Writing with Connection:

Using Conjunctions
Using conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions
Review A
Review B

Using conjunctions
Writers join clauses to show how ideas connect.

They can connect clauses in

different ways. Think of each of
these ways of connecting ideas
as a tool in a writers toolbox.

Coordinating conjunctions
An independent clause (or main clause) can
stand by itself as a sentence.
An independent clause has a subject and a verb
and expresses a complete thought.
Subject

Verb

Our computer
computerbroke.
broke.
broke.
Subject

Verb

These
Thesestreets
streetswere
were
werepaved
paved
pavedalmost
almost
almost
three
three
threecenturies
centuries
centuries
ago.
ago.
ago.

Coordinating conjunctions
A writer can join two independent clauses into a
single sentence if the ideas are
related to each other in some way
equally important
I forgot my sweater,
mymom
mombrought
broughtititto
tome.
me.
sweater. but My
She missed the bus,
Shewalked
walkedtotoschool.
school.
bus. so she

This kind of sentence is called a compound

sentence.

Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are one tool that
writers use to join independent clauses. You can
use the word FANBOYS to remember all seven
coordinating conjunctions.
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Coordinating conjunctions
Which coordinating conjunction should a writer
choose? That depends on how the ideas in the
independent clauses relate to each other.
If the two independent clauses show parallel
ideas, the writer may use and.
After hours in the water, the castaway struggled
through the surf, and he clawed his way onto
the beach, collapsing at the waters edge.

Coordinating conjunctions
If the two independent clauses show a
contrast, the writer may use but or yet to join
them.
Everyone was clearly uncomfortable,
yet no one said a word.
At first we planned to brave the
crowds, but we decided to stay
home instead.

Coordinating conjunctions
If the two independent clauses show cause and
effect, the writer may use so or for to join them.
cause

effect

The
does
notnot
have
drains,
The parking
parkinglot
lot
does
have
so
so it
it flooded
flooded
during
the
the
storm.
storm.
drains,
so it during
flooded
during
the storm.

effect

cause

The
were
hungry,
for
they
had
not
eaten.
The lost
lostcampers
campers
were
hungry,
for
they
had
not
eaten.
for they
had
not
eaten.

Subordinating conjunctions
A subordinate clause (or dependent clause)
cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb but
does not express a complete thought.
Subject Verb

until the sun

sun sets
sets
sets
Subject Verb

because it
toher
her
spoke
it spoke
spoke to
to
her

Subordinating conjunctions
An independent clause joined with a subordinate
clause make a complex sentence.
Independent Clause

Subordinate Clause

The temperature dropped when the wind blew.

Independent Clause

Subordinate Clause

Sara pulled the weeds while she sang softly.

Subordinating conjunctions
Each subordinate clause begins with a
subordinating conjunction.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
as

before

since

when

although

if

unless

whenever

because

once

until

while

Subordinating conjunctions
Which subordinating conjunction is used depends
on how
clauses
relate to
each other.
Can the
you two
find the
subordinating
conjunctions
in
these sentences?
subordinate clause
independent clause

The band played when

whenthe
thefootball
footballteam
teamscored.
scored.
Tells when the band played
independent clause

subordinate clause

I have to watch my sister until

mymother
mothergets
getshome.
home.
until my
Tells how long I have
to watch my sister

Subordinating conjunctions
Writers place the subordinate clause in different
places depending on which idea they want to
emphasize.
Subordinate
clause first

Although she had never been married,

Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress.

Subordinate
clause last

Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress

although she had never been married.

The idea that comes last is the one that readers

will focus on.

Subordinating conjunctions
A subordinate clause can also be placed between
the subject and the verb.
Subordinate
clause between
subject and verb

Miss Havisham, although she had never

been married, wore her wedding dress.

Notice that when the subordinate

clause comes in the middle of a
sentence, commas are used
before and after the clause.

Subordinating conjunctions
On Your Own
Combine each pair of sentences by using a subordinating
conjunction to turn one of the sentences into a subordinate
clause.
1. The wildfire started. Someone had left a campfire
burning.
2. This water is not safe for drinking. It can be used to water
plants.
3. I was talking on the phone. My phone battery ran out.
4. Sofia ate pancakes. Her mother cooked them.

Review A
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using the
conjunction indicated.
1. The class could raise money for fitness equipment. It could
contribute to the new sound system. (or)
2. George left for college. His sister got his bedroom. (when)
3. She answers the phone. Ask her about the homework. (if)
4. Camp activities are limited. Fewer students have enrolled.
(because)
5. This band is unknown. Its new song is popular. (yet)

Review B
Turn each of the following pairs of sentences into a single
compound or complex sentence. Use each strategy at least
twice.
1. Birds perched in the branches. Squirrels ran up the trunk.
2. I have never played rugby before. It looks fun.
3. The river flooded. It destroyed homes.
4. The refugees life had been so hard. Their new home
seemed like paradise.
5. The auditorium is complete. We will perform there.

The End