A ____________ is a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words.

A conjunction is a specific part of speech that serves the function of connecting various elements within a sentence. This includes joining sentences, clauses, phrases, or individual words to create more complex and fluid expressions. By linking these elements, conjunctions enhance the coherence and flow of writing, allowing for the correct relationships between ideas to be conveyed. For instance, in the sentence "I want to go for a walk, but it is raining," the conjunction "but" connects two contrasting clauses, indicating a relationship between them.

In contrast, a verb indicates actions or states of being and does not serve to connect thoughts. An article is a word used to define a noun as specific or unspecific, such as "the" or "a," and does not have a unifying role. A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea, and does not function to join elements within sentences. Thus, the role of a conjunction is distinct and critical in forming cohesive and comprehensive statements in writing.