CONJUNCTIONS - Parts of Speech - Advanced Grammar - Types of Conjunctions with Examples

Summary

This instructional video script introduces the concept of conjunctions in English grammar, explaining their role in connecting sentence elements. It categorizes conjunctions into four types: coordinating, subordinating, correlative, and conjunctive adverbs. The script focuses on correct punctuation usage with conjunctions, especially in lists and when connecting clauses. It provides examples and a test to reinforce learning, emphasizing the importance of commas and semicolons in clear and correct sentence construction.

Takeaways

• 📚 A conjunction is a word that connects parts of a sentence, including words, phrases, or clauses.
• 🔍 There are four main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, correlative, and conjunctive adverbs.
• 📝 Coordinating conjunctions include 'and', 'or', 'but', 'so', 'yet', 'for', and 'nor', and are used to connect elements without a need for commas when only two items are connected.
• 📐 Subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'if', and 'although' introduce dependent clauses and do not require a preceding comma when the independent clause comes first.
• 🔑 Correlative conjunctions are pairs such as 'either...or', 'neither...nor', and 'not only...but also', which always go together but have no special punctuation rules.
• 🎯 Conjunctive adverbs, such as 'however', 'therefore', and 'in addition', act like conjunctions to join parts of a sentence and are punctuated with a semicolon before and a comma after, or a period before and a comma after.
• 📖 When a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma is placed after the first clause before the conjunction.
• 📈 In lists with three or more items, commas are used to separate items, with the last comma preceding the conjunction.
• 🚫 No comma is used when a conjunction connects only two words or phrases, unless they are part of a list with three or more items.
• ✍️ Correct punctuation of conjunctions in writing is crucial to convey the intended meaning and structure of sentences.
• 📝 Practice is essential to master the punctuation rules associated with conjunctions, as they can be complex and vary based on the type of conjunction and sentence structure.

Q & A

What is a conjunction and what does it do in a sentence?

A conjunction is a word that connects parts of a sentence. It can connect words, phrases, or clauses, playing a crucial role in linking different elements to form coherent sentences.

What are the four main types of conjunctions discussed in the script?

The four main types of conjunctions are coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, or, but, so, yet, for, nor), subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, after, although, if, until), correlative conjunctions (e.g., either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also), and conjunctive adverbs (e.g., as a result, however, in addition, therefore).

How should conjunctions be punctuated when they connect two words or phrases?

When a conjunction connects only two words or phrases, no comma is used. For example, in the sentence 'I love both apples and oranges,' there is no comma before 'and' because it connects two words.

What is the punctuation rule for conjunctions used with lists of three or more items?

In lists of three or more items, a comma is used to separate each item except the last one. The last comma comes before the conjunction. For example, 'I bought milk, cheese, and eggs' has commas separating the items and one before 'and'.

When connecting two independent clauses with a conjunction, where should the comma be placed?

When connecting two independent clauses with a conjunction, a comma should be placed after the first clause before the conjunction. For example, 'I finished my homework, and then I went to the party' has a comma after 'homework'.

How does the punctuation differ when using conjunctive adverbs?

With conjunctive adverbs, a semicolon or a period is used before the adverb, and a comma is used after it. Alternatively, a period can be used before starting a new sentence with the conjunctive adverb.

What is the role of subordinating conjunctions in a sentence?

Subordinating conjunctions create dependent or subordinate clauses within a sentence. They connect these clauses to independent clauses, but the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Why is a comma used after a dependent clause when it comes first in a sentence?

A comma is used after a dependent clause when it comes first to signal the transition to the independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Can you give an example of a sentence with a correlative conjunction and explain its function?

An example of a sentence with a correlative conjunction is 'Either you go to the store, or I will.' Here, 'either...or' is a pair of correlative conjunctions that present two alternatives.

How can you avoid common mistakes when punctuating conjunctions in writing?

To avoid common mistakes, remember to use commas with lists of three or more items, place a comma after the first independent clause when connected by a conjunction, and use semicolons or periods with conjunctive adverbs as described in the script.

What is the significance of the comma before the conjunction in a list of items?

The comma before the conjunction in a list of items, often referred to as the 'Oxford comma,' helps to clarify the last item in a list, especially when the items themselves are compound or complex.