Conjunctions | Definition, Examples, and Rules In English | Grammar
What are conjunctions? The word which joins two parts of a sentence is called a conjunction. It is one of the important parts of speech. It joins two or more sentences, phrases, and independent clauses.
Learn conjunctions definition, examples, and rules of conjunctions in English grammar.
Conjunctions Definition:
The word which joins two parts of a sentence is called a conjunction.
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Types of Conjunctions
There are three types of conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions are used to join short sentences converting them into fuller lines. There are seven Coordinating Conjunctions and all of them are very easy to remember if you just keep in mind the acronym “FANBOYS”.
For
Used to show reason or purpose
And
Used to add something to another
Nor
Used to give an alternative negative idea to an already given negative idea
But
Used to show opposition
Or
Used to show choices
Yet
Used to show a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically
So
Used to show result, effect, or consequences
Subordinating Conjunctions:
It always introduces a dependent clause and connects it with an independent clause. In contrast to coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions can come first in the sentence because of the nature of the relationship between dependent and independent clauses. Below is a table listed giving you examples of Subordinating Conjunctions.
Because
While
As
Although
Until
Since
When
After
That
Unless
Before
As if
Whether
once
In order that
Correlative Conjunctions:
They come in pairs and relate one sentence to another with suitable conjunction. Correlative conjunctions connect two equal grammatical terms. So, if a noun follows “both,” then a noun should also follow “and.”
Either…..or
Both……and
Neither…….nor
Not only…….but also
Whether……or
Use of Conjunctions in Sentences with Rules:
AND
Use and join similar ideas
I will go
Use and to show that one action depends on another
They did not study and failed the exams
Use and to show that one action follows the other
I will go to the mall and buy clothes
BUT
Use but to join two opposite ideas
You are a good rider but I will not give you a bike
Use but to cancel the meaning of an idea
I like you but you irritate me a lot
OR
Use or to show choice
You may come with us or stay here
Use or to give some reason for something
Study hard or you will have to leave the college
SO
Use so to signify reason and then result
Traffic was really bad so I came late
Use so to tell something more
He was angry so he left early
YET
Use yet to signify a strange fact
He misbehaved with me, yet he was my friend
BECAUSE
Use because to signify the result and then reason
I hate you because you always irritate me
ALTHOUGH
Use although to state a strange fact
He went to school although he was ill
WHEN
Use when to show the time of the happening of something
They called me when I was busy doing my work
UNLESS
Use unless to signify a condition
You cannot enter the class unless you wear the mask
WHETHER
Use whether to signify if
I don’t know whether I should help you or ignore you
WHILE
Use while to signify two things happening at the same time
He ate food while I watched the movie
UNTIL
Use until to signify a condition
I can’t allow you to sit in class until you wear a mask
AFTER
Use to show an event happening after the other
I’ll call you after I complete my work
BEFORE
Use to show an event happening before the other
You should call me before leaving
ONCE
Use once to tell about as soon as
I’ll come home once I complete my work
AS
Use as in formal writing and speech to say ”as a result”
I got worried as the teacher announced the quiz
SINCE
Use since to say “as a result” of what happened first
I refused to help him since he had done the same last year
THAT
Use that to indicate the person or thing mentioned before
They clarified that they would never insult anyone
ASIF
Use as if to comment on how a situation seems
You are fighting with me as if I insulted you
IN ORDER THAT/TO
Use in order that/to to show a purpose
I joined this course in order that to I could learn
EITHER…..OR
Use either…..or to talk about two possible choices
You should either come on time or not come at all
BOTH…..AND
Use both…..and to join two similar ideas
She is both ugly and dumb
NEITHER…..NOR
Use neither…..nor to join two opposite ideas
She is neither ugly nor dumb
NOT ONLY…..BUT ALSO
Use not only…..but also to join two similar ideas
He is not only intelligent but also handsome
WHETHER…..OR
Use whether…..or to emphasize the idea chosen between two choices
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