Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Definitions:

• A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses.

• Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.

• Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause to another clause. A dependent clause has a subject and a predicate, but cannot stand alone.

What Do They Mean?

• Coordinating conjunctions tell your reader very important information about the relationships between your independent clauses (sentences).

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.

Multiple Choice

Deserts are harsh and dry, ________ many plants grow there.

• For

• So

• Yet

Multiple Choice

Pat looked at the antique rocker, ________ she couldn’t afford to buy it.

• And

• But

• Or

Multiple Choice

Constance might go to the library, ________ she might stay home.

• But

• So

• Nor

Multiple Choice

Sue jogs every day, _______ she wants to stay in shape.

• But

• Yet

• For

Multiple Choice

His shoes are worn, _______ he has no socks.

• For

• So

• Or

Multiple Choice

The guy is a contractor, _______ he knows the construction business.

• So

• And

• But

Multiple Choice

Bill went to work, _______ he didn't punch in.

• Or

• But

• So

Multiple Choice

My brother is in the play, _______ I want to attend the first performance.

• Or

• So

• For

Multiple Choice

Annette couldn't go, ________ she was tired.

• Nor

• Yet

• For

Multiple Choice

Your niece and I went out to lunch, ________ we both ordered fish.

• And

• Or

• Yet

What Do They Mean?

• A subordinating conjunction is the word or words used to join two clauses together in a complex sentence.

• They are words such as because, although, unless, whereas.

• They do the job of showing the relationship between the two clauses and showing us which is the most important.

Hint: Pay Close Attention

The meaning of a sentence can change depending on which conjunction is used.If you’re not certain which conjunction to use in a sentence, try each one.

Multiple Choice

Matthew couldn’t go to the park ______ he didn’t finish his chores.

• Because

• When

• Although

Multiple Choice

Maggie cleaned her room _____ her mom was at work.

• Before

• During

• While

Multiple Choice

They’ll have a good corn harvest this year _____ it rains a lot and prevents them from harvesting their crops.

• During

• Unless

• While

Multiple Choice

_____ he can save a lot of money by taking the bus, Russ still drives his car into the city every day.

• When

• Before

• Although

Multiple Choice

Stay in the car _____ I go into the store. I’ll be right back.

• While

• Unless

• Before

Multiple Choice

You shouldn’t accept a ride in a car from someone _____ you know the person really well.

• During

• Unless

• Although

Multiple Choice

Submit the report _____ you leave the office."

• Unless

• During

• Before

Multiple Choice

“_____ I see you smile, I can face the world” (Bad English)

• Although

• Unless

• When