Conjunctions
by Elaine Ernst Schneider
Objective(s): By the end of this lesson the student will be able to:
1. define the term ‘conjunction’
2. differentiate between coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions
Pre-Class Assignment:
Resources/Equipment/Time Required:
Outline:
The conjunction is the seventh of the eight parts of speech. Just for the record, here are all eight:
noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.
Let’s start with a basic definition:
Conjunctions are words that join words or groups of words.
There are two main types of conjunctions. They are coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
Coordinating conjunctions include: and, or, but, for, & nor. These conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value. Clauses of equal value are called independent clauses and can stand on their own as separate sentences. Example: John is running in this race and I am carrying his water bottle. (Each clause can stand alone: John is running in this race. I am carrying his water bottle.)
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a single sentence. In fact, the clause is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. Example: Since I will not be home, Tina will answer the phone. (“Since I will not be home” doesn’t make sense by itself. It is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.)
Most commonly used subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, as, while, until, whether, since, after, so that, when, before, if.
Assignment(s) including Answer key:
Find the conjunctions in the following sentences. Label them coordinating or subordinating.
1. He listened to the man’s story and reported it to the policeman on duty.
__________________
2. I haven’t seen my brother since he left for college.
__________________
3. Your aunt or your uncle will pick you up from school today.
__________________
4. Tom, Jane, Sue, and Tim will be going on the trip.
__________________
5. I remember the old school book, for it was once mine.
__________________
6. Sarah did not feel well, but she went to class anyway.
__________________
7. Although the old man was hungry, he never said a word to anyone.
__________________
8. I think I heard that on the television or radio, although I am not sure.
___________________ ___________________
(CUT HERE) ——————————————————–
ANSWER KEY:
1. and, coordinating
2. since, subordinating
3. or, coordinating
4. and, coordinating
5. for, coordinating
6. but, coordinating
7. although, subordinating
8. or, coordinating; although, subordinating
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