Conjunction

Table of Contents
1. Definition
2. Kinds of Conjunctions
3. Coordinating Conjunctions
4. Subordinating Conjunctions
5. Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences
6. Correlative Conjunctions
7. Notes and Punctuation
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Definition

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions are also called linkers or connectors. They help to combine ideas and make sentences clear and well connected. Common conjunctions include and, but, or, so, for, yet and nor.

Kinds of Conjunctions

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions
• Correlative conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. When it joins two independent clauses, a comma is often used before the conjunction (for example, He studied hard, but he did not pass).

Coordinating conjunctions can be classified by the relation they express. Common classes are cumulative, adversative, alternative and illative.

1. Cumulative (adds information): He is not only tall but also strong.
2. Adversative (expresses contrast or opposition): He worked hard, yet he failed.
3. Alternative (gives a choice): Either you or your brother has broken the slate.
4. Illative (shows result or conclusion): Vikrant is honest, so he is respected.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its full meaning. Subordinating conjunctions indicate the relationship of time, cause, purpose, result, condition, place, manner, comparison, concession, etc.

• Time: As soon as I reached school, the bell rang.
• Place: I found my pen where I had left it.
• Purpose: We work so that we may live.
• Result: He spoke in such a low voice that few could hear him.
• Condition: If you want peace, be prepared for war.
• Manner: She did as I told her to do.
• Concession / Contrast: He is honest though he is poor.
• Comparison: He is taller than I (am).

Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences

Conjunctions join clauses and ideas to make sentences smoother and more expressive. Study these examples and the combined sentence formed using a conjunction.

1. These grapes are fresh. These grapes are juicy. (use and)
   These grapes are fresh and juicy.
2. Mohan is very rich. Mohan does not enjoy his life. (use but)
   Mohan is rich but does not enjoy his life.
3. He is a thief. Who does not know it? (use that)
   Who does not know that he is a thief?

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join equal grammatical items such as words, phrases, or clauses. They always come in pairs and connect equivalent sentence elements.

Common correlative pairs include: either ... or, neither ... nor, both ... and, not only ... but also, whether ... or.

Examples:

• Mrs Mehta not only bought some roses but also picked up a bouquet of lilies.
• Both my father and mother are doctors.

The following images illustrate uses and examples of common conjunctions and correlative pairs.

Notes and Punctuation

When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (for example, and, but, or, so, yet), place a comma before the conjunction: She wanted to go, but it started to rain. No comma is needed when the conjunction joins words or short phrases: Ravi and Sita arrived together.