Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, and clauses together. There are three main types of conjunctions:
- Coordinating conjunctions.
- Subordinating conjunctions
- Correlative conjunctions.
01. Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses that are of equal grammatical importance.
FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Others: also, besides, hence, however, indeed, likewise, moreover, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, still, therefore, thus
- I went to the store and bought some groceries.
- I like cats and dogs.
- I am going to the store, but I don't have any money.
- I like to read, however, I don't have much time.
02. Subordinating Conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
after, although, as, as if, as long as, as soon as, because, before, even though, if, in order that, since, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, while
- I went to the store after I finished work.
- I will go to the store if I have time.
- I like to read even though I don't have much time.
03. Correlative Conjunctions:
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to join two similar ideas.
both ... and
either ... or
neither ... nor
not only ... but also
whether ... or
- Both my parents and my siblings are coming to the party.
- Either you go to the store or I will.
- Neither my parents nor my siblings are coming to the party.
It is important to use conjunctions correctly. If you use the wrong conjunction, it can change the meaning of your sentence. For example, the sentence "I like chocolate and ice cream" means something different than the sentence "I like chocolate for ice cream."
By using conjunctions correctly, you can create sentences that are easy to understand and that flow smoothly.
Here are some tips for using conjunctions effectively:
- Use coordinating conjunctions to join words, phrases, and clauses of equal grammatical importance.
- Use subordinating conjunctions to join dependent clauses to independent clauses.
- Use correlative conjunctions in pairs to join two similar ideas.
- Make sure that you use the correct conjunction for the context of your sentence.
- Avoid using too many conjunctions in a row, as this can make your writing sound choppy.