There are THREE types of CONJUNCTION; Let’s Explain Them
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases,
or clauses. There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, correlative,
and subordinating.
Coordinating Conjunctions: Coordinating Conjunctions
are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance or syntactic
structure. They are used to link words, phrases, or clauses that are
grammatically similar. Some common coordinating conjunctions are:
"and", "or", "but", "yet",
"so", "for", "nor" etc.
1) "And" is used to connect words, phrases
or clauses that express similar or related ideas. For example, "I'll have
coffee and tea," "I went to the store and bought some milk."
2) "Or" is used to present alternatives, it
connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show that the speaker is
choosing between them. For example, "I'll have coffee or tea,"
"You can take the bus or the train."
3) "But" is used to connect words, phrases,
or clauses that express contrast or show a change in direction. For example,
"I'm tired but I'll stay up late," "I like pizza but I don't
like pepperoni."
4) "Yet" is used to connect words, phrases,
or clauses that express an idea opposite to or in contrast with the idea
expressed in the first clause. For example, "I'm tired yet I'll stay up
late," "He was tired yet he went for a run."
5) "So" is used to connect words, phrases,
or clauses to express a result or consequence of the action in the first
clause. For example, "I'm tired, so I'll go to bed early," "It's
raining so I'll take an umbrella."
6) "For" is used to connect words, phrases,
or clauses to express a reason or explanation. For example, "I'm going to
bed early for I'm tired," "I'm studying for the exam tomorrow."
7) "Nor" is used to connect negative words,
phrases, or clauses. For example, "I don't like coffee, nor do I like
tea."
Subordinate Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions
are used to connect a dependent clause (or subordinate clause) to an
independent clause. A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a
complete sentence, as it does not express a complete thought. Subordinating
conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and signal the relationship between
the dependent clause and the independent clause. Some common subordinating
conjunctions are: "because," "since," "after,"
"although," "as," "if," "when,"
"while," "until," "where," "whether,"
"that," "whether," etc.
1) "Because" is used to show a reason or
cause. For example, "I'll go to bed early because I'm tired," "I
can't come to the party because I have to work."
2) "Since" is used to indicate a reason or a
cause that has existed for some time. For example, "I'll go to bed early
since I'm tired," "I haven't seen her since she moved away."
3) "After" is used to indicate a time
relationship, it connects a dependent clause that states the time after which
the action in the independent clause occurs. For example, "I'll go to bed
early after I finish this work," "After it stops raining, we'll go
for a walk."
4) "Although" or "though" is used
to indicate a contrast or exception to the independent clause. For example,
"Although I'm tired, I'll stay up late," "I'll have coffee,
though I don't like it."
5) "As" is used to indicate a condition or
similarity. For example, "I'll go to bed early as I'm tired,"
"I'll have coffee as I need something warm to drink."
READ MORE: NOUN AND ITS TYPES
Examples for Subordinate Conjunctions:
1) I'll go to bed early because I'm tired.
2) I can't come to the party because I have to work.
3) I haven't seen her since she moved away.
4) After it stops raining, we'll go for a walk.
5) Although I'm tired, I'll stay up late.
6) I'll have coffee as I need something warm to drink.
Correlative Conjunctions: Correlative Conjunctions are
used in pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses. They are used to link
words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically similar and convey a similar
idea. Some common correlative conjunctions are: "either/or,"
"neither/nor," "not only/but also," "both/and"
etc.
1) "Either/or" is used to present
alternatives, it connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show that
the speaker is choosing between them. For example, "I'll either have
coffee or tea," "You can either take the bus or the train."
2) "Neither/nor" is used to present a
negative choice, it connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show
that the speaker is not choosing any of them. For example, "I'll have
neither coffee nor tea," "He is neither tall nor short."
3) "Not only/but also" is used to indicate
an addition, it connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show that
the speaker is adding another idea. For example, "I'm not only tired but
also hungry," "He is not only a good student but also a talented
athlete."
4) "Both/and" is used to indicate a
connection, it connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show that the
speaker is linking them together. For example, "I'll have both coffee and
tea," "Both my parents are coming to visit me."
5) "Whether/or" is used to indicate a
choice, it connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses to show that the
speaker is choosing between them. For example, "I'm not sure whether I'll
have coffee or tea," "He asked me whether I wanted to go out or stay
in."
Examples:
1) I'll either have coffee or tea.
2) He is neither tall nor short.
3) I'm not only tired but also hungry.
4) Both my parents are coming to visit me.
5) I'm not sure whether I'll have coffee or tea.
6) I'll do either math or science.
7) I don't like neither coffee nor tea.
8) I am not only tired but also hungry.
9) Both my parents are coming to visit me.
10) I'm not sure whether I'll have coffee or tea.
In conclusion, conjunctions are an important part of
the English language. They are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses and
signal the relationship between them. Coordinating conjunctions connect words,
phrases, or clauses of equal importance, correlative conjunctions are used in
pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses, and subordinating conjunctions
connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Understanding and using
these different types of conjunctions correctly can greatly improve your
writing and help you express your ideas more clearly. With practice and a good
understanding of their function, you can become more proficient in using
conjunctions in your writing and speaking.