Learn all about conjunctions and their four types with helpful examples in English. We’ll examine what a conjunction is, as well as some examples of its usage in sentences. To help us better comprehend the purpose of conjunctions, we will also examine some sentences that contain examples of conjunction usage.
What is a Conjunction?
A part of speech known as a conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses together within a sentence. By building connections between the many components of a phrase, it acts as a bridge and facilitates the logical flow of ideas. Conjunctions essentially serve as the linguistic “glue,” ensuring that our words and ideas are expressed in a clear and cohesive way.
Types of Conjunctions:
Conjunctions can be classified into several categories, each serving a distinct purpose in the English language. The most common types of conjunctions include:
Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
- Structure: Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
- Example: She loves to dance (independent clause) and she doesn’t like singing (independent clause).
Coordinating conjunction words:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
Example Sentences
- The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
- She loves to dance, but she doesn’t like singing.
- He is smart, yet he is very humble.
- You can have tea or coffee for breakfast.
- He is not here, so I will leave a message for him.
Important Rule: Coordinating conjunctions connect similar elements, such as words, phrases, or independent clauses. They are used to join elements of equal grammatical rank.
Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions are used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause, creating complex sentences.
- Structure: Dependent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
- Example: I will go for a walk (independent clause) after I finish my work (dependent clause).
Subordinating conjunction words:
- After
- Although
- As
- Because
- Before
- Even if
- If
- Since
- Though
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Where
- Whereas
- While
Example Sentences
- I will go for a walk after I finish my work.
- Although it was raining, we decided to go to the beach.
- Because he missed the bus, he arrived late for the meeting.
- She went to bed early since she was feeling unwell.
- Unless you finish your homework, you cannot go out to play.
Important Rule: These conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. They introduce a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Correlative Conjunctions
These conjunctions come in pairs and work together to connect elements that carry equal importance within a sentence.
- Structure: Balanced Elements + Correlative Conjunction + Balanced Elements
- Example: Both the children (balanced element) and the adults (balanced element) enjoyed the party.
Correlative conjunction words:
- Either…or
- Neither…nor
- Both…and
- Not only…but also
- Whether…or
- As…as
Example Sentences
- Either you come with us, or you stay at home.
- Both the children and the adults enjoyed the party.
- Not only did she sing well, but she also played the guitar.
- Neither the food nor the service was satisfactory.
- Whether it rains or shines, we will have the picnic.
Important Rule: Correlative conjunctions come in pairs and are used to connect balanced words, phrases, or clauses. They must be used in pairs to maintain parallelism in the sentence.
Adverbial Conjunctions
Adverbial conjunctions function as adverbs, connecting clauses or sentences and indicating a relationship of time, place, or cause and effect.
- Structure: Independent Clause + Adverbial Conjunction + Independent Clause
- Example: I wanted to go (independent clause) ; however, I had to stay back for the presentation (independent clause).
Adverbial conjunction words:
- Accordingly
- Also
- Besides
- Consequently
- Furthermore
- Hence
- However
- Indeed
- Meanwhile
- Moreover
- Nevertheless
- Otherwise
- Similarly
- Still
- Then
- Therefore
Example Sentences
- He was sick; therefore, he couldn’t attend the meeting.
- I wanted to go; however, I had to stay back for the presentation.
- She loves ice cream; moreover, she enjoys cakes too.
- She works hard; consequently, she has achieved great success.
- I finished my work early; thus, I had time to relax in the evening.
Important Rule: These function as adverbs and are used to connect clauses or sentences. They indicate a relationship of time, place, cause, or effect between the connected parts.
Hint: When using conjunctions, it is essential to maintain proper punctuation and sentence structure to ensure that the connected elements create a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. Understanding the specific rules for each type of conjunction can help you construct more effective and polished sentences.
Conjunction and their types | Images
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