A conjunction is a word or group of words that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. It is used to show the relationship between the elements being connected and to join them together in a logical way. Examples of conjunctions include “and,” “but,” “or,” “because,” and “yet.”
There are three main types of conjunctions:
1. Coordinating conjunctions
These conjunctions join elements that are equal in importance within a sentence. Examples include “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “yet,” and “so.”
2. Subordinating conjunctions
These conjunctions join a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause, showing the relationship between the two clauses. Examples include “although,” “because,” “while,” “since,” and “if.”
3. Correlative conjunctions
These conjunctions work in pairs to connect elements within a sentence. Examples include “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “both…and,” and “not only…but also.”
Some of the key characteristics of conjunctions include:
1. Connecting words or phrases
Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence to show the relationships between them.
2. Coordinating or subordinating
Conjunctions can be either coordinating, which join elements of equal importance, or subordinating, which join a main clause with a dependent clause.
3. Function in pairs
Correlative conjunctions always function in pairs to connect elements within a sentence.
4. Can indicate different relationships
Conjunctions can show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, condition, and more depending on the type of conjunction used.
5. Essential for sentence structure
Conjunctions play a critical role in forming well-structured and coherent sentences by linking ideas together.
Here are examples of each type of conjunction
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
– I want to go to the store, *and* I need to pick up some milk.
– She likes coffee, *but* he prefers tea.
– You can have ice cream *or* cake for dessert.
– She didn’t want to go, *nor* did she have time.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
*Although* it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
– I will call you *when* I arrive at the airport.
*Because* she studied hard, she passed the exam.
– He couldn’t find his keys *until* he checked his jacket pocket.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
You can *either* have pizza *or* pasta for dinner.
She is *both* talented *and* hardworking.
*Neither*the cat *nor* the dog wanted to go outside.
She is *not only* smart *but also* kind-hearted.
I hope these examples help clarify the different types of conjunctions for you!