Conjunctions and Connectives

Conjunctionsand

Connectives

and but

becausewhen

which

withif

Words that link parts of text

therefore

howeverfurthermore

additionally

later

earlieruntil

Susie saw a dog.

The dog only had three legs.

Conjunctions are used to join sentences or clauses together.

Susie saw a dog.



Susie saw a dog,


only had three legs.Conjunction

Susie saw a dog, only had three legs.whichbutbecausewhenwithwhich


Susie saw a dog.



Susie saw a dog, which only had three legs.

Sarah ran away from the dog.

The dog barked at Sarah.








Sarah ran away,

the dog barked.


Conjunction

Sarah ran away, the dog barked.when

because

with

but


Sarah ran away from the dog.The dog barked at Sarah.

Sarah ran away because the dog barked.

Sarah ran away when the dog barked.


Sarah ran away until the dog barked.

and: in addition She tried and succeeded.but: however They tried but did not succeed.or: alternatively Did you go out or stay at home?nor: and neither I did not see it, nor did they.yet: however The sun is warm, yet the air is cool.

Coordinate Conjunctions

both ... and He is both intelligent and good-natured.

either ... or I will either go for a walk or read a book.

neither ... nor He is neither rich nor famous.

hardly ... when He had hardly begun to work, when he was interrupted.

if ... then If that is true, then what happened is not surprising.

no sooner ... than No sooner had I reached the corner, than the bus came.

not only ... but also She is not only clever, but also hard-working.

rather ... than I would rather go swimming than go to the library.

scarcely ... when Scarcely had we left home, when it started to rain.

what with ... and What with all her aunts, uncles and cousins, she has many relatives.

whether ... or Have you decided whether you will come or not?

Correlative Conjunctions

3. Subordinate conjunctions

Subordinate clauses may begin with relative pronouns such as that, what, whatever, which, who, whom, how, when, where, wherever and why. In the following examples, the subordinate clauses are underlined.

e.g. The house, which stood on a hill, could be seen for miles. I wonder how he did that.

In addition, subordinate clauses may also begin with words which are commonly referred to as subordinate conjunctions. In the following examples, the subordinate conjunctions are printed in bold type.

e.g. Because it was cold, I wore my winter coat. Let us wait until the rain stops.

As 1. because: As he is my friend, I will help him.

2. when: We watched as the plane took off.

After 1. later in time: After the train left, we went home.

Although or though 1. in spite of the fact that: Although it was after midnight, we did not feel tired.

Before 1. earlier than: I arrived before the stores were open.

Because 1. for the reason that: We had to wait, because we arrived early.

For 1. for, because: He is happy, for he enjoys his work.

If 1. on condition that: If she is here, we will see her.

Since 1. from a past time: I have been here since the sun rose.

2. as, because: Since you are here, you can help me.So or so that

1. consequently: It was raining, so we did not go out. 2. in order that: I am saving money so I can buy a bicycle.

Note: When used with the meaning in order that, so is usually followed by that in formal English.e.g. I am saving money so that I can buy a bicycle.

Than 1. used in comparisons: He is taller than you are.

Subordinate Conjunctions

Unless 1. except when, if not: Unless he helps us, we cannot succeed.

Until or till 1. up to the time when: I will wait until I hear from you.

Whereas 1. because: Whereas this is a public building, it is open to everyone.

2. on the other hand: He is short, whereas you are tall.

Whether 1. if: I do not know whether she was invited.

While 1. at the time when: While it was snowing, we played cards.

2. on the other hand: He is rich, while his friend is poor. 3. although: While I am not an expert, I will do my best.

In addition, the following phrases are often used at the beginning of subordinate clauses.

As if 1. in a similar way: She talks as if she knows everything.

As long as 1. if: As long as we cooperate, we can finish the work easily.

2. while: He has lived there as long as I have known him.

As soon as 1. immediately when: Write to me as soon as you can

Subordinate Conjunctions As though

1. in a similar way: It looks as though there will be a storm.

Even if 1. in spite of a possibility: I am going out even if it rains.

In case 1. because of a possibility: Take a sweater in case it gets cold.

Or else 1. otherwise: Please be careful, or else you may have an accident.

So as to 1. in order to: I hurried so as to be on time.

Certain words, such as after, before, since and until may function either as prepositions or subordinate conjunctions. However it should be noted that in some cases different words must be used as prepositions and subordinate conjunctions , in order to express similar meanings. This is illustrated in the table below.

Meaning Preposition Conjunction for this reason because of because in spite of this despite although at the time when during while in a similar way like as if

Differing Prepositions and Conjunctions

In the following examples, the objects of the prepositions, and the verbs of the subordinate clauses are underlined.

Preposition: They were upset because of the delay. Conjunction: They were upset because they were delayed.

Preposition: Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves. Conjunction: Although it rained, we enjoyed ourselves.

Preposition: We stayed indoors during the storm. Conjunction: We stayed indoors while the storm raged.

Preposition: It looks like rain. Conjunction: It looks as if it will rain.

In the above examples, it can be seen that the prepositions because of, despite, during and like have the noun objects delay, rain and storm; whereas the subordinate conjunctions because, although, while and as if introduce subordinate clauses containing the verbs were delayed,

rained, raged and will rain.

Fill in the blank with either the conjunction or the preposition given in brackets. For example:

_______ my warning, they went ahead with their plan. (Although, Despite) Despite my warning, they went ahead with their plan.

