Conjunction Definition

In this article, we will learn about conjunction and its different types.

What is a conjunction?

Conjunctions are used to connect words, clauses, and phrases to make a complete sentence. We can also say that it connects two parts of a sentence.

Example:

1. John and Peter are studying together.
2. Ram plays badminton, and Rohan plays tennis.
3. I like studying and playing games, but I am not like to watch television.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are usually categorized into three types:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Correlative Conjunctions
3. Subordinating Conjunctions

Let us discuss each in detail.

Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction is used to join parts, clauses, and phrases of a grammatically equal sentence. These parts can be a single word or clauses. The most commonly used conjunctions are "and", "or", & "but". Coordinating conjunctions are commonly seven types that are "and", "or", "nor", "but", "yet", "so", and "for".

Some examples of the coordinating conjunctions are as follows;

1. Alex and Harry went to Delhi.
2. Do you want to play cricket or hockey?
3. I like the sandwich, but John likes coffee.
4. I ran fast, yet I didn't come first.

We can also remember these conjunctions by using the mnemonic F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

F = For
A = And
N = Nor
B = But
O = Or
Y = Yet
S = So

Correlative Conjunctions

Some conjunctures are combined with some other words to make a sentence called correlative conjunctions. They always use in pairs and combines several sentences that should be treated as grammatically equivalent. The most popular pairs of correlative conjunctions are "not only/but also", "both/and", "neither/nor", and "either/or". Some examples of correlative conjunctions are as follows:

1. I want either the pineapple cake or the chocolate cake.
2. Both John and Carry play cricket.
3. Neither Ram nor Alex likes to play cricket.
4. Not only Peter but also Rahul is from Canada.

Subordinating Conjunctions

The subordinating conjunctions join elements of an unparalleled structure of the sentence. In general, these elements are dependent and independent clauses. It joins a subordinate clause (dependent) to the main clause (independent). Various commonly used subordinating conjunctions are as follows:

After, although, as, as much as, as soon as, because, while, before, since, what, who/whom, how, when, if, that, in order that, where, unless, and whoever/whomever.

Some of the examples of subordinating conjunctions are as follows:

1. If you find out, let me know.
2. Jerry didn't work yesterday because she was ill.
3. Rahul will wait until Ram arrives in Delhi.
4. I will call you as soon as
5. Merry is older than

Conjunction Rules

The following are some important rules to use conjunctions. Remember these rules before using conjunctions:

1. Conjunctions are used to combine actions, thoughts and concepts, and nouns, phrases, clauses, and other parts of speech. For example, Ram went to the market and bought dresses.
2. When using conjunctions, make sure all parts of your sentences agree.
3. Conjunctions are very useful for making the lists. For example, We made coffee, tea, and bread for breakfast.