Master English Grammar: Conjunctions, Moods, and Tenses
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.
- As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.
- Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.
- When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.
Correlative Conjunctions
As suggested by their name, correlative conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or words that carry equal importance within a sentence. Like many of the most interesting parts of speech, correlative conjunctions are fun to use. At the same time, there are some important rules to remember for using them correctly:
- She is both intelligent and beautiful.
- I will either go for a hike or stay home and watch TV.
- Jerry is neither rich nor famous.
- He is not only intelligent, but also very funny.
- Would you rather go shopping or spend the day at the beach?
Understanding Grammatical Moods
Indicative Mood states an actuality or fact.
- We will go to see a movie this Sunday.
- I'll follow you.
Imperative Mood makes a request.
- Let's go to see a movie this weekend!
- Please stop bugging me!
Subjunctive Mood expresses a doubtful condition (contrary to fact) and is often used with an "if" clause.
- If I were you, I wouldn't buy a house.
- I wish I were more organized.
Interrogative Sentences
An interrogative sentence is a type of sentence that asks a question.
- Will you please leave me alone?
- Should I call or email you?
Conditional Tenses
Conditional tenses are used to speculate about what could happen, what might have happened, and what we wish would happen. In English, most sentences using the conditional contain the word if. Many conditional forms in English are used in sentences that include verbs in one of the past tenses.
- The baby might cry if you pick him up.
- If it had rained, you would have gotten wet.
Common Verb Tenses
Tenses: Simple present, present progressive, future progressive, and past perfect.