Conjunction: Definition, Types and Examples

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

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

List of Conjunctions

CoordinatingSubordinatingCorrelative
andalthougheither…or
orbecauseneither…nor
butsinceboth…and
yetwhilenot only…but also
sowhen 
forbefore 
norafter 
 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:

  • After
  • Although
  • Because
  • Since
  • When
  • While
List of Subordinating Conjunctions
List of Subordinating Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunctions

These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join words or groups of words in a sentence. Common ones are:

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

Each type of conjunction serves a specific purpose in connecting elements within sentences to convey meaning effectively.

Use of Conjunction

They play a vital role in connecting various elements within a sentence. Here are the key ways they are used:

Joining Words

They link individual words within a sentence.

Connecting Phrases

Conjunctions connect phrases to create more complex sentence structures.

Combining Clauses

They join independent clauses to form compound sentences or connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.

Expressing Relationships

They convey relationships such as addition, contrast, reason, condition, time, and purpose.

Forming Lists

They are used to connect items in a list.

Overall, They play a vital role in creating coherent and structured sentences by linking various elements and expressing relationships between them.

FAQs:

1. What is conjunction and example?

A conjunction is a word that joins words or sentences.
Examples:
1. And
2. But
3. Or
Example sentences:
1. I like apples and bananas.
2. She is tired but keeps working.
3. Do you want tea or coffee?
Conjunctions connect ideas.

2. What are the 7 main conjunctions?

The 7 main conjunctions are:
1. And
2. But
3. Or
4. So
5. Yet
6. For
7. Nor
Examples:
1. I like apples and oranges.
2. She is tired but keeps working.
3. Tea or coffee?
Conjunctions join words or ideas!

3. What is the 10 example of conjunction?

Here are 10 examples of conjunctions:
1. And
2. But
3. Or
4. So
5. Yet
6. For
7. Nor
8. Because
9. Although
10. If

4. What are 12 examples of conjunctions with sentences?

Here are 12 examples of conjunctions with sentences:
1. I like tea and coffee.
2. She is smart, but she is shy.
3. Do you want cake or ice cream?
4. He was hungry, so he ate a sandwich.
5. She studied hard, yet she failed the test.
6. I went to bed early, for I was tired.
7. He didn’t call, nor did he send a message.
8. I stayed home because it was raining.
9. Although it was cold, we went outside.
10. You can go if you finish your homework.
11. I will call you when I get home.
12. I won’t go unless you come with me.
These conjunctions help link ideas and actions in sentences.

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