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*
S + V ; however, S + V		besides, consequently, furthermore)

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.

See also:
Grammar: Coordinators Grammar: Subordinators