Name: _____________________________________ Class: ________________ Date: __________

DISCUSSION
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses, acting as the glue that holds
sentences together. They play a crucial role in grammar, allowing us to express complex ideas and
relationships between different parts of a sentence. While the definition of a conjunction can vary
across languages, in English, a word's function as a conjunction depends on its context and the
surrounding syntax. For example, the word "after" can act as a preposition in a sentence like "He
left after the fight," but it becomes a conjunction in "He left after they fought."

Conjunctions are typically invariant, meaning they don't change their form based on grammatical
factors like tense or number. They often appear between the elements they connect, although
they can also start a sentence, despite some lingering superstitions about this practice. The
concept of conjunctions can even extend to idiomatic phrases that function as a unit, such as "as
well as" and "provided that."

There are two main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating
conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical value, while
subordinating conjunctions indicate that one element is subordinate to another. Coordinating
conjunctions are often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They
can join words, phrases, or clauses, creating compound sentences when connecting two
independent clauses.

Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, always join clauses together. They introduce
dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. There are over 50
subordinating conjunctions, and they often indicate a specific relationship between the clauses
they connect, such as cause and effect, time, or contrast. Examples of subordinating conjunctions
include "because," "while," "although," and "since."

The use of conjunctions is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.
Coordinating conjunctions help create a sense of balance and equality between elements, while
subordinating conjunctions establish a hierarchical relationship between clauses. By understanding
the different types of conjunctions and their functions, we can effectively express complex ideas
and relationships in our writing and speech.

Summary
• Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses, acting as the glue that holds
sentences together.

• There are two main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating
conjunctions, each with distinct functions and uses.

• Understanding the different types of conjunctions and their functions is crucial for constructing
clear and grammatically correct sentences, allowing for the expression of complex ideas and
relationships in writing and speech.
Key Vocabulary Words
invariant ( adjective )
Definition: ______ ______ _____ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ _
Example: _______________________________________________________________

syntax ( noun )
Definition: ______ ______ _____ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ _
Example: _______________________________________________________________

subordinate ( adjective )
Definition: ______ ______ _____ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ _
Example: _______________________________________________________________

hierarchical ( adjective )
Definition: ______ ______ _____ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ _
Example: _______________________________________________________________

idiomatic ( adjective )
Definition: ______ ______ _____ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ _
Example: _______________________________________________________________

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a coordinating conjunction, according to the text?
A) for
B) and
C) but
D) since

2. What is the primary function of subordinating conjunctions as described in the text?

A) To connect elements of equal grammatical value.
B) To introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone.
C) To create compound sentences by joining two independent clauses.
D) To indicate a specific relationship between words, phrases, or clauses.

3. According to the text, what is the significance of the acronym FANBOYS in

relation to conjunctions?
A) It represents a list of all the subordinating conjunctions in English.
B) It is a mnemonic device for remembering the coordinating conjunctions.
C) It is an abbreviation for a specific type of conjunction used in formal writing.
D) It is a term used to describe the grammatical structure of compound sentences.
Short Answer Questions

1. Explain how the text demonstrates that the function of a word as a conjunction can be
determined by its context.

2. What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in terms of the
grammatical elements they connect?

3. According to the text, what is the significance of conjunctions in constructing clear and
grammatically correct sentences?

Open-ended Prompts

1. The text discusses how conjunctions can connect words, phrases, and clauses to create complex
sentences. Reflect on how you use conjunctions in your own writing and speech. Do you tend to
use a variety of conjunctions, or do you rely on a few favorites? How does your choice of
conjunctions affect the tone and meaning of your communication? (30 Words)
2. The text explains that conjunctions can be used to express relationships between different parts
of a sentence. Think about the relationships you have with others in your life. How do you use
language to express the different types of relationships you have, such as those of friendship,
family, or romantic love? (30 Words)

3. The text highlights the importance of understanding conjunctions for effective

communication. Consider a time when you struggled to express a complex idea or relationship
in writing orspeech. How could an understanding of conjunctions have helped you to
communicate more clearly? (30 Words)