Conjunction: Definition, Types and Examples

Contents

3 Minutes Read

In grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that links words, phrases, or clauses to form a cohesive sentence. The primary types of conjunctions—coordinating, subordinating, and correlative—each function to establish logical relationships between the elements they connect, thereby enhancing sentence complexity and meaning.

What is a Conjunction?

Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help in forming complex and compound sentences by linking related ideas. Examples include “and,” “but,” and “or.”

Example Sentences

She likes both tea and coffee.
He’s tall, but she’s short.
I wanted to go but it was raining.
He is rich, yet he is unhappy.
You can have cake or ice cream for dessert.
She’ll either come or she’ll call.
I’ll go to the store and buy some groceries.
I’m tired, so I’m going to bed early.
He is smart but lazy.
We can go to the beach if it’s sunny.

List of Conjunctions

Coordinating	Subordinating	Correlative
and	although	either…or
or	because	neither…nor
but	since	both…and
yet	while	not only…but also
so	when
for	before
nor	after
	if
	unless
	whether
	as
	as if
	as though
	even though
	provided
	so that
	in order that
	than
	once
	now that
	as long as
	so long as
	whether or not
	just as
	even if
	whereas
	in as much as
	given that

Conjunction Rules

Conjunctions are key in creating coherent sentences. Follow these essential rules to use them effectively:

Joining Words

Connect words or ideas within a sentence seamlessly.

Types of Conjunctions

Coordinating: Joins similar elements.
Subordinating: Links a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Correlative: Works in pairs to join elements.

Clarifying Sentences

Enhance sentence clarity by showing the relationship between different parts.

Proper Comma Usage

Use a comma before a conjunction when joining two independent clauses.

Maintain Balance

Keep parallel structure when listing items to ensure balance.

Avoid Confusion

Don’t use a comma alone to join sentences. Use a conjunction or a semicolon.

Select the Right Connector

Choose the appropriate word for the relationship you’re expressing:

Addition: and, also
Contrast: but, yet
Cause and Effect: because, so

Types of Conjunction

Coordinating Conjunctions

They join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The common coordinating conjunctions are:

For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

Coordinating Conjunctions in English with Examples — Coordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

They introduce dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They indicate the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Examples include: