What do they really express?

• For – Is used to explain the ‘why’ in a situation.

• And – Is used when two similar clauses or points are made.

• Nor – Is used about between similar items but in the negative sense.

• But – Is used to show a contrast between two items.

• Or – Is used to suggest an option or alternative.

• Yet – Is used to show a contrast in spite of something.

• So –Is used to show the consequence or result of something

Coordinating Conjunctions can be used in 4 different ways in a sentece.

1. To connect subjects

2. To connect verbs

3. To connect objects (in a list)

4. To connect two or more independent clauses

Hint: Pay Close Attention

The meaning of a sentence can change depending on which conjunction is used. Be sure to decide the purpose of the conjunction in the sentence. Try using different conjunctions until the sentence makes sense.

Connecting verbs

The frog relaxed and reflected on his life.

The frog relaxed, floated, and reflected on his life.

Connecting objects

Teens like to shop for clothes and shoes.

Teens like to shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Do you put a comma before "and"?​

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In order to understand subordinating clauses, we must first understand two things:

• independent clauses

• dependent clauses

Independent Clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Conjunctions can often connect independent clauses.

Example: Will he travel by plane, or will he take the train?

Example: The play had begun, so everyone hurried.

Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause is a group of related words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete idea.

Example: The girls played soccer until it got dark.

Example: When the van stopped working, we took it to a mechanic.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A conjunction such as because, although, when, since, or until is called a subordinating conjunction. This type of conjunction connects a dependent clause with an independent clause.

Example: The girls played soccer until it got dark.

Example: When the van stopped working, we took it to a mechanic.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• after, although, as, as if, as though

• because, before

• even though

• if

• since, so that

• unless, until

• when, whenever, where, wherever, while

When you use a subordinating conjunction, make sure that you have an independent clause in the sentence. If there is only a dependent clause, you have written a sentence fragment.

Let's review fragments and sentences!

Find the dependent clause. Reminder, a dependent clause cannot stand alone.

Rule #1

If the sentence begins with a dependent clause, put a comma after the clause.

Example: When we arrived, the play had already begun.

Rule #2

Do not use a comma if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause.

Example: The play had already begun when we arrived.

Combine sentences by using the conjunctions when, because, although, until, if.

I lost my first tennis match. I was not playing well. I expected to improve. I needed to practice every day. My friend Derek practiced with me. He gave me good pointers. The first defeat had been disappointing. I entered another tournament. I played my best. I won the first match! I continued to play well. I lost in the second round. I definitely had improved. The scores were only 6-2 and 6-4. I plan to keep trying.