Writing with Connection: Using Conjunctions

1. Writing with Connection: Using Conjunctions Using conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions Review A Review B

2. Using conjunctions Writers join clauses to show how ideas connect. They can connect clauses in different ways. Think of each of these ways of connecting ideas as a tool in a writer’s toolbox.

3. Coordinating conjunctions An independent clause (or simple sentence) can stand by itself as a sentence. An independent clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Verb Subject Our computer broke. Our computer broke. Our computer broke. Verb Subject These streets were paved almost three centuries ago. These streets were paved almost three centuries ago. These streets were paved almost three centuries ago.

4. Coordinating conjunctions A writer can join two independent clauses into a single sentence if the ideas are • related to each other in some way • equally important I forgot my sweater, but my mom brought it to me. My mom brought it to me. I forgot my sweater. She missed the bus, so she walked to school. She walked to school. She missed the bus. This kind of sentence is called a compound sentence.

5. Coordinating conjunctions Coordinating conjunctions are one tool that writers use to join independent clauses. You can use the word FANBOYS to remember all seven coordinating conjunctions. For And Nor But Or Yet So

6. Coordinating conjunctions Which coordinating conjunction should a writer choose? That depends on how the ideas in the independent clauses relate to each other. If the two independent clauses show parallel ideas, the writer may use and. After hours in the water, the castaway struggled through the surf, and he clawed his way onto the beach, collapsing at the water’s edge.

7. Coordinating conjunctions If the two independent clauses show a contrast, the writer may use but or yet to join them. Everyone was clearly uncomfortable, yet no one said a word. At first we planned to brave the crowds, but we decided to stay home instead.

8. Coordinating conjunctions If the two independent clauses show cause and effect, the writer may use so or for to join them. cause effect The parking lot does not have drains, so it flooded during the storm. The parking lot does not have drains, so it flooded during the storm. The parking lot does not have drains, soit flooded during the storm. effect cause The lost campers were hungry, for they had not eaten. The lost campers were hungry, forthey had not eaten. The lost campers were hungry, for they had not eaten.

9. Subordinating conjunctions A dependent clause cannot stand by itself as a sentence. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Subject Verb until the sun sets until the sun sets until the sun sets Subject Verb because itspoke to her because it spoke to her because it spoke to her

10. Subordinating conjunctions An independent clause joined with a dependent clause makes a complex sentence. Independent Clause dependent Clause The temperature dropped when the wind blew. Independent Clause dependent Clause while she sang softly. Sara pulled the weeds

11. Subordinating conjunctions Each dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.

12. Subordinating conjunctions Which subordinating conjunction is used depends on how the two clauses relate to each other. Can you find the subordinating conjunctions in these sentences? dependent clause independent clause The band played when the football team scored. The band played when the football team scored. Tells when the band played dependent clause independent clause I have to watch my sister until my mother gets home. I have to watch my sister until my mother gets home. Tells how long I have to watch my sister

13. Subordinating conjunctions Writers place the Dependent clause in different places depending on which idea they want to emphasize. Although she had never been married, Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress. Dependent clause first Miss Havisham wore her wedding dress although she had never been married. Dependent clause last The idea that comes last is the one that readers will focus on.

14. Subordinating conjunctions A dependent clause can also be placed betweenthe subject and the verb. Dependent clause between subject and verb Miss Havisham,although she had never been married, wore her wedding dress. Notice that when the subordinate clause comes in the middle of a sentence, commas are used before and after the clause.

15. Subordinating conjunctions On Your Own • Combine each pair of sentences by using a subordinating conjunction to turn one of the sentences into a dependent clause. • The wildfire started. Someone had left a campfire burning. • This water is not safe for drinking. It can be used to water plants. • I was talking on the phone. My phone battery ran out. • Sofia ate pancakes. Her mother cooked them.

16. Review A Combine each of the following pairs of sentences using the conjunction indicated. 1. The class could raise money for fitness equipment. It could contribute to the new sound system. (or) 2. George left for college. His sister got his bedroom. (when) 3. She answers the phone. Ask her about the homework. (if) 4. Camp activities are limited. Fewer students have enrolled. (because) 5. This band is unknown. Its new song is popular. (yet)

17. Review B • Turn each of the following pairs of sentences into a single compound or complex sentence. Use each strategy at least twice. • 1. Birds perched in the branches. Squirrels ran up the trunk. • 2. I have never played rugby before. It looks fun. • 3. The river flooded. It destroyed homes. • The refugees’ life had been so hard. Their new home seemed like paradise. • The auditorium is complete. We will perform there.

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