Conjunctions are fundamental building blocks of English grammar, enabling us to connect words, phrases, and clauses seamlessly. Without them, our language would be reduced to simple, choppy sentences.
Imagine having to say, “I like tea. I like coffee. I don’t like sugar.”—it sounds disconnected and incomplete. With conjunctions, we can refine that idea into: “I like tea and coffee, but I don’t like sugar.”
In this article, we’ll explore different types of conjunctions, how they function, and provide examples and explanations along the way. Let’s dive in!
What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are essential building blocks of language that help us connect words, phrases, or clauses, creating more complex and fluid sentences.
Imagine trying to communicate without them—you’d be limited to expressing each idea in short, choppy sentences, such as, “I like ice cream. I don’t like cake. I prefer fruit.”
Conjunctions let us combine these thoughts, such as, “I like ice cream, but I don’t like cake, so I prefer fruit.” The flow becomes smoother, and the relationships between the ideas become clearer.
How Do Conjunctions Work?
Conjunctions allow us to link various parts of a sentence, showing the relationship between ideas or actions. These linked elements can be words (nouns, verbs), phrases, or clauses.
For instance, consider the sentence: “Tom went to the store and bought some milk.” Here, the conjunction “and” connects two actions—going to the store and buying milk—showing that both actions are of equal importance.
Types of Conjunctions
There are three primary types of conjunctions, each with its specific role in connecting words or ideas. These are:
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
Let’s explore each type in detail.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions link words, phrases, or clauses that hold equal grammatical weight in a sentence.
The seven main coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. These conjunctions allow you to create sentences where the linked parts are of equal importance.
Examples:
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- The conjunction “but” connects two independent clauses, showing a contrast between wanting to walk and the rain starting.
- You can have pizza or pasta for dinner.
- Here, “or” offers two equally important choices for dinner.
Explanation:
Coordinating conjunctions help us create compound sentences where each part holds equal significance. In the first example, both wanting to walk and the fact that it rained are of equal importance.
In the second example, the person has an equal choice between pizza and pasta.
Key Tip: When two independent clauses are connected by a coordinating conjunction, a comma should be placed before the conjunction, as seen in the first example above.
2. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and work together to link words or phrases that are of equal grammatical rank. Some common correlative conjunction pairs are either/or, neither/nor, both/and, and not only/but also. These conjunctions help in giving your sentence a balanced structure by emphasizing both parts equally.
Examples:
- Either you finish your homework now, or you won’t be allowed to play later.
- The correlative conjunction “either/or” presents two linked but contrasting options.
- Not only is he a talented artist, but he is also an excellent musician.
- The pair “not only/but also” emphasizes both qualities (artist and musician) equally.
Explanation:
Correlative conjunctions are especially useful when you want to compare or contrast two equally important options, as seen in the examples. They create balance within a sentence, ensuring that both linked elements are emphasized equally.
Key Tip: Make sure that the grammatical structure of the two linked elements is parallel. For example, if you are linking two verbs, both parts should contain verbs.
3. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause (a complete thought) with a dependent clause (an incomplete thought).
These conjunctions indicate relationships such as cause and effect, time, contrast, and condition between the two clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, until, and while.
Examples:
- Because it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.
- The conjunction “because” introduces a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses.
- Although she was tired, she stayed up to finish the report.
- “Although” shows a contrast between being tired and staying up late.
Explanation:
Subordinating conjunctions make complex sentences by linking an incomplete thought (dependent clause) with a complete thought (independent clause).
These conjunctions help clarify relationships like cause and effect (“because”) or contrast (“although”).
Key Tip: When a subordinating conjunction starts the sentence (dependent clause comes first), use a comma to separate it from the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.
Punctuating Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions
Correct punctuation is essential when using conjunctions, especially when they link clauses.
- Coordinating Conjunctions: When a coordinating conjunction links two independent clauses, always place a comma before the conjunction.
- Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: When a subordinating conjunction introduces a sentence (dependent clause first), place a comma after the dependent clause.
- Example: Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
However, when the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed:
- Example: We canceled the picnic because it was raining.
Starting a Sentence with a Conjunction
It’s a common myth that you should never start a sentence with a conjunction. In reality, beginning sentences with conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “because” can add emphasis or improve sentence flow.
However, avoid overusing this technique as it can make your writing seem disjointed.
Examples:
- And so, the journey began.
- “And” is used here to emphasize the start of something important.
- But I never gave up, even when things got tough.
- “But” adds emphasis to the speaker’s determination.
Explanation:
While starting a sentence with a conjunction is perfectly acceptable in both informal and creative writing, it’s generally best to avoid it in formal or academic contexts, unless the conjunction serves a specific purpose.
The Importance of Conjunctions in Writing
Conjunctions play a vital role in enhancing clarity, fluidity, and cohesion in writing. Without conjunctions, we would struggle to express relationships between ideas, making our writing choppy and difficult to follow.
Example:
- Without conjunctions: The sun set. We went home. We had dinner.
- With conjunctions: After the sun set, we went home and had dinner.
The second version is not only shorter but also more fluid and natural.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of conjunctions is crucial for creating well-structured, coherent sentences that clearly communicate relationships between ideas.
Whether you’re joining equal elements with coordinating conjunctions, balancing your sentences with correlative conjunctions, or indicating cause, time, or contrast with subordinating conjunctions, conjunctions are key to making your writing polished and professional.
