Conjunctions

What is a conjunction?

A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions are considered to be invariable grammar particle, and they may or may not stand between items they conjoin.

Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating conjunctions– are single words that join similar words or phrases or elements.
2. Subordinating conjunctions– also join similar words, phrases or elements but exist in pairs.
3. Correlative conjunctions- They are actually adverbs that are used as conjunctions.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions: 

Coordinating conjunction definition is as follows, the conjunction that joins two elements that have equal syntactic importance and grammatical rank. They can join two independent clauses, two phrases, two adjectives, two verbs or two nouns. 

 

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, they are - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The easiest way to remember these conjunctions is with an acronym called FANBOYS. 

 

Among all these conjunctions “so” can be used both as coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. As coordinating conjunction, it can link two independent clauses and as subordinate conjunction, it can link two unequal clauses.

 

Rules for using the Coordinating Conjunctions:

There are a few rules which have to be followed during the use of suitable conjunctions along with the usage of words in specific situations:

• When the coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma has to be used before that conjunction.

Example: I wanted to go shopping, but my friend wants to go to a movie.

• When coordinating conjunction is joining two phrases or words, a comma is not used before the conjunction.

Example: I like to ride bikes and swim.

• A comma is optional when coordinating conjunction is used with more than two items.

 

2. Correlative Conjunctions: 

These are a kind of tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs where they are used in different places. 

 

Correlative Conjunction Examples: either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or, not/but.

• I either want a chocolate cake or pastry.

• She neither likes tea nor coffee.

 

3. Subordinating Conjunctions: 

The subordinating conjunction meaning and examples are provided here. These are the types of conjunctions that help to join dependent clauses with independent clauses. Some of the common subordinating conjunctions are “since, because, though, as, although, while, and whereas”. Sometimes the adverbs can also act as conjunctions such as, “until, after, or before”. 

 

Example: I can stay here until the clock strikes nine. Here the word “until” acts as a conjunction that connects two ideas such as, “can stay here” and “clock strikes nine”. Here the first idea is independent of the second one hence, “can stay here” is an independent clause, and “clock strikes nine” is a dependent clause.

 

It is not mandatory to have the subordinating conjunctions in the middle of the sentence, but it has to be a part of the dependent clause. The dependent clause is also called the subordinate clause or subordinating sentences. 

 

The dependent clause has two specific qualities, 

• It cannot act as it’s a sentence.

• It depends on the independent clause to provide a complete meaning.

 

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

The subordinating conjunctions are categorized by meaning:

1. Time: When the main clause is performed or will be performed, the time-related conjunctions establish a period. 

Example: as soon as, once, before, still, whenever.

I will clean the house after the relatives are gone.

2. Concession: By providing the additional information the concession conjunctions help to redefine the meaning of the main clause. It highlights the action that has happened in the hindrance or obstacle. 

Example: although, even though, as though.

She wrote my article even though it is assigned to me.

3. Comparison: It helps to establish the connection between the words by providing a correlation. 

Example: though, whereas, just as, in contrast to.

You will complete the work fastly whereas I need some more time.

4. Cause: It defines the reason the main clause was performed. 

Example: because, since, so that. 

My father always inspires me because he believes in me.

5. Condition: It provides the rules under which the main clause works. 

Example: If, in case, even if, unless.

In case my sister suggests buying this dress, then I will go for it.

6. Place: It defines the place where the action or the activities occur. 

Example: wherever, whereas.

I will place the conjunctions wherever it is necessary.

Examples of Conjunctions

In the following examples, the conjunctions are in bold for easy recognition:

• • • I tried to hit the nail but hit my thumb instead.
    • I have two goldfish and a cat.
    • I bought a new bag for my upcoming trip.
    • You can have peach ice cream or a brownie sundae.
    • Neither the black dress nor the gray one looks right on me.
    • My dad always worked hard so we could afford the things we wanted.
    • I try very hard in school yet I am not receiving good grades.

Conjunction Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

• • 1. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy __________ a kitten home with him.
       1. But
       2. Or
       3. Yet
       4. And

Answer: 4. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy and a kitten home with him.

• • 1. Meera does not like to swim, ____  she does enjoy cycling.
       1. Or
       2. But
       3. And
       4. Yet

Answer: 2. Meera does not like to swim, but she does enjoy cycling.

• • 1. I want to go for a hike _____ I have to go to work today.
       1. But
       2. Yet
       3. Or
       4. For

Answer: 1. I want to go for a hike but I have to go to work today.

• • 1. They do not smoke, _____ do they play cards.
       1. And
       2. Or
       3. Nor
       4. Yet

Answer: 3. They do not smoke, nor do they play cards.

• • 1. I’m getting good grades _________ I study every day.
       1. Or
       2. Yet
       3. But
       4. Because

Answer: 4. I’m getting good grades because I study every day.