Identifying Conjunctions

GOAL:

To recognize and correctly use conjunctions in sentence construction.

Objectives:

The student will be able to:

1. Describe the grammatical function of conjunctions.

2. Identify conjunctions in simple sentences.

3. Distinguish between coordinate, correlative, and subordinate conjunctions.

4. Use conjunctions correctly in the construction of simple sentences.

Energy Objectives:

The student will be able to:

1. Discuss ways that energy can be saved in the workplace.

Lesson Information:

Conjunctions are words that connect different parts of sentences. The three basic types of conjunctions are coordinate, correlative, and subordinate conjunctions.

Coordinate conjunctions connect parts that are equal. The coordinate conjunctions are:

and     but     or     nor     for     so     yet

Coordinate conjunctions can connect two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses, as long as the two items are equal. A phrase is a linkage of several words, such as an adjective and a noun. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a noun and a verb and that can stand alone as a sentence.

EXAMPLE 1:

The sentences below demonstrate the function of coordinate conjunctions. Notice that sometimes conjunction links single words, and sometimes it links phrases or clauses.

a. Energy is a necessity at home and at work.

b. Energy is not as abundant, nor as inexpensive, as it has been in the past.

c. It does not matter if individuals or companies use the energy; a commitment must be made to energy conservation.

d. All energy waste leads to a less stable energy future, but many people forget to conserve energy when they are away from home or at work.

Activity D-1:

Look back at EXAMPLE 1. By each letter below, write the coordinate conjunction used in the sentence and state whether it links words, prepositional phrases, or clauses.

a. __________, ___________________________________

b. __________, ___________________________________

c. __________, ___________________________________

d. __________, ___________________________________

The second category of conjunctions is correlative conjunctions. This type of conjunction always occurs in pairs. As with coordinate conjunctions, the parts of the sentence connected by correlative conjunctions must be equal. The correlative conjunctions are:

either / or

neither / nor

not only / but also

both / and

whether / or

Activity D-2:

In the following sentences:

a) Circle the correlative conjunctions.

b) Underline the sentence parts connected by the conjunction.

c) State whether the conjunction links words, phrases or independent clauses.

1. Both individuals and businesses must become more energy conscious.

2. Turning off unused lights not only saves energy but also reduces electricity bills.

3. Either use lower watt incandescent bulbs or install the more efficient fluorescent bulb.

4. Machinery in the office or workplace not only should be used conservatively, but also should be turned off when not in use.

5. Both heating systems and air conditioning units use the majority of energy in the workplace.

6. Either the thermostat should be set at 78° in the winter and 68° in the summer, or a business can expect to spend a higher percentage of its budget on heating and cooling.

7. Neither an individual nor a business can afford to waste energy.

The third type of conjunction is a subordinate conjunction. Subordinate conjunctions link sentence parts that are not equal. A subordinate conjunction links an independent clause with a subordinate clause, which is a clause that cannot stand alone. See EXAMPLE 2.

EXAMPLE 2:

After action has been taken to change energy behaviors, ALL PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE MUST TRY TO IMPROVE THEIR ATTITUDE REGARDING ENERGY CONSERVATION.

In this example, "after" introduces the subordinate clause in bold print. Notice that this clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. This clause is connected to the capitalized independent clause. Notice that the independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.

The most frequently used subordinate conjunctions are listed below:

after									before									unless
although									if									until
as									since									when
because									than									while

Subordinate conjunctions with their accompanying subordinate clauses may be found as either the first or the second clause in the sentence. See EXAMPLE 3.

EXAMPLE 3:

When you discuss energy conservation with your co-workers, you may want to offer positive suggestions for the future.

An individual who displays posters or slogans regarding energy conservation may have much success when trying to influence co-worker attitudes.

Remember:

The clause that begins with the subordinate conjunctions is always the subordinate clause.

Activity R-1:

Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Use the given subordinate conjunction correctly in your sentence.

1. When you are at work or away from home, do you turn on more lights that you need?

(unless)_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

2. Do you ever leave machinery or entertainment equipment on all day --- even when it is not in use?

(while)________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

3. Do you allow friends or co-workers to waste energy without offering suggestions for conservation?

(because)______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Activity R-2:

Underline all conjunctions in the following paragraph. Identify each as "C" for coordinate, "COR" for correlative, and "S" for subordinate.

Many employees and employers are not very energy conscious in the workplace. They do not focus on energy conservation, yet they want to cut down on energy costs. Either America's workforce must change their energy behaviors and attitudes or America's businesses will have to spend a greater portion of their budget on energy. If workers could learn easy energy saving actions, they could be a great asset to their employers. As the amount of fossil fuels in this country and in the world continues to decrease, it is important to save energy both at home and in the workplace.

RECOMMENDED READING:

How to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Building. Florida Energy Extension Service. Governor's Energy Office, 1983.

Saving Money with Energy Conservation: An Energy Audit Workbook for Office Buildings. U.S. Department of Energy. DOE/CS-0137, 1980.

INFORMATION CHECK

1. What is the function of conjunctions.

2. List and define the three types of conjunctions.

3. Use a coordinate conjunction, a pair of correlative conjunctions, and a subordinate conjunction in ONE sentence. Circle and identify all conjunctions used.

4. Brainstorm at least 10 ways that your school or office could save energy.

TEACHER'S NOTES

Activity D-1:

a. and, phrases (prepositional)

b. nor, phrases (prepositional)

c. or, nouns

d. but, independent clauses

Activity D-2:

1. both individuals and businesses; links nouns

2. not only saves energy but also reduces electricity bills; links phrases (verb + noun-object)

3. either use lower watt incandescent bulbs or install the more efficient fluorescent bulb; links independent clauses

4. not only should be used conservatively but also should be turned off; links phrases (verbs)

5. Both heating systems and air conditioning units; links noun phrases

6. Either the thermostat should be set at 78° in the winter and 68° in the summer, or the business can expect to spend a higher percentage of its budget on heating and cooling; links independent clauses

7. Neither an individual nor a business; links phrases (adjective + noun)

Activity R-1:

Answers will vary. See examples below.

1. I do not turn on lights in my home unless they are absolutely necessary.

2. While I know the importance of energy conservation, I sometimes waste energy by leaving the T.V. on all day.

3. I try to give my co-workers hints regarding saving energy because I want to help reduce the office utility bill.

Activity R-2:

Conjunctions are listed below. The number refers to which sentence the conjunction was found in.

1. and = C

2. but = C

3. either = COR; and = C; or = COR

4. if = S

5. as = S; and = C; both = COR; and = COR

Answers to Information Check:

1. The function of conjunctions is to connect different parts of sentences.

2. Coordinate conjunctions are single words that connect equal parts of sentences; either words, phrases, or clauses.

Correlative conjunctions occur in pairs and also connect equal parts of sentences.

Subordinate conjunctions link two parts of the sentence that are not equal; one clause is an independent clause and one clause is a subordinate clause.

3. Answers will vary; an example follows:

When focusing on saving energy in the workplace, it is not only important to change behaviors but also imperative to examine feelings and attitudes.

4. Answers will vary; a partial list may include:

- Set thermostat higher during the summer.

- Set thermostat lower during the winter.

- Do not use heating or cooling system during mild weather.

- Keep window shades closed to keep out summer sun.

- Use lower wattage bulbs in hallways and non-essential areas.

- Turn off all lights when not in use.

Comments or questions to: TechAsmt@LA.GOV

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