What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions play a crucial role in the English language by linking words, phrases, and clauses, allowing us to express our ideas clearly and cohesively. These connectors help us show relationships between different parts of a sentence, making our communication smoother and more meaningful. In this post, we’ll explore conjunctions, their types, and how they work with practical examples.

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Conjunctions are words that connect two or more elements—such as words, phrases, or clauses—within a sentence. They allow us to express relationships like contrast, addition, cause and effect, or condition, making our sentences more complex and meaningful. Without conjunctions, our sentences would feel disconnected, limiting our ability to convey detailed thoughts.

Examples Without and With Conjunctions

She likes tea. I prefer coffee. → She likes tea, but I prefer coffee.
Sarah likes to read books. Sarah also enjoys writing stories. → Sarah likes to read books, and she also enjoys writing stories.

In the first example, the word “but” introduces a contrast between two ideas. In the second, “and” connects similar ideas, combining them into one smooth sentence.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are classified into different categories based on their functions. Below are the most common types:

Coordinating Conjunctions

These are simple words that connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. There are seven main coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (often remembered as FANBOYS).

For: Shows reason or cause (She went home early, for she was feeling unwell.)
And: Connects similar ideas or elements (I like pizza and pasta.)
Nor: Expresses a negative alternative (He didn’t sing, nor did he dance.)
But: Introduces contrast or exception (She studied hard but couldn’t pass the exam.)
Or: Presents an alternative or choice (Do you want tea or coffee?)
Yet: Shows contrast or unexpected result (She’s small yet very strong.)
So: Indicates a result or consequence (It rained heavily, so we stayed indoors.)

Example Sentences

I enjoy both coffee and tea.
She was tired, yet she kept working.
We can take the bus, or we can walk.

Subordinating Conjunction

Unlike coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause to a dependent clause, making one clause subordinate to the other. They often indicate whether the dependent clause is providing additional information, expressing cause and effect, or showing contrast, among other things. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the independent clause for its meaning. Common subordinating conjunctions include

Because: indicates a cause or reason
If: It sets a condition for something else to happen
When: It tells you the time when something happened
While: It shows that two actions are happening at the same time
Since: indicates a point in time
Although: introduces a contrast or exception

Example Sentences

I’ll call you when I reach the airport.
Although he was tired, he continued working.
If it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
I’ve known her since we were kids.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunction

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to join words or phrases of equal grammatical importance. They work together to create balanced and parallel structures in a sentence. Common correlative conjunction pairs include:

Either…or (used to present alternatives or choices between two options)
Neither…nor (expresses the negation of two options)
Both…and (used to emphasize the combination of elements)
Not only…but also (emphasizes additional information)
Whether…or: (Indicates a choice between two alternatives)

Example Sentences

He is neither rich nor famous.
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
You can have either cake or ice cream.
Both my sister and I enjoy reading books.

Correlative Conjunctions

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs, also known as adverbial conjunctions or transitional adverbs, are specific types of adverbs that not only modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs but also connect independent clauses or sentences. They are often used to express contrast, cause and effect, sequence, or other relationships between ideas. Some common conjunctive adverbs include “however,” “therefore,” “moreover,” “consequently,” and “nevertheless.”

However: It introduces a contrast or unexpected result.
Therefore: It shows a conclusion or result.
Meanwhile: It indicates that two things are happening at the same time.
Nevertheless: It means “even so” or “in spite of that.”
Furthermore: Adds information or emphasizes a point.
Consequently: Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
Moreover: Adds emphasis or provides additional information.

Example Sentences:

She loves to read; however, she rarely finds the time.
It’s raining outside; therefore, we should bring an umbrella.
Asim was studying for his exam. Meanwhile, his friends were watching the movie.
I love chocolate ice cream. Moreover, I also enjoy vanilla.

Complete List of Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunction

Subordinating Conjunction

Although
Because
Since
While
Unless
If
Until
When
After
Before
As
Though
Although
Even if
Once
Thus
In case
Whether
Where
As much as
Now
As long as
Just as
Provided that
Supposing
As soon as
As if
Even though
Next
So that
Then
In order that
Also
While
Whenever
Regardless
On the whole
In brief
After all
Wherever
However
Even so
In comparison
In the same way

Correlative Conjunction

Either…or
Neither…nor
Not only…but also
Both…and
Whether…or
Though…yet
As…as
Not…but
As much…as
Such…that
Scarcely…when
Rather…than

Conjunctive Adverbs (sometimes considered conjunctions):

However
Furthermore
Therefore
Nevertheless
Meanwhile
Otherwise
Consequently
Hence
Moreover
Accordingly
Nonetheless
Otherwise
Still
Then
Thus
Hence
Indeed

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