Making connections with conjunctions

What is a conjunction?

Conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses together. Even if you aren’t sure what a conjunction is, you’ve used one in your writing before. By using conjunctions correctly, you can avoid fragments, run-on sentences, and other common grammar mistakes.

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At their core, conjunctions are simple parts of speech that make a big impact. The word “and” is one of the most used conjunctions and connects separate thoughts together. From connecting ideas more easily to crafting shorter, clearer sentences, using conjunctions elevates simple writing to the next level.

The most used conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “or.” Other frequently used conjunctions include “because,” “however,” “after,” “since,” “than,” “during,” and “while.” The next time you use one of these words in your writing, you’ll be able to recognize them as conjunctions that add elegance to your sentences.

Types of conjunctions

The three different types of conjunctions used in sentences serve distinct functions and have unique grammar and punctuation rules for their use.

• Coordinating conjunctions connect two grammatically equal words or clauses. Typically, this type of conjunction connects the same part of speech, like two nouns or two verbs. Coordinating conjunctions are the only conjunctions used to join two independent clauses, which are clauses that can stand alone as a complete sentence together.
• A subordinating conjunction links a subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause, to an independent clause. Subordinate clauses can’t stand on their own as complete sentences but add additional details when attached to an independent clause with a subordinating conjunction.
• Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that go together. For example, the conjunctions “either” and “or” work together to show two different options in a sentence. In the sentence “I’m going to buy a dress that’s either purple or blue,” the conjunctions can’t be interchanged with other conjunctions while retaining the same meaning.

How to use conjunctions correctly

For the most part, conjunctions aren’t too difficult to use correctly without risking a major grammar faux pas. However, keep these tips in mind to make your writing as clean and effective as possible.

• Place conjunctions in between the two words they connect. While you can sometimes start a sentence with a conjunction, avoid doing so in formal writing.
• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when connecting two independent clauses together or writing a list.
• When using conjunctions to connect an independent and subordinate clause, don’t use a comma.
• In most situations, correlative conjunctions don’t need a comma. However, when in doubt, use an online grammar checker to make sure your sentences are grammatically correct.

Before you start writing your next research paper or fine-tuning an important work email, remember these tips for using conjunctions. By using this part of speech correctly, you’ll be able to write eloquent, descriptive sentences while avoiding grammatical errors.