Conjunctions

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What are conjunctions?
1.      Conjunctions are used to join words or groups of words together. The most common ones are "and", "or" and "but".  (There are others - see "Glossary of Terms".) Often, a conjunction sits before the last item in a list.

Examples:
Jamie, Adam and Lee arranged to meet by The Bull at 7 o'clock.
       (conjunction "and" groups "Jamie", "Adam" + "Lee") 
It is a small but practical kitchen.
       (conjunction "but" groups "small" + "practical")
The manager or his secretary will notify you when the report is ready.
       (conjunction "or" groups "manager" + "secretary")

2.    Conjunctions do not normally cause serious errors, but writers are sometimes confused about when to place a comma before a conjunction.  Unfortunately, there is no simple rule, such as: Never put a comma before "and".  (The guidelines are explained below and in Sections 2 and 3.)

3.    As a rule, do not place a comma before a conjunction when it sits before the last item in a simple list.

Examples:
She went to the shop for eggs, milk and butter.
       (no need for a comma before "and")
It is a large but friendly dog.
      (This is a list of adjectives about the dog.  There is no need for a
       comma before "but".)
Jamie, Adam and Lee arranged to meet at The Bull.
       (list of people; no need for a comma before "and")
Carl, David, and Sarah were all witnesses.
       (list of people; no need for a comma before "and")

4.    However, on occasion, it may be appropriate to use a comma with the conjunction in a simple list.  This could be for the sake of tidiness or to eliminate ambiguity.  (This topic is also covered in the lesson "Commas".) 

Examples:
The news will be shown after Dangermouse, and Rug Rats.
       (People could think that "Dangermouse and Rug Rats" is one programme.)
The train will stop at Watford, Harrow, Pinner, Watford, and Bushey.
       ("Watford and Bushey" could be one place, like "Bath and Wells".)
The emblem is an amalgamation of the British and Irish flags, the Stars and
       Stripes, and the Hammer and Sickle.
       (The word "and" appears lots of times in this example.  The comma before
        the "and" makes it easier for the reader.)
 

 STARTING A SENTENCE WITH A CONJUNCTION 

In the past, schools were rigid in their ruling that sentences could not start with conjunctions, such as "And" or "But".  However, nowadays, this practice is considered acceptable.
 I was certain he did it for the money. But, having read his diary, I
       have a new theory.
 
The two most common conjunctions used in this way are "And" (meaning "In addition") and "But" (meaning "However").  It is usual to follow each with a comma.

Whilst it is acceptable to use "And" or "But" to start a sentence, this practice should be limited and only used for effect and impact.  If you find yourself using them too often, you should consider changing the style of your writing.

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When is a comma placed before a conjunction?

1.    When two simples sentences are joined together using a conjunction, it should be preceded by a comma.  (This is also covered in the lesson "Commas".)

Examples:
Our team was given 2 minutes' notice, but theirs had been training for weeks.
       ("Our team was given 2 minutes' notice." +  "Theirs had been training for weeks".
        These two sentences are merged into one using the conjunction "but".
        In this role, "but" should be preceded by a comma.)
I have spoken to Sarah, and she has confirmed the delivery date.
      ("I have spoken to Sarah." +  "She has confirmed the delivery date".
      The conjunction "and" should be preceded by a comma.)
I have spoken to Sarah, and confirmed the delivery date.
      ("I have spoken to Sarah." +  "confirmed the delivery date". The conjunction
      "and" should not be preceded by a comma in this example, because 
      "confirmed the delivery date" is not a sentence.  This is a list comprising two
      actions: "spoken to Sarah" and "confirmed the delivery date".)

  COMPOUND SENTENCE? 

 A sentence made up of two simple sentences is called a "compound sentence".  The conjunction that joins the two halves of a compound sentence should be preceded by a comma.
I love milk.   (< normal sentence)
I cannot drink it when it is warm.(< normal sentence)
I love milk, but I cannot drink it when it is warm. (< compound)

Note the comma before "but".

  We eventually found the cave, but Jack was not there.  Is this example right or wrong?  (Mini Test)
  We built the hut in an hour and then painted it.  Is this example right or wrong?  (Mini Test)

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When to use a semicolon before a conjunction

1.    As covered in Section 2 above, when a conjunction merges two simple sentences into one, it should be preceded by a comma.  However, if one (or both) of the sentences already contains a comma (or commas), then a semicolon can be used instead. 

Examples:
In the '60s, there were dozens of buzzards along the 7-mile trek; but, due to
       the decline in vermin, only 2 adults live in the area at present.
       ("In the '60s, there were dozens of buzzards along the 7-mile trek." +  "Due to
       the decline in vermin, only 2 adults live in the area at present."  These two
       sentences both contain commas and are merged into one sentence 
       using the conjunction "but".  In this role, "but" can be preceded by a semicolon.)
       (A comma can also be used and is more common.)
Mark, Dawn and Sally adore boiled spare ribs; but Julia, a staunch vegetarian,
       leaves the room when they are on the menu. Is this example right or wrong?  (Mini Test)    

 2.    A comma can still be used, and it is quite rare to use a semicolon.  (This is covered in more detail in the lesson "Semicolons".)

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