GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Conjunctions

Definition

Conjunctions are words that show the relationship between one idea and another idea. They also connect ideas.

Example

I like apples, but I don't like apple juice.

Explanation

Conjunctions --

• join two sentences into one sentence.
• follow specific punctuation rules. For example:
• Use commas when a conjunction joins two simple sentences in a compound sentence, complex sentences, and time clauses.
• Do not use commas when "because" introduces the second part of a complex sentence. For example: "Because I want to be healthy, I eat vegetables."
  BUT "I eat vegetables because I want to be healthy."
• have a variety of uses. For example, they can:
• show the time order of information
• contrast information
• add information
• show cause and effect
• are used in a sentence to link ideas within the sentence.

There are many conjunctions. The chart on the Examples Page shows some of the most common ones.

Related Sections

Complex Sentences
Compound Sentences
Future Time Expressions
Past Time Expressions
Punctuation
Simple Sentences