Key Notes: Conjunctions | English Grammar Basic - Class 10 PDF Download

Conjunctions

A Conjunction is a word which joins together sentences and sometimes words.

We use conjunctions to:

• Add information: Words like  furthermore, in addition, and moreover are used.
•  Express similarity: Phrases like in the same way and similarly are examples.
•  Show difference: Words such as while, whereas, but, and instead are used.
•  Express purpose: Phrases like  so that, otherwise, in order to,  in case, and  for are examples.
•  Indicate time:  Words like  when, after, as, and  as soon as are used.

Note: 

• We use ‘and’ to join similar facts or statements.
• We use ‘but’ to express the contrast between the two statements.
• We use ‘or’ to express a choice between two alternatives.

Conjunctions may be used in pairs as well.

• Either-or-Either stands up or leaves the class.
• Neither-nor-He can play neither cricket nor basketball properly.
• Whether-or-I does not know whether to believe you or not.
• The both-and-Our teacher is both honest and hard-working.
• The not only-but also-The child is not only naughty but destructive also.

Note: Such types of conjunctions are also called correlative conjunctions. These are used immediately before the words are connected.

There are certain compound expressions also which can be sometimes used as connectors like even if, as though, so that, as well as, provided that, in order that, etc.

Examples:

• She walks as if she were lame.
• I will give you money provided that you promise to return it one time.
• He is good-looking as well as well-mannered.

Types of Conjunctions

A. Co-ordinating Conjunctions: 

• These types join clauses of equal rank.
• Example: Finish the work or I will complain against you.

B. Subordinating Conjunctions: 

• These types join a clause with another on which it depends for its complete meaning.
• Example: We eat so that we may live.

C. Correlative Conjunctions:

• Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used to illustrate how two words or phrases within a sentence relate to each other. Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs. 
• Example: We could either hike up the mountain or swim in the lake this afternoon.

Uses of Conjunctions

• Not only ..... but also  is used before the words it emphasises.
• Neither  is followed by nor, while  either  is followed by  or.
• Both  is followed by and.
• Though  and  although  are followed by yet.
• Even if  is followed by but.
• That  cannot be used for questions or commands.
• Whether  is followed by or or not.
• When  is used when two actions happen one after the other; use  while  for simultaneous actions.
• Lest  is followed by should; do not use another negative with it.
• No sooner  is followed by than; after no sooner, use a helping verb.
• Other  is followed by than.
• Until  is used for time, while unless is used for condition; do not use another negative with them.
• Scarcely, hardly, and  barely are followed by when; use a helping verb before the subject after these words.
• So and so that are used for cause and purpose, and cannot be used negatively.
• Nothing is followed by but.
• After verbs like treat,  regard, describe, present, portray, define, depict, etc., use as before the noun.
• Such is followed by as.