Proverbs & Idioms & SayingsConjunctions: Similar to transition words
Not only transition words are frequently employed to connect sentences. A variety of useful Conjunctions exists, which complete this list of the most used Transition words.
Definition
Words that connect or link two parts of a sentence are called conjunctions (see "to conjoin"). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. There are three basic types of conjunctions: 1. coordinating conjunctions used to connect two independent clauses, 2. subordinating conjunctions used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence, and 3. correlative conjunctions, joining various sentence elements which are grammatically equal.
Conjunctions List
Coordinating Conjunctions
A coordinating conjunction usually comes in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.
Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a 'sentence', the purpose of transitional words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.
Examples:
We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it. [Lyndon B. Johnson]
The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a comma. [Larry Wall]
And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.
|
F = for A = and N = nor B = but O = or Y = yet S = so |
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause.
Examples:
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. [Abraham Maslow]
Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-DeWitt]
after
although
as
as if
as long as
because
before
how
(only) if
in case that
in order that
provided that
now that
once
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
till
unless
until
what
when
where
whereas
whether
which
while
who
whom
whose
why
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions always appear in pairs - and are used to link equivalent (similar) sentence elements. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural.
as . . . as
just as . . . so
both . . . and
either . . . or
neither . . . nor
not only . . . but also
not . . . but
whether . . . or
A list of references to further useful english resources
It is extremely difficult to find some language related web sites on the internet, which are not plastered with annoying ads. The sites listed below are not 100% advertisement free, but they use it (if at all) very discreetly - so far (March 2009).
HyperGrammar » a body of rules specifying how phrases and sentences are constructed
An online grammar course at the University of Ottawa's Writing Centre. Covers the basic principles of english grammar: Parts of Speech, Punctuation, Spelling, etc.
Guide to Grammar and Writing » Capital Community College - Connecticut
An online grammar course which covers all sorts of language and grammar topics.
World Wide Words » Infromation about international English from a British perspective
A large list of articles, book reviews, topical words, explanation of words that are relatively new and which often have not yet reached the dictionaries, a well organized list of links to other word sites, etc.
Wordsmith » A.Word.A.Day (AWAD)
A mailing list: a new word send out via email every weekday, containing some "sponsors' messages" in the non-premium version.
GovSpeak » A Guide to Government Acronyms & Abbreviations
This list was created in April 2000 for the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Library. The author is no longer affiliated with that institution, but has received authorization to re-create and provide continued maintenance for this web page.
American Slang » from the past (the just elapsed century)
In the early 60's, as today, young people had a different vocabulary and it, as today, drove their parents nuts. A collection / list of slang words that were used in the sixties and earlier eras.
United Kingdom English
» for the American Novice
Sixth Edition, July 1983 "English" to "American" Dictionary. The items in this list were collected while the author lived in the United Kingdom from 1981 to 1983.
British Slang » The English-to-American Dictionary
Based on the book (and by the same author): "The Septic's Companion: A Mercifully Brief Guide to British Culture and Slang".
Writing Links & Links for Writers » Dictionary, Grammar, Etymology, Usage, ...
Babelfish Altavista » Online Translation
Microsoft » Online Translation
Please feel free to download the corresponding and comprehensive 2 page cheat sheet » Conjunctions (and "Transition Words") as a PDF (approx. 30 KB). It contains all the conjunctions listed on this site.