Identifying Conjunctions

Joining Sentences and Thoughts




LT: I can identify and use the appropriate conjunctions.

​Conjunctions

FANBOYS is an
acronym for
conjunctions that
join words,
phrases, and
clauses that are
equally important.

FANBOYS

The MOST
common ones:
For--since or because
And--connect
Nor--negative (like not)
But--except, however, despite
Or--choice or possibilities
Yet--even though
So--show a result or effect

Using a Comma

When a conjunction is used to joining two complete thoughts, a comma is used.

Example: Lions are the largest of the big cats, and they can run up to 50 miles per hour.

Open Ended

Write a sentence using one of the FANBOYS.

More

Conjunctions

Sometimes, we need additional words to help us better convey our

meaning. There are two more acronyms to help us remember some of

these additional conjunctions.

SWABI

THAMO

These conjunctions signal a cause-and-effect relationship, a contrast,

sequencing, or other relationships.

More Conjunctions

Since--for that reason; because
When--relating to time relationship
After--following an event; sequence
Because--for that reason; cause and
effect
If--conditional; meaning that one thing
depend on another

SWABI

THAMO

Therefore--or that reason; a
consequence
However--contrast or contradicts
Also--in addition to
Meanwhile--events happening at the same time
Otherwise--conditional; if not/or else

Many of us were taught in school that it is an error to begin a sentence with a

conjunction, such as the word because.

That is a myth!

Starting a Sentence with a Conjunction

Often, it’s a good way to add
emphasis. Beginning too many
sentences with conjunctions will
cause the device to lose its
force, however, so use this
technique sparingly.

I drank a glass of water because I was thirsty.
Because I was thirsty, I drank a glass of water.

Make sure his room is clean before he leaves.

Before he leaves, make sure his room is clean.

AmyPicELA2021

Open Ended

Write a sentence using one of the SWABI conjunctions in the middle of the sentence.

since, when, after, because, if

Open Ended

Write a sentence using one of the SWABI conjunctions at the beginning of the sentence.

since, when, after, because, if

Open Ended

Write a sentence using one of the THAMO conjunctions in the middle of the sentence.

therefore, however, also, meanwhile, otherwise

Open Ended

Write a sentence using one of the THAMO conjunctions at the beginning of the sentence.

therefore, however, also, meanwhile, otherwise