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Types of Conjunctions: English Grammar Rules and Examples

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Welcome to our article about types of conjunctions in English grammar! If you’re learning English, you’ve probably come across conjunctions before. They’re essential parts of speech that connect words, phrases, and clauses to create more complex sentences. But did you know that there are different types of conjunctions, each with its own unique function? In this article, we’ll explore the three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Coordinating conjunctions are the most common type of conjunctions in English. They’re used to connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance. Some examples of coordinating conjunctions include “and,” “but,” “or,” and “nor.” These conjunctions are easy to spot because they’re usually short and simple.

Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, are used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and relies on the independent clause for context and meaning. Examples of subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “if,” and “when.” These conjunctions are a bit more complex than coordinating conjunctions and require an understanding of sentence structure and clauses.

Lastly, correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two or more elements of equal importance. Some examples of correlative conjunctions include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” and “both…and.” These conjunctions are used to create balance and symmetry in a sentence.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into each type of conjunction and provide plenty of examples to help you understand how they work in context. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding conjunctions is essential for mastering English grammar. So, let’s get started!

Understanding Conjunctions

Conjunctions are an essential part of English grammar that help connect words, phrases, or clauses together. They are used to join two or more elements in a sentence, making it more coherent and easier to understand. In this section, we will take a closer look at the different types of conjunctions and how they are used in sentences.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are the most common type of conjunctions in English. They are used to join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “yet,” and “so.” Here are some examples:

  • I like to read books and watch movies.
  • She is smart but lazy.
  • He is neither tall nor short.
  • Do you want pizza or pasta?
  • I have to work, yet I want to go out with my friends.
  • She is sick, so she can’t come to the party.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a subordinate clause to a main clause, indicating the relationship between them. They are used to show cause and effect, time, condition, concession, or contrast. Some common subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “since,” “if,” “when,” “while,” “until,” and “unless.” Here are some examples:

  • Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
  • Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.
  • Since I was tired, I went to bed early.
  • If you don’t hurry, you will miss the train.
  • When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.
  • While I was cooking, the phone rang.
  • Until you finish your homework, you can’t watch TV.
  • Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. They are used to show contrast, addition, or choice. Some common correlative conjunctions include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “both…and,” “not only…but also,” and “whether…or.” Here are some examples:

  • Either you come with me or you stay here.
  • Neither John nor Jane likes coffee.
  • Both the cat and the dog are cute.
  • Not only did he finish the project, but he also got an A.
  • Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.

In conclusion, understanding conjunctions is essential for improving your English grammar skills. By using them correctly, you can make your sentences more coherent and effective. Remember to use the appropriate type of conjunction depending on the relationship between the elements you want to join.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance. They are also known as coordinators. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English grammar: and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor. Each of these conjunctions has a unique function in a sentence.

And

The conjunction “and” is used to connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in importance. It is used to join words in a series or to connect two independent clauses.

Example sentences:

  • I went to the store and bought fruit, bread, and water.
  • She is smart and beautiful.

But

The conjunction “but” is used to connect two contrasting ideas or clauses. It is used to show a contrast between two ideas or to introduce an exception to a previous statement.

Example sentences:

  • I want to go to the party, but I have to study for my exam.
  • He is a good student, but he is not very social.

Or

The conjunction “or” is used to present a choice between two or more options. It is used to indicate that only one of the options can be chosen.

Example sentences:

  • Would you like tea or coffee?
  • You can either come with me or stay here.

So

The conjunction “so” is used to indicate a result or a consequence of an action. It is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause is a result of the first clause.

Example sentences:

  • She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
  • It is raining, so we should stay inside.

Yet

The conjunction “yet” is used to introduce a contrasting idea or to indicate a surprise. It is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause is in contrast to the first clause.

Example sentences:

  • He is very talented, yet he is very humble.
  • She worked hard, yet she failed the exam.

For

The conjunction “for” is used to indicate a reason or a cause. It is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause is the reason for the first clause.

Example sentences:

  • He is studying hard, for he wants to get a good job.
  • She is taking a break, for she is feeling tired.

Nor

The conjunction “nor” is used to indicate a negative choice. It is used to connect two negative clauses.

Example sentences:

  • He neither drinks nor smokes.
  • She did not come to the party, nor did she call to explain why.

