A Writer's Alphabet of Concepts and Clues

Conjunctions, interjections, and prepositions

Conjunctions according to O'Hare and Kline: "Conjunctions. A word or set of words that joins or relates to other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. There are three kinds of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, or so and set) join elements that have equal grammatical rank. Correlative conjunctions (both ... and, neither ... nor, not only ... but also, whether ... or, just as ... so) are always used in pairs. Subordinating conjunctions (after, so long as, because, if, since, so that, unless, until, while, etc.) join subordinating, or dependent, clauses to main, or independent, clauses." (The Modern Writer's Handbook, 3rd edition, 626).

Interjections according to Perrin: "Interjection. A word that expresses surprise or emotion or that provides a conversational transition." (The Beacon Handbook, 2nd edition, 661)

Prepositions according to Donald et al: "Prepositions seem to be such small and commonplace words that their real significance is often overlooked.... Indeed, you can only successfully define them in the general sense of them all: prepositions are a class of words that when placed before nouns express such relationships as time, space, possession, intention, accompaniment" (Writing Clear Essays, 3rd edition, 147)