The price of oranges is high, __________ frost damage. (because, because of) The price of oranges is high, because of frost damage. (because, because of)

I went to see the play, _______ it had good reviews. (because, because of) I went to see the play, because it had good reviews. (because, because of)

1. We stayed up late, ____________ we were tired. (although, despite)2. They went swimming, ____________ the coldness of the water. (although, despite)

3. I enjoy the course, ____________ the professor is a good teacher. (because, because of)4. She looks ___________ your sister. (as if, like)

5. Please wait ___________ I make a phone call. (during, while)6. Did you hear any noises ____________ the night? (during, while)

7. It looked ____________ we would not be able to leave until the next day. (as if, like)8. We all felt tired ____________ the hot weather. (because, because of)

9. I read a book ___________ I was waiting. (during, while)10. Her eyes shone _____________ stars. (as if, like)

11. They managed to work together, ___________ their differences of opinion. (although, despite)12. I left home early, ____________ I had to do several errands. (because, because of)

13. He speaks about the subject ____________ he were an expert. (as if, like)14. We rested ____________ the hottest part of the day. (during, while)

15. ____________ she lost her way twice, she arrived safely. (Although, Despite)16. ____________ their interest in comets, they decided to study astronomy. (Because, Because of)

1. although 2. despite 3. because 4. like 5. while 6. during 7. as if 8. because of 9. while 10. like 11. despite 12. because 13. as if 14. during 15. Although 16. Because of

Fill in the blanks with the correct coordinate conjunctions chosen from the pairs given in brackets. For example:

I would like to come, ___ I do not have time. (but, nor) I would like to come, but I do not have time.

1. I opened the door _________ looked out. (and, yet)2. She was not in the back yard, _________ was she upstairs. (or, nor)

3. The sun had set, _________ it was still light outside. (or, yet)4. Do you know his address _________ telephone number? (but, or)

5. He has not arrived yet, _________ have they. (and, nor)6. I read the book, _________ did not understand it. (but, or)7. We searched diligently, ________ found nothing. (or, yet)

8. I invited him _________ his friends. (and, but)

Paying attention to the expressions used in the following sentences, fill in the blanks with the words and, but also, nor, or, than, then and when, as appropriate. For example:

We should either walk quickly __ take the bus. We should either walk quickly or take the bus.

I had scarcely sat down ____ the telephone rang. I had scarcely sat down when the telephone rang.

1. I have both respect _________ admiration for them.2. Hardly had I finished reading over the problem, _________ the answer leapt to my mind.

3. It will rain either today _________ tomorrow.4. He could not decide whether to tell the truth _________ keep silent.5. It was not only a beautiful day, ___________ the first day of Spring.

6. If you follow the instructions, __________ you should have no difficulty.7. He is neither proud _________ condescending.

8. What with one thing _________ another, it was very late by the time we left the house.9. No sooner had I opened my eyes, _________ I remembered where I was.

10. Scarcely had I heard the news, _________ my friend arrived.11. I do not know whether he has seen the movie before ________ not.

12. I would rather wait here _________ risk missing the bus.13. She could find the book neither at the Library, _________ at the bookstore.

14. No sooner had I opened the window, _________ a butterfly flew into the room.15. The crowd was both large _________ enthusiastic.

Example: Do you know _______ the stores are open today? (as if, whether) Do you know whether the stores are open today?

1. We recognized her at once, ____________ we had not seen her for years. (although, in case)2. He kept reading ___________ he fell asleep. (for, until)

3. The moon will rise ____________ the sun sets. (as soon as, than)4. It looks ____________ the train will be late. (while, as though)

5. ____________ she got her degree, she became a teacher. (After, Than)6. We will not go skiing ____________ the weather is good. (as if, unless)

7. ____________ he left, he made sure he had his keys with him. (Before, For)8. ____________ I told the truth, you would not believe me. (Even if, So that)

9. They have known her ___________ she was a child. (until, since)10. I must leave now, ____________ I have a great deal of work to do. (as, than)

11. What shall we do ____________ it rains? (or else, supposing)12. ____________ you read this book, you would be sure to enjoy it. (If, Until)13. The door was open, ____________ we could hear everything. (in case, so)

14. I studied more ____________ he did. (than, whereas)15. I will join you, ____________ the weather is fine. (providing, than)

16. ____________ he is very busy, he is seldom at home. (Or else, Because)

Fill in the blank with either the conjunction or the preposition given in brackets. For example:

_______ my warning, they went ahead with their plan. (Although, Despite) Despite my warning, they went ahead with their plan.

The price of oranges is high, __________ frost damage. (because, because of) The price of oranges is high, because of frost damage. (because, because of)

I went to see the play, _______ it had good reviews. (because, because of) I went to see the play, because it had good reviews. (because, because of)

1. We stayed up late, ____________ we were tired. (although, despite)2. They went swimming, ____________ the coldness of the water. (although, despite)

3. I enjoy the course, ____________ the professor is a good teacher. (because, because of)4. She looks ___________ your sister. (as if, like)

5. Please wait ___________ I make a phone call. (during, while)6. Did you hear any noises ____________ the night? (during, while)

7. It looked ____________ we would not be able to leave until the next day. (as if, like)8. We all felt tired ____________ the hot weather. (because, because of)

9. I read a book ___________ I was waiting. (during, while)10. Her eyes shone _____________ stars. (as if, like)

11. They managed to work together, ___________ their differences of opinion. (although, despite)12. I left home early, ____________ I had to do several errands. (because, because of)

13. He speaks about the subject ____________ he were an expert. (as if, like)14. We rested ____________ the hottest part of the day. (during, while)

15. ____________ she lost her way twice, she arrived safely. (Although, Despite)16. ____________ their interest in comets, they decided to study astronomy. (Because, Because of)

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Conjunctions and Connectives