English Coordinating Conjunctions
This unit introduces the coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet. These words can combine equal elements, such as nouns, verbs, phrases, or independent clauses.
A conjunction is a word that connects words or phrases in a sentence that have the grammatical function (noun + noun, verb + verb, adjective + adjective, etc). A conjunction also connects two clauses to make one sentence.
Common conjunctions are: and, but, or, nor.
Examples:
Julia and Sam are going on vacation. (conjunction connecting subject Julia to subject Sam)
I walked and ate at the same time. (conjunction connecting verb “walked” to verb “ate”)
We want to buy a small but cozy house. (conjunction connecting adjective “small” to adjective “cozy”)
They can watch TV or rest in their room. (conjunction connecting infinitive “watch” to “infinitive “rest”).
When using more than two nouns/verbs/adjectives, we typically only use the conjunction once, and separate the other nouns/adjectives/verbs using a comma.
Examples:
Julia, Sam and I are going on vacation. (Not: Julia and Sam and I…)
I walked, ate, and talked on the phone at the same time. (Not: I walked and ate and talked…)