In summary, coordinating conjunctions are essential in connecting words, phrases, and clauses in English grammar. They help to create a smooth flow of ideas and make sentences more coherent. By understanding the functions of each coordinating conjunction, you can use them effectively in your writing and speaking.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are a type of conjunction that are used to connect two words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance in a sentence. They always come in pairs, and they are used to show the relationship between the two elements that they connect. Some common examples of correlative conjunctions include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “not only…but also,” and “both…and.”

Either…or

“Either…or” is used to show a choice between two things. Here are some examples:

  • Either you come with me, or you stay here.
  • You can either have pizza or pasta for dinner.
  • Either he’s lying, or he’s mistaken.

Neither…nor

“Neither…nor” is used to show that neither of two things is true. Here are some examples:

  • Neither John nor Sarah likes to eat sushi.
  • I have neither the time nor the money to go on vacation this year.
  • Neither the teacher nor the students knew the answer to the question.

Not only…but also

“Not only…but also” is used to show that two things are true. Here are some examples:

  • She’s not only smart, but also funny.
  • The concert was not only loud, but also amazing.
  • The movie was not only long, but also boring.

Both…and

“Both…and” is used to show that two things are true at the same time. Here are some examples:

  • Both the dog and the cat were sleeping on the couch.
  • He’s both a doctor and a musician.
  • The book is both interesting and informative.

In summary, correlative conjunctions are an important part of English grammar that can be used to connect two words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. By using them correctly, you can make your writing more clear and concise.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause needs the independent clause to make a complete sentence. Subordinating conjunctions are essential in forming complex sentences. Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:

After

“After” is used to show that one event happens after another event. For example:

  • After she finished her homework, she went to bed.

Although

“Although” is used to show that two contrasting ideas exist simultaneously. For example:

  • Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.

Because

“Because” is used to show the reason for something. For example:

  • She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.

Unless

“Unless” is used to show a condition that must be met before something can happen. For example:

  • You can’t watch TV unless you finish your homework.

Until

“Until” is used to show that an event will continue up to a certain point in time. For example:

  • She waited until the rain stopped before leaving the house.

While

“While” is used to show that two actions are happening at the same time. For example:

  • She listened to music while she was doing her homework.

In conclusion, subordinating conjunctions are essential in forming complex sentences. Understanding how to use them properly will help you improve your writing skills.

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are words that connect two independent clauses or sentences and show the relationship between them. They are also known as transitional adverbs or linking adverbs. Here are some common conjunctive adverbs and their meanings:

Therefore

The conjunctive adverb “therefore” indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. It is often used to show that the second clause is a result of the first clause. For example:

  • I didn’t study for the exam. Therefore, I failed.

However

The conjunctive adverb “however” is used to show a contrast or contradiction between two clauses. It is often used to introduce a new idea that contradicts the previous idea. For example:

  • I wanted to go to the beach. However, it was raining.

Meanwhile

The conjunctive adverb “meanwhile” is used to show that two things are happening at the same time. It is often used to connect two events that occur simultaneously. For example:

  • I was cooking dinner. Meanwhile, my husband was setting the table.

Furthermore

The conjunctive adverb “furthermore” is used to add information to a previous statement. It is often used to introduce a new idea that supports the previous idea. For example:

  • I love to travel. Furthermore, I enjoy learning about different cultures.

It is important to note that conjunctive adverbs are not conjunctions. They cannot be used to join two clauses without a comma or semicolon before them. Additionally, they cannot be used to join a dependent clause to an independent clause.

In summary, conjunctive adverbs are useful for connecting ideas and showing relationships between clauses. They can be used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, a contrast or contradiction, simultaneous events, or additional information.

This list of conjunctions gives you examples of the three types of conjunctions in English.

List of Conjunctions in English

Coordinating Conjunctions

The English language has seven coordinating conjunctions, and they’re easy to remember if you can just remember FANBOYS:

For

Explains reason or purpose (just like “because”)

  • I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the ducks on the lake.

And

Adds one thing to another

  • She sat next him and listened quietly.

Nor

Used to present an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea

  • Tom neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.

But

Shows contrast

  • She wants to buy a car, but she can’t afford to.

Or

Presents an alternative or a choice

  • Which do you like better, apples or bananas?

Yet  

Introduces a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically

  • I always take a book to read, yet I never to turn a single page.

So

Indicates effect, result or consequence

  • I’m hungry, so I’m going to get something to eat.

Types of Conjunctions: Coordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunction show the relationship between two parts of a sentence

Than

  • He is cleverer than I am.

