noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.

Let's start with a basic definition:

     Conjunctions are words that join words or groups of words. 
 

There are two main types of conjunctions. They are coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions include: and, or, but, for, & nor. These conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal value. Clauses of equal value are called independent clauses and can stand on their own as separate sentences. Example: John is running in this race and I am carrying his water bottle. (Each clause can stand alone: John is running in this race. I am carrying his water bottle.) 

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a single sentence. In fact, the clause is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. Example: Since I will not be home, Tina will answer the phone. ("Since I will not be home" doesn't make sense by itself. It is dependent on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.)

Most commonly used subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, as, while, until, whether, since, after, so that, when, before, if. 

Find the conjunctions in the following sentences. Label them coordinating or subordinating.

1. He listened to the man's story and reported it to the policeman on duty. 
                        __________________ 

2. I haven't seen my brother since he left for college. 

                        __________________ 

3. Your aunt or your uncle will pick you up from school today.

                        __________________

4. Tom, Jane, Sue, and Tim will be going on the trip.

                        __________________

5. I remember the old school book, for it was once mine.

                        __________________

6. Sarah did not feel well, but she went to class anyway.

                        __________________ 

7. Although the old man was hungry, he never said a word to anyone.

                        __________________

8. I think I heard that on the television or radio, although I am not sure.

                        ___________________      ___________________

(CUT HERE)  --------------------------------------------------------

              ANSWER KEY:

                1. and, coordinating 
                2. since, subordinating 
                3. or, coordinating 
                4. and, coordinating 
                5. for, coordinating 
                6. but, coordinating 
                7. although, subordinating 
                8. or, coordinating; although, subordinating 
 
 

Submitted by:  © Elaine Ernst Schneider  is a freelance writer and a teacher. She has been writing since high school and has published articles, songs, and children's work. Presently, Elaine is a curriculum author for Group Publishing and also writes the City Songs column for www.newcolonist.com ezine.