grammar- conjuction - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Conjunctions are vital parts of speech that help in linking words, phrases, and clauses, making sentences more complex and meaningful. By understanding their types, features, positions, and functions, students can enhance their writing and comprehension skills.

Conjunctions: Features, Position, and Functions

 key points about conjunctions:

1. Definition of Conjunctions:

• Definition of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, or clauses together. They are essential in connecting ideas and ensuring that sentences flow smoothly. Conjunctions help in constructing complex sentences that convey more detailed and nuanced meanings.

Conjunctions are connectors that join words, phrases, or clauses in sentences.

They play a crucial role in making sentences flow smoothly and showing how ideas relate to each other.

Types of Conjunctions:

Coordinating Conjunctions: These link equal parts of a sentence. Common examples include “and,” “but,” and “or.”

These conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance.

Common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

An easy way to remember them is with the acronym FANBOYS.

Examples: She likes apples and oranges.

He wanted to go to the park, but It was raining.

 

Correlative Conjunctions: These consist of two or more words and also connect equal elements. Examples include “neither…nor,” “either…or,” and “as…as.”

These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join words or phrases of equal importance.

Common pairs include: both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also.

Examples:

  - Both the teacher and the students were excited.

  - Either you can come with us or stay here.

 

Subordinating Conjunctions: These introduce subordinate clauses. They connect main clauses to dependent clauses. Examples include “because,” “while,” “if,” and “since.”  

These conjunctions join an independent clause with a dependent clause.They often indicate a relationship of time, cause, condition, or concession between the clauses.

Common subordinating conjunctions include: **because, although, since, if, when, after, while, before, as**.

Examples: Although it was late, they continued working.

She went home because she was tired.                                                                                                                    

Features, Positions, and Functions:

Equal Importance: Coordinating conjunctions connect expressions of equal importance. They can link single words (e.g., “Kate and Marie”) or phrases (e.g., “a green apple or a fresh orange”).

Whole Sentences: Conjunctions also combine whole sentences (main clauses or subordinate clauses). For example:

• • • “This was a lot of fun, and tomorrow we’re doing it again!”

“Gwen was in a hurry, so she left early.”

“Please call me as soon as you have arrived.” (Multi-part conjunction: “as soon as”)

Features of Conjunctions:

- They are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.

- They provide coherence in writing by linking sentences and ideas.

- They can show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, time, and condition.

 

Positions of Conjunctions:

Coordinating Conjunctions: Typically appears in the middle of a sentence.

Example: She likes tea and coffee.

Subordinating Conjunctions: Usually appear at the beginning of the dependent clause, which can be at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

  - Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

  - Example: We stayed inside because It was raining.

Correlative Conjunctions: Positioned around the words or phrases they connect.

  - Example: Not only is she smart, but also very kind.

Functions of Conjunctions:

1. Connecting Words:

   - Example: He bought apples and oranges.

2. Connecting Phrases:

   - Example: They were laughing and playing.

3. Connecting Clauses:

   Example: She was late because The bus broke down.