I put mayonnaise and mustard in this sandwich. My friend likes to go mountain-climbing and swim in the ocean. My mom was born in the U.S., and my dad was born in Switzerland. It can also be used to connect a series of events. , Everyday after school, I go to the library and study. The president arrived and gave an hour-long speech. If you want to list several items, use commas and the word "and" at the very end (the Oxford comma is optional). , I wasted so much time, energy, and money on that trip. The dog barked, growled and scratched until his owner let him back in the house. Page 29 of 32
  30. Nor shows a non-contrasting, negative idea. Adds more negativity. I refuse to hug to people I don't know, nor will I kiss them. While "and" is used to join two positive items together, the conjunction nor" is used to pair two negative items. It's found either with the word not" or with the word "neither." He didn't return my calls, nor did he respond to any of my texts. Neither the yoga nor the running made my back feel any better. I didn't think that it would snow so early in the year, nor did the weather forecast. Note the word inversion that often accompanies this conjunction. But shows contrast or exception. Sheila likes soup, but sometimes she orders something different. The conjunction "but" is used to join two items that contradict each other or create a certain tension with each other. The dress was beautiful but slightly expensive. I put a lot of effort into the assignment, but I couldn't even get an A. My mom doesn't like to cook, but she does it anyway. A common usage of the word "but" is in the construction "not.. .but.' You can also use the word "rather" to emphasize the contrast in the statement. It wasn't a bird but a squirrel that's been ravaging the garden. Strawberries aren't actually berries but rather an "accessory fruit. Page 30 of 32
  31. Or shows choice or option. He could go to the bar, or he could go to work. The conjunction "or" can be used to present two or more options. It's often paired with the word "either." Do you like chocolate or vanilla better? He's either flirting with me or just acts unusually nice to me. You can come buy groceries with me, or you can stay home until I get back. Yet also shows contrast or exception. He had been crying all day, yet the man made him laugh. The conjunction "yet" is very similar to "but." It means something like nevertheless" or "but at the same time.' He can be strict yet understanding at the same time. The sauce was sweet yet had a spicy flavor to it. I got a new prescription for my glasses, yet my vision is still a bit blurry. Don't get this conjunction mixed up with the other usage of the word yet." For example: Did she call you back yet? Is your roommate awake yet? so shows consequence. The lady was feeling ill, so she went home to bed. Page 31 of 32
  32. If you want to express a cause-and-effect relationship, you can use the conjunction "so." It introduces a clause that is the effect of a previous clause. It was the week before Christmas, so the mall was unusually hectic. The traffic is a bit heavy on the main road, so try taking a residential detour instead. The mistake was already made, so there's not much you can do about it now. Notice that the word "so" can be used to justify a suggestion or command. It can also be used to explain the basis of a question. For example: My dog gets a bit rowdy sometimes, so put him in his cage when you need to. All the bars are closed by now, so what do you want to do instead? Another usage of the conjunction "so" is to introduce a new idea or change the subject, whether this has a cause-and-effect relationship or not. For example: So, what do you want to talk about now? So, how has your day been? Be careful not to mix up the coordinating conjunction "so" with other usages of the word "so." For example: The line was so long we bailed within the first five minutes. "Is it going to be warmer tomorrow?" "I think so. I hid the presents so that the rest of my family wouldn't find them Page 32 of 32

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