Conjunctions in English

Introduction

Conjunctions are essential words in English grammar. They help us connect words, phrases, and sentences smoothly. Without conjunctions, our speech and writing would sound choppy and disconnected. Conjunctions are bridge words that help connect thoughts logically.

For example:

I like apples. I like bananas. (Choppy)
I like apples and bananas. (Smooth with “and”)

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that joins two or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.

Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences:

I like tea and coffee.
She was tired, but she kept working.
You can go out if you finish your homework.

Types of Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal importance in a sentence.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions:

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Examples in Sentences:

She likes coffee, but he prefers tea.
I wanted to go outside, so I took my umbrella.
He is smart and hardworking.

Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show time, cause, contrast, condition, or reason.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

Time: Before, After, When, While, Until, Since
Cause & Effect: Because, As, Since, So that
Condition: If, Unless, Provided that, In case
Contrast: Although, Though, Even though, Whereas

Examples in Sentences:

Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
I will call you when I reach home.
She kept running until she got tired.
He studied hard so that he could pass the exam.

Correlative Conjunctions

These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two equal parts of a sentence.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

Both…and
Either…or
Neither…nor
Not only…but also
Whether…or

Examples in Sentences:

Both my brother and I love cricket.
You can have either tea or coffee.
Neither she nor her friends were at home.
He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
I don’t know whether to stay or leave.

Conjunctive Adverbs (Linking Adverbs)

Although not traditional conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs function like conjunctions by connecting two independent clauses and showing relationships such as cause, contrast, or sequence.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs:

Cause & Effect: Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Hence
Contrast: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand, Still
Addition: Moreover, Furthermore, Besides, In addition
Sequence: Then, Next, Subsequently, Thereafter

Examples in Sentences:

He was late; therefore, he missed the meeting.
She studied hard; however, she didn’t pass the exam.
The weather is cold; nevertheless, they went outside.

Always use a semicolon (;) before a conjunctive adverb when connecting two independent clauses.

Incorrect: I like pizza, however I don’t eat it often.
Correct: I like pizza; however, I don’t eat it often. (“However” is an adverb, not a conjunction.)

Summary

Type	Function	Examples
Coordinating Conjunctions	Connect equal words, phrases, or clauses	For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Subordinating Conjunctions	Connect dependent and independent clauses	Because, Although, Since, Until, If, While
Correlative Conjunctions	Work in pairs to connect sentence parts	Both…and, Either…or, Neither…nor, Not only…but also
Conjunctive Adverbs	Link independent clauses and show relationships	However, Therefore, Moreover, Nevertheless, Hence

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