Using Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

These are FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. FANBOYS connect different words, phrases, or clauses by allowing each to function together while still maintaining their potential independence.

Hint: When FANBOYS are used to connect two sentences together, a comma should be placed in front of the FANBOY. This creates a compound sentence.

Example: I was up late last night, so I am tired today.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions come at the beginning of half-sentences (dependent clauses) and are used to connect the half-sentence to the main, complete sentence (independent clause). Common subordinating conjunctions include after, as, although, because, before, even though, if, once, rather than, since, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, whereas, while.

Subordinating conjunctions can be moved around. If a subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is needed after the first thought. If the conjunction is between two sentences, no commas are needed.

Example: Because I was up late last night, I am tired today.

Or: I am tired today because I was up late last night.

Notice how the above example can be organized either way and it still makes sense? Subordinating conjunctions have this ability. The key is to punctuate either one appropriately.

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are transitional words used to connect one sentence to another. Common conjunctive adverbs include additionally, in addition, moreover, also, consequently, furthermore, otherwise, instead, for instance, for example, however, on the other hand, conversely, nevertheless, accordingly, therefore, generally, in fact, in other words, in conclusion, finally. Unlike subordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs cannot be moved around because they show how the second clause, or sentence, is connected to the first.

When a conjunctive adverb is used between two sentences, generally a semicolon should be placed in front of the conjunctive adverb and a comma should be placed after it.

Example: I was up late last night; consequently, I am tired today.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are a combination of a coordinating conjunction and another word.

Example: In the sentence "Both John and I are having a hard time with the homework." Both…and are the correlative conjunctions.