Conjunctions

Conjunctions

Middle School

Today's Lesson

• Introduction to Conjunctions
• Topic overview
• Topic overview

Learning Objectives

• Identify conjunctions in sentences and understand their role as connector words.
• Explain the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
• Use conjunctions to combine simple sentences and improve your writing.

What are Conjunctions?

Have you ever noticed how using short, choppy sentences can sound a bit robotic? Conjunctions are special words that act like glue to connect your ideas. They join words, phrases, and even whole sentences to make your writing sound smooth and natural. Think of them as bridges that help you move from one thought to another. Let's learn how these powerful words can make your writing much more interesting!

Let's Learn with an Example

Let's combine two ideas: 'The sun was shining' and 'The birds were singing.'

Since these are similar ideas, we can use the conjunction 'and' to connect them.
New Sentence: 'The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.'

Now for two contrasting ideas: 'I want to play outside' and 'It is raining.'

We can use the conjunction 'but' to show the contrast between them.
New Sentence: 'I want to play outside, but it is raining.'

Lets Practice Together

Multiple Choice

Which conjunction best completes the sentence? 'She wanted to go to the party, ___ she was feeling too tired.'

• but

• and

• so

• or

Lets give it
a Try

Multiple Choice

Which sentence correctly uses a conjunction to combine two ideas?

• We can go to the park, or we can go to the movies.

• I am hungry, and I ate lunch.

• She is smart but popular.

• He ran fast so he missed the train.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence: 'You need to finish your homework ______ you can play video games.' Which conjunction shows the correct time relationship?

• before

• although

• or

• so

Summary

• A conjunction is a word that connects other words, phrases, or sentences.
• Use the acronym FANBOYS to remember the main coordinating conjunctions.
• Conjunctions help make your writing smoother and clearer.
• Subordinating conjunctions like 'because' and 'since' connect clauses.
• They help to explain the 'why' or 'when' of a situation.