Author: Drama Queen

English 9
Parts of Speech
What Are Conjunctions?
Name ______________________________________
Period _________
Score _________
A conjunction is a word that connects words or groups of words.
Coordinating conjunctions join only words or groups of words that are of equal importance. Coordinating conjunctions are and, but, and or. Most words or groups of words joined by and, but and or are called compound constructions.
Ken read and reviewed the chapter.
(And connects read and reviewed, forming a compound verb.)
Her letter was short but interesting.
(But connects short and interesting, compound predicate adjectives.) Your books are on the counter or the table.
(Or connects counter with table, compound objects of the preposition on.)
A few conjunctions are used in pairs. They are called correlative conjunctions.
both...and neither...nor whether...or
either...or not only...but (also)
Posters cover both walls and the ceiling.
Either Stacy or her brother plays bass guitar.
Use compound constructions. Circle the conjunction. Underline the words that are joined by the conjunction.
Example: Two eager students and their teacher planned the fair.
My pen and pencil are missing.
John hopped and skipped in the relay race.
The fish flipped and flopped in the net.
You may choose either the pears or the plums.
Lewis and Clark explored the West.
The doctor quickly but carefully took charge.
I have never seen Aunt Matilda or Uncle Harold.
Joe both watched and waited for the bus.
They can speak neither French nor Russian.
Proof was needed and was found.
Our cheerleaders’ sweaters have blue and gray stripes.
The beat of the music is strong and rhythmic.
Richard called but left no message.
We will probably find Carlos either at the store or in the backyard.
The team captain thanked both the coach and her teammates.

English 9
Parts of Speech
Fanboy and W.N. Ben
Name ______________________________________
Period _________
Score _________
These combinations of letters in the activity’s title function as a mnemonic, a way to remember conjunctions. They are the first letters of eleven conjunctions. For, And, Nor, But, Or, and Yet are conjunctions. The team conjunctions are Whether...or, Neither...nor, Both...and, Either...or, and Not only...but also. Conjunctions, as you know, join words or groups of words.
Circle the conjunctions in these sentences and be ready to explain what the conjunctions join.
Would you please buy me a poster and the group’s new CD?
Either the team members or the manager will sign autographs for the fans.
Mr. Parker would usually be there, but he has to attend a wedding this weekend.
We can see the movie in Pottsfield or New Lake.
Birds migrate south for they seek a warmer climate in the winter.
He not only wrote the book, but he also published it himself.
We enjoyed both the novel and the movie version of The Outsiders.
Neither the First Amendment question nor the Fifth Amendment question was an easy one.
Monica wanted to go to Florida during the winter recess, but her parents were against the plan.
The podiatrist asked whether I preferred swimming or biking.
I don’t want to watch the television show, nor do I want you to tell me what it was about.