Like prepositions, conjunctions do not change their form, but they are sometimes used incorrectly. They are either coordinate or subordinate.

100. Coordinate Conjunctions

Coordinate conjunctions connect parts of a sentence that have the same "order," or rank. They take the same construction after them as before them. The simple coordinate conjunctions are and, but, and or.

1. He is bright, and he knows it.

2. This is the man who came yesterday and who says he knows you. (Here and connects dependent clauses).

3. He read some rules concerning pronouns and which were to be looked over carefully for the next lesson. (An incorrect sentence; an attempt to make and connect a phrase with a dependent clause).

Certain coordinate conjunctions, called correlatives, go in pairs: not only - but also (but); not merely - but; both - and; as well - as; either - or; neither - nor.

Their position should show at once what words they compare or contrast.

1. Not only is he trying, but he is succeeding.

2. I am eager to own not only " The Pathfinder" and "The Spy" but also "Rob Roy" and "Quentin Durward."

3. I am eager not only to own those books but also to read them.

4. They recognize neither the horse nor the carriage.

Exercises

289. Write sentences in which you use these coordinate conjunctions: and, but, either, or, neither, nor, also, further, yet, how-ever, moreover, still, therefore, nevertheless.

290. Find or write sentences in which four pairs of coordinate conjunctions are used.

101. Subordinate Conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses; as:

We knew that he was a sailor. If you prefer, I will remain.

Like must not be used as an equivalent for the subordinate conjunction as.

He walks as Fred does. (Correct.) He walks like Fred does. (Incorrect )

When the verb is not expressed, as in "He walks like Fred," like is correct; in this case it has the force of a preposition.

Nor should like be used for as if in such a sentence as:

He looked as if he were angry.

Subordinate conjunctions may he correlative (see sect. 100); as, whether - or.

Exercise

291. Write sentences in which you use these subordinate conjunctions : although, though, as, because, if, lest, since, that, unless, whether, while, for.