Pseudo Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that link other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together.

Susan is an amazing wife and a wonderful mom

Pseudo conjunctions are other parts of speech that act like conjunctions:

• adverbial conjunctions (also called conjunctive adverbs) -- are used to indicated a relationship between sentences and independent clauses by comparing or contrasting ideas (e.g consequently, finally, however, otherwise, then etc.). We usually use commas to separate an adverbial conjuntion from the rest of the sentence.

John's mom wanted him to go to college. Instead, he took a gap year and travelled aroung the world

• nominal conjunctions introduce or conclude ideas ( e.g. the moment, the instant etc.). Nominal conjunctions function as nouns in a sentence.

I was petrified the moment I heard the news

• verbal conjunctions -- are used to introduce additional information in a sentence (e.g. assuming (that), given (that) etc.). Verbal conjunctions are derived from verbs.

Shall we go out tonight assuming that you are free?

Guided Practice#

• Either ... or, and, every second, nor, granted that, however, accordingly, but, instead, not only ... but also, finally.

Use the pseudo conjunctions in brackets to expand the sentences.

• (moreover) Judy never skips classes at university. She works part-time at the local cafe.
• (every time) When I have a test coming up, I get really nervous.
• (given that) I don't think he'll agree. He quickly tried to change the topic.

Short Story using Pseudo Conjunctions#

–It's too hot today! I'm melting.

–Given that you don't have AC at your place, you will be boiling soon!

–Indeed, I'm quite close to that. However, I'm trying to eat watermelons to stay cool.

–Does it help?

-Yeah! In fact, I'll be a watermelon myself soon!

Independent Practice#

Choose pseudo conjunctions.

1. We can either go to the park or walk around the city. The weather's simply majestic.

2. Every time I see Mr. Baker enter the room, I want to hide behind my desk.

3. He stopped responding to our messages therefore destroying our friendship.

4. Carol wants to move to California but she doesn't have the necessary funds.

5. I freeze in fear the instant I see a spider.

6. I want to bake a carrot cake. It's quite simple! In addition, it's a healthy treat.

7. I must say that hiking and camping are two passions of mine.

8. Greg knew that he made a mistake. Indeed, the feeling of regret didn't leave him for a minute.

9. Max told me that he wanted to speak with you. Furthermore, he seemd really impatient.

10. I'd rather stay here than go home right now.