Conjunctions in English

Conjunctions are like glue in the English language. They connect words, phrases, or clauses, making sentences smoother and more meaningful. Let’s explore what conjunctions are, their types, and how to use them effectively with easy-to-understand examples.

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words used to link two or more objects, phrases, or clauses. They are also known as connectors because they connect ideas, actions, or thoughts in a sentence.

For example:

• • I like apples and oranges.
    Here, the conjunction “and” links two objects.

Definition of a Conjunction

Different dictionaries explain conjunctions in slightly varied ways:

• • Cambridge Dictionary: A word like and, but, or although that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
  • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: A word that joins words, phrases, or sentences, for example, and, but, or so.
  • Collins Dictionary: A word or group of words that links words, phrases, or clauses.

In simple terms, a conjunction is a word that joins parts of a sentence together.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions can be grouped into three main types:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Used to join two independent clauses or ideas of equal importance.
Examples: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet

• • I wanted to play football, but it started raining.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Used to join a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Examples: because, although, since, after, before, if, while, unless, until

• • I stayed home because it was raining.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Work in pairs to connect equal parts of a sentence.
Examples: either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or

• • You can either study now or regret later

Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences

Coordinating Conjunctions:

• • I want to go to the park, but it is too far.
  • Do you want tea or coffee?

Subordinating Conjunctions:

• • He left early because he was tired.
  • We can go out after the rain stops.

Correlative Conjunctions:

• Not only is she intelligent, but she is also kind.
• Either you apologize, or you face the consequences.

Common Conjunctions for Daily Use

Here’s a handy list of conjunctions you can use every day:

How to Use Conjunctions in Sentences

Conjunctions can appear in the beginning, middle, or even at the end of a sentence, depending on what they are connecting.

Examples:

1. Coordinating Conjunction:

• • We wanted to play, but the field was closed.

2. Subordinating Conjunction:

• • Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.

3. Correlative Conjunction:

• • You can have either ice cream or cake for dessert.

Practice Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

1. I want to visit France ______ Italy for my vacation. (and/but/or)

2. We stayed home ______ it was too cold outside. (because/until/if)

3. ______ you work hard, you will not pass the exam. (Unless/Although/But)

4. They enjoy both hiking ______ camping. (or/and/but)

5. The dog barked loudly, ______ the cat remained calm. (but/and/so)

Answers:

1. and

2. because

3. Unless

4. and

5. but

Frequently Asked Questions on Conjunctions

Q1: What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.

Q2: What are the main types of conjunctions?
There are three types:

• • Coordinating Conjunctions: Join two independent ideas (and, but, so).
  • Subordinating Conjunctions: Connect dependent and independent clauses (because, although, until).
  • Correlative Conjunctions: Appear in pairs (either…or, not only…but also).

Q3: Can a sentence have more than one conjunction?
Yes! Example:

• • I wanted to go to the park, but it was raining, so I stayed home.

Q4: How do conjunctions improve sentences?
Conjunctions make sentences smoother by linking ideas, actions, or thoughts.