1. Conjunctions and Interjections
Grammar Unit #4
Conjunctions
and
Interjections

2. Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word or small group of words that joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions are the connectors in our language.

3. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join two words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical value.
Common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
Melody invited Jim and Shaniqua to her birthday party. - connecting two words
Leslie looked in the closet and under the bed for the lost gift. - connecting two prepositional phrases
William returned to the party, and Monica went home without him. - connecting two independent clauses

4. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions also join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical value; a correlative conjunction is made up of two or more words that are used together.
Common correlative conjunctions are both-and, not only-but also, either-or, neither-nor.
Both Alexis and her sister play volleyball.
The team not only played well but also won the title.

5. Subordinating Conjunctions
Unlike coordinating and correlative conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions join unequal grammatical constructions. They join an independent (main) clause to a dependent (subordinate) clause.
The class was in the library because they were working on the computers.

6. Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after before unless although if until as in order that when as if since whenever as long as so that where as soon as than wherever because though while

7. Identifying Conjunctions
In the sentences below, circle conjunctions and identify them as coordinating, correlative, or subordinating.
Mrs. Frank not only works for the local newspaper but also teaches journalism.
Although our French teacher is strict, he is fair.
We will leave as soon as everyone checks in with the sponsor.
We had plans to go to the park, but the rain forced us to go to a movie instead.

8. Interjections
An interjection is an exclamatory expression that shows emotion. It has no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence. Ugh! This milk tastes sour Wow! That was a really thoughtful answer.

9. Punctuating Interjections
Strong interjections are usually followed by exclamation points.
Ouch! That fall really hurt.
Mild interjections are simply set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
Ah, that makes it feel better.

10. Using Interjections
Interjections are used mainly in speaking and in writing dialogue. Avoid using them in formal types of writing.
Interjections in
Formal Writing

11. Parts of Speech Review
In the sentences below, identify each word as its part of speech.
Who plans the college day for seniors?
The counselors have created a special opportunity for everyone on campus.
When the sophomores and juniors take the PLAN and the PSAT, seniors will be involved in exploration of multiple higher education avenues.
Fortunately, everyone will not be doing the same activity at the same time.
Wow! This sounds like an extremely special day.