Conjunctions, Prepositions and Interjections
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and in particular sentences, understanding how each word class contributes to meaning
What a learner can do afterwards
- Identify conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in sentences and explain their function
- Explain how removing a preposition or conjunction changes the meaning of a sentence
- Use interjections appropriately to convey emotion in dialogue or informal writing
The lesson
You already know that prepositions show time, place, or cause, like 'before the race' or 'because of the fog'. Two more small words do big jobs in a sentence: conjunctions join ideas together, and interjections burst out a feeling on their own.
Look at 'The keys are under the mat.' Now take away 'under': 'The keys are the mat.' The sentence breaks, because the preposition was showing exactly where the keys are.
An interjection is a short word or phrase that shows sudden feeling, like 'wow', 'ouch', or 'oh no'. It doesn't join to the rest of the sentence. Writers set it apart with a comma or an exclamation mark, especially in dialogue.
Here's a quick way to sort them: a preposition links a noun to time, place, or cause. A conjunction links two ideas or clauses. An interjection stands alone and shows feeling.
Conjunctions join ideas, prepositions link nouns to time, place, or cause, and interjections burst out feeling on their own.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.