The Function of Conjunctions

Some people believe that there are only three conjunctions: and, but, or. These are called coordinating conjunctions; however, there are other coordinating conjunctions: for, nor, so, yet. Coordinating conjunctions are the small words that bring attention to two or more grammatically equal words, phrases, or clauses. They also let us vary the length of sentences.

Equal words: Today I will run, bike, or hike.

Equal phrases: The company policy effectively 1) states its purpose, 2) provides guidance for employees, and 3) establishes penalties for violations.

Equal clauses: The people of Colorado voted to legalize marijuana, but the federal government still considers marijuana to be an illegal drug.

Adding variety original paragraph: Thunder rattled the windows. Lightning flashed across the black sky. There was no power. The wind found its way through the drafty house. The candle’s flame threatened to go out. It didn’t. Her shadow danced on the wall. It was eerie. She wasn’t scared.

Adding variety with conjunctions: Thunder rattled the windows and lightning flashed across the black sky. There was no power. Even though the wind found its way through the drafty house causing the candle’s flame to flicker, it didn’t go out. Her shadow eerily danced on the wall, but she wasn’t scared.

There are also correlative and subordinating conjunctions. A correlative conjunction has the same function as a coordinating conjunction, but the difference is that they pair up: either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or, both/and. Just be sure you don’t try to match a phrase with a clause.

              Incorrect: He was not only a bachelor, but also he had a lot of money.

              Correct: He was not only a bachelor, but also a rich bachelor.

Incorrect: She couldn’t decide whether to wear a mini skirt, or if wearing a pair of pants was more appropriate.

            Correct: She couldn’t decide whether it was more appropriate to wear a mini skirt or pants.

A subordinating conjunction is used when the words you are joining together aren’t equal. In other words, you are using a subordinate clause to explain the main clause. The most common subordinating conjunctions are: after, as, as if, as long as, because, before, even though, if, in order that, now that, rather than, since, so that, than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, whether, while. Subordinating conjunctions help the writer emphasize an idea:

             She can go to the concert as long as she’s home by midnight.

Even though there was overwhelming evidence that he committed the murder, he maintained in his innocence until the day he was executed.

Conjunctions are an important part of sentence construction. They provide clarity and flow to your writing when you join words, phrases, and clauses together. Try different combinations, but leave some short sentences in as well to keep your writing interesting.