Conjunctions and Linking Words

 

 

Coordinators

Coordinators connect elements of equal importance.

S + V , but S + V

(and, but, so, or, nor, for*, yet)

S + V and V

S and S + V

N and N

Adj. and Adj.

Phrase and Phrase

Can be used in a series: A, B, C, or D

 

Subordinators

Subordinators connect elements of unequal importance. One clause is not as strong as the other.

S + V although S + V	(although, even though, because, since*, when, while, before*, after*, whenever, wherever*, if, unless, whether…[or not] as, as [adjective] as, so that, whereas anywhere*, anytime*)
Although S + V , S + V

Sentence Connectors

Sentence Connectors connect paragraphs or show relationship between very different ideas.

S + V . However, S + V	(however, therefore, thus, moreover, nevertheless, first*, then*, next*, still* besides, consequently, furthermore)
S + V ; however, S + V

Prepositions

Prepositions show relationship among elements of a sentence.
They are followed by noun phrases only and cannot take on a S + V.

S + V (prep. phrase)	(during, after*, before*, in, on, at
	despite, in spite of, for*, since*, by
(Prep. phrase), S + V	like, except, but*, about, to*, from
	between [A and B], among, with
(Prep. phrase) V + S (unusual)	within, without, beside, near, next to)

* These words have more than one function.