Rather than

  • I will have tea rather than coffee.

Whether

  • You must decide whether you will go by train or by plane.

As much as

  • I eat as much as you.

Whereas

  • Elliot is tall and blond, whereas his brother is short and has dark hair.

That

  • She went to the school that my father went to.

Whatever

  • I copied in my notebook whatever he wrote on the blackboard.

Which

  • The car which I drive is old.

Whichever

  • Bruce will wear his pink or green sweater, whichever is clean.

After

  • Mary closed his diary after writing about that day’s events.

As soon as

  • A baby deer can stand as soon as it is born.

As long as

  • You can use my car as long as you drive carefully.

Before

He always feeds the dogs before he goes to school.

By the time

  • By the time ambulancemen arrived he was unconscious.

Now that

  • You can go and play now that you have finished your homework.

Once

  • Once you learn it, you never forget.

Since

  • Mary has danced since she was five.

Till

  • James lived with his parents till he was twenty – five.

Until

  • You can stay on the bus until you reach London.

When

  • Tom’s parents cheered for him when he crossed the finished line.

Whenever

  • Whenever we go abroad, we take as many pictures as possible.

While

  • While I was walking to the market, I met Jenny.

Though

  • Though it was raining, she went out.

Although

  • Although the kitchen is small, it is well designed.

Even though

  • Even though he’s a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat.

Who

  • The person who made the mess needs to clean it.

Whoever

  • Whoever leaves last should turn off the light.

Whom

  • She’s the man whom I met in Greece.

Whomever

  • He was free to marry whomever he chose.

Whose

  • She’s the student whose handwriting is the best in my class.

Where

  • This is the park where we played.

Wherever

  • Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find someone who speaks English.

If

  • If you leave, I will be lonely.

Only if

  • Only if a teacher has given permission is a student allowed to leave the room.

Unless

  • You won’t succeed unless you work hard.

Provided that

  • I was allowed to go off by myself provided that I promised to be careful.

Assuming that

  • I hope to go to college next year, assuming that I pass my exams.

Even if

  • Even if you have already bought your ticket, you will still need to wait in line.

In case (that)

  • I have my umbrella with me in case it rains.

Lest

  • Study hard lest you should fail.

How

  • She taught him how to play the piano.

As though

  • They look as though they’re heading for divorce.

As if

  • At sunset, the sun looks as if it is going down.

Because

  • I love Matisse’s work because he uses color so brilliantly.

Since

  • Since we’ve got a few minutes to wait for the train, let’s have a cup of coffee.

So that

  • I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

In order (that)

  • Do exercises in order that your health may improve.

That

  • We eat that we may live.

As

  • We played chess all evening as we had nothing better to do.


Types of Conjunctions: Subordinating Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions Join similar words, but are always used in pairs

Both…and

  • She played both hockey and basketball when she was a student.

Either…or

  • I will eat either carrots or peas for dinner.

Neither…nor

  • Natalie, likes neither milk nor cream cake.

Whether…or

  • Do you care whether we have noodles or rice for dinner?

Not only…but also

  • Not only will they paint the outside of the house but also the inside.

Such…that

  • He is such a bad-tempered person that no one can work with him for long.

Scarcely…when

  • Scarcely had she finished reading when she fell asleep.

No sooner…than

  • No sooner did he enter the room than he saw a snake.

Types of Conjunctions: Correlative Conjunctions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are subordinating conjunctions and how are they used?

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect dependent clauses to independent clauses. They are used to show the relationship between the two clauses. Some examples of subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “since,” and “while.”

What are some examples of conjunctions in English grammar?

Conjunctions are words that are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. Some examples of conjunctions in English grammar include “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “so,” and “yet.”

What are the different types of conjunctions and their examples?

There are three types of conjunctions in English grammar: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions include “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “so,” and “yet.” Subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “since,” and “while.” Correlative conjunctions include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “both…and,” and “not only…but also.”

What is the definition of conjunction and can you provide some examples?

A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. It is used to show the relationship between the connected elements. Some examples of conjunctions include “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “so,” and “yet.”

What are the 7 most common conjunctions in English?

The 7 most common conjunctions in English are known as FANBOYS: “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.” These coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that serve the same grammatical purpose in a sentence.

What are the different types of conjunctions and how do they connect clauses or phrases?

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that serve the same grammatical purpose in a sentence. Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses to show the relationship between the two clauses. Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to connect balanced words, phrases, or clauses.

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