Conjunctions and Types of Conjunctions | Definitions and Examples

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Conjunctions

Have you ever heard about Traffic Directors in the English Language? These are conjunctions, which help phrases, words, and sentences to come together. Let’s explore Conjunctions, types of Conjunctions, and their uses.

Definition:

Conjunctions are defined as words that act as linking bridges and connect other words, clauses, or phrases in a sentence. There are three types of conjunctions.

Types of Conjunctions:

There are three types of conjunctions, based on the type of the words phrases, or sentences it connects.

Coordinating Conjunctions:

These conjunctions join words, clauses, or phrases which are of equal importance in a sentence. Common coordinating conjunctions are mentioned below:

Use of Coordinating Conjunctions in Sentences:

I planned to go to the office, but my group members preferred doing work from home today.
He is neither unerweight nor overweight; he’s perfectly smart and healthy .
You can have either Spaghetti or Pasta for dinner.

Subordinating Conjunctions:

This type of conjunction connects independent clauses with dependent clauses . As you know independent clauses are complete sentences. Dependent clauses are incomplete sentences and depend on “Dependent Clauses.” Subordinating Conjunctions indicate relationships between the clauses. For example they indicate relationships like cause and effect, condition, time or contrast.

After
Although
Before
So that
Once
As
Because
If
Though
Even if
Even though
In order that
Since
Though
Until
Where
Than
Unless
When
While

Use of Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences:

Because it is hailing outside, we decided to work from home.
Although she worked hard, she didn’t achieved her goals in first attempt.
Before we go to the university, let’s complete our pending assignments.

Correlative Conjunctions:

These conjunctions connect similar word groups, working in pairs within a sentence. Common correlative conjunctions are below:

Whether / Or
Both / And
Not only / But also
As/ As
Neither / Nor
Either / Or
Just / So
The more/ The more
No sooner / Than
Rather / Than

Use of Correlative Conjunctions in Sentences:

Both my mother and I likes cooking.
Either we go to university tomorrow or we complete our project staying at home.
“Neither Avens nor Ella could reach the event at time.

Conjunctions may merely seems as small words, but they play an important role in connecting ideas. They enhance the flow of sentences, holding language together. Here are uses of conjunctions.

Types of Conjunctions with Definitions and Example

Uses of Conjunctions:

Join Phrases or Words:

The most important function of conjunction is to connect words or phrases in a sentence. For example:

I like coffee and cakes.
He is both hardworking and intelligent.
Lisa went to the market but forgot his bag.

Combining Sentences:

Conjunctions connect two or more sentences in a single, cohesive sentence. Examples are:

He wanted to come in the event, but she had a lot of pending tasks.
He is extremely tired, so he is going to home early.
She like to play hockey, yet she’s never been on a team.

Expressing Alternatives or Choices:

Conjunctions present choices or options in a sentence. For example:

You can have cake or custard after dinner.
We can decide beach or restaurant for tomorrow’s plan.
She can go home now or later.”

Showing Cause and Effect:

These represent cause and effect relationships between ideas. Examples are:

He worked hard, so he succeed.
Aisa missed the bus, therefore she was late for office.
I missed lunch, thus I’m starving now.”

Introducing Conditions:

Conjunctions help introducing conditions or clauses in sentences. For example:

If it rains, then you’ll stay in room.
Unless you finish your homework, you can’t go to picnic.
Even if it’s cold, we’ll still go to event tonight.

Types of Conjunctions	Definition	Examples
Coordinating Conjunctions:	These conjunctions join words, clauses or phrases which are of equal importance in a sentence.	For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet
Subordinating Conjunctions:	This type of conjunction connects independent clauses with dependent clauses	Once, As, Because, If, Though, Even if, Even though, In order that, Since, Though, , After, Although, Before, So that, Until, Where, Than, Unless, When, While
Correlative Conjunctions	These conjunctions connect similar word groups, working in pairs within a sentence. Common correlative conjunctions are below:	Whether / Or, Both / And, Not only, But also, As/ As, Neither / Nor, Either / Or, Just / So, The more/ The more, No sooner / Than, Rather / Than