Conjunctions

What is a conjunction?

• Words that connect other words or groups of words in a sentence are called conjunctions.

• Conjunctions can connect two subjects, two predicates, or two sentences.– Gulls and puffins are sea birds.– They swim and dive well.– Gulls soar, and puffins swim gracefully.

Conjunctions continued

• Conjunctions can also connect other words in a sentence.– Sam walked quickly but quietly.– He looked on the cliff and near the shore.– He did not see any puffins or gulls.

Coordinating Conjunctions• You can remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. in order to

identify the conjunctions in a sentence.– F = For– A = And– N = Nor– B = But– O = Or– Y = Yet– S = So

• Be careful not to mistake a preposition for a conjunction!

Coordinating Conjunctions (Hints)• You can remember F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. in order to

identify the conjunctions in a sentence.– F = For (formal speaking and can be substituted with because)

– A = And– N = Nor– B = But– O = Or– Y = Yet (formal speaking and can be substituted with but)

– S = So• Be careful not to mistake a preposition for a conjunction!

Common Conjunctions

Conjunction Use Example

And Joins togetherAn addition

Swans and penguins swim.

But Shows contrast Swans live on ponds, but penguins do not.

Or Shows positive choice

Penguins slide or waddle

Common ConjunctionsConjunction Use Example

For To show reason I wore my blue dress for everyone was dressing up

Nor Shows negative choice

Neither penguins nor ostriches can fly.

Yet Shows contrast Brian hurried, yet time was running out.

So Shows results I wanted to stay home, so I told my mom I was sick.

Identify the conjunction in each of these sentences.

1. Parrots live in wild places or in zoos.2. Their beaks and feet are good for

climbing.3. Tame parrots are friendly and loyal to

their owners.4. Most parrots live in jungles, but some

live in grasslands.5. They eat seeds and drink at water holes.