Coordinate Conjunctions
The short, simple
conjunctions are called "coordinating conjunctions":
- and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
A coordinating
conjunction joins parts of a sentence (for example words or independent
clauses) that are grammatically equal or similar.
Look at these
examples - the two elements that the coordinating conjunction joins are shown
in square brackets [ ]:
- I like [tea] and [coffee].
- [Ram likes tea], but [Anthony likes coffee].
Coordinating
conjunctions always come between the words or clauses that they join.
When a coordinating
conjunction joins independent clauses, it is always correct to place a comma
before the conjunction:
- I want to work as an interpreter in the future, so I am studying Russian at university.
However, if the
independent clauses are short and well-balanced, a comma is not really
essential:
- She is kind so she helps people.
When "and"
is used with the last word of a list, a comma is optional:
- He drinks beer, whisky, wine, and rum.
- He drinks beer, whisky, wine and rum.
A coordinating
conjunction may connect compound subjects.
- Economists and policy-makers argue about how to ensure fair competition and continued innovation in the high-technology sector.
- Oil or railways can offer insight into the differences between traditional companies and technology companies.
A coordinating
conjunction may connect compound objects
1.
The troubled company is not considering
selling all or part of its business.
1.
ALL and PART are objects of the verbal
SELLING.
2.
Some analysts say the odds are stacked
against Netscape and any other rival that dares to
challenge Microsoft.
3.
NETSCAPE and RIVAL are objects of the
preposition AGAINST.
A coordinating
conjunction may connect compound phrases
1.
Manufacturers must be free to
develop their ideas and to package their products.
1.
AND connects two infinitive phrases.
2.
He reappeared a few minutes later looking
embarrassed yet appearing otherwise unruffled.
3.
YET connects two participial phrases.
4.
The activists lodged frequent
complaints against the barge industry and for its customers,
including farmers.
5.
AND connects two prepositional phrases.
A coordinating
conjunction may connect independent clauses
1.
Members of Congress are eager to bring
home projects, and special interests are eager to reap the
benefits.
1.
AND connects two independent clauses.
2.
Congress may be part of the problem, or
it may be part of the solution.
1.
OR connects two sets of subjects and
verbs.
3.
On balance, it has not been a liberal
presidency, yet conservatives tend to underestimate the heat
Clinton took within his own party on some of these issues.
1.
YET connects IT HAS BEEN and
CONSERVATIVES TEND.
4.
The prince has abandoned his kingdom, for
no army remains to do his fighting.
Six MOST COMMON
coordinating conjunctions
1.
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet (FANBOY)
Two LESS COMMON
coordinating conjunctions
1.
WHILE
1.
While is a coordinating
conjunction when its meaning is during the time that or throughout
the time that.
1.
The owl paddled, while the
monkey slept.(The owl paddled during the time the monkey slept.)
1.
While
he was not poor, he had no ready cash.(Although he was not poor, he had no
ready cash.)
3.
To avoid problems, use while
for time and although or whereas to show
subordination.
1.
Will you buy a carton of milk while
you are at the store?
2.
Although
you may disagree with the conclusion, please keep your opinions to yourself.
2.
SO
1.
So is a coordinating
conjunction when its meaning is during the time NOT as a result.
1.
The owl paddled, so the
monkey slept.
2.
So is a subordinating conjunction when its meaning is in
order that, with the purpose that. (It is usually followed by that.)
1.
The owl paddled, so that
the monkey might sleep.
1.
The owl paddled; so it
made sense for the monkey to sleep.
