Answer:
Words which connect words, phrases, clauses or sentences are called conjunctions (see "to conjoin" = join, unite). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. These words all have different nuances and connotations but they all help to build up meaningful relationships within a sentence.
Explanation:
Definition
coordinating conjunctions
used to connect two independent clauses
subordinating conjunctions
used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence
correlative conjunctions
used to join various sentence elements which are grammatically equal
Coordinating Conjunctions
Comes usually in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses.
Whereas coordinating conjunctions join parts of a sentence, the purpose of transitional words and phrases usually is to join two 'sentences'.
Examples:
We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live in it. [Lyndon B. Johnson]
The purpose of most computer languages is to lengthen your resume by a word and a comma. [Larry Wall]
And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions. To remember them, the acronym FANBOYS can be used.
F = for
A = and
N = nor
B = but
O = or
Y = yet
S = so
Subordinating Conjunctions
Also called subordinators, introduce a dependent clause. These adverbs that act like conjunctions are placed at the front of the clause - and a comma is needed at the end of the adverbial phrase when it precedes the main clause.
Examples:
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. [Abraham Maslow]
Some people make headlines while others make history. [Philip Elmer-DeWitt]
Conjunctions Concession
though
although
even though
while
Conjunctions Condition
if
only if
unless
until
provided that
assuming that
even if
in case (that)
lest
Conjunctions Comparison
than
rather than
whether
as much as
whereas
Conjunctions Time
after
as long as
as soon as
before
by the time
now that
once
since
till
until
when
whenever
while
Conjunctions Reason
because
since
so that
in order (that)
why
Relative Adjective
that
what
whatever
which
whichever
Relative Pronoun
who
whoever
whom
whomever
whose
Conjunctions Manner
how
as though
as if
Conjunctions Place
where
wherever
