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CONJUNCTIONS
Definition: A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words,
phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions are considered to be invariable
grammar particle, and they may or may not stand between items they conjoin.
Types of conjunctions:
• Subordinating conjunctions – Also known as subordinators, these
conjunctions join dependent (subordinate clause) clauses to independent
clauses (main). A main clause is a group of words that have a subject and a
verb. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not
give complete meaning. It depends on main clause to give complete
meaning.
• The various subordinating conjunctions are: although, because, before, if,
now, since, once, till, until, where, when, whenever, whether, after, while, no
matter how, provided that, as soon as, even if, than, that, as much as,
unless, who, whom, etc.
For example:
a. Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a
breath of fresh air.
b. When the doorbell rang, my dog Muskin barked loudly.
• Coordinating conjunction – Also known as coordinators, these
conjunctions coordinate or join two or more sentences, main clauses, words,
or other parts of speech which are of the same syntactic importance. It’s a
good idea to use the mnemonic “FANBOYS” to memorize coordinating
conjunctions so you’ll never forget them. They are: F = for A = and N = nor
B = but O = or Y = yet S = so
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• Usage of FANBOYS:
• FOR- It is used to explain ‘why’ in a situation.
• AND- It is used when two similar clauses or points are made.
• NOR- It is used about similar items but in negative sense.
• BUT- It is usually used to show contrast between two clauses.
• OR- It is used to suggest an option or an alternative.
• YET-It is used to show contrast in spite of something.
• SO- It is used to show the consequence or result of something.
For example:
a. You can eat your cake with a spoon or fork.
b. My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails trimmed.
• Correlative conjunction – These conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to
join phrases or words that carry equal importance within a sentence.
For example:
a. She is both intelligent and beautiful.
b. I will either go for a hike or stay home and watch TV.
• Conjunctive adverbs – While some instructors do not teach conjunctive
adverbs alongside conjunctions, these important parts of speech are worth a
mention here. These adverbs always connect one clause to another, and are
used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships.
For example:
a. She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to
buy.
b. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
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Rules for conjunctions in English Grammar:
1. The conjunction so/as and as/ as is used to make a comparison. But, so/as is
used in negative sentences whereas as/as can be used for both negative and
affirmative sentences.
For example:
• As you behave so you have to bear.
• She is not as beautiful as you/ she is as beautiful as you.
2. The conjunction both is always followed by the conjunction and.
For example:
• Both Rajat and Meera went for shopping
• She is both pretty and intelligent.
3. Lest is a negative word and is always followed either by should or first form
of the verb. Remember, the words (not, no, never) cannot be used with lest.
For example:
• Dance carefully lest she should fall.
• Dance carefully lest she falls.
4. The conjunction though/although is always followed by a comma (,) or yet.
For example:
• Though She put in a lot of effort, she didn’t crack the exam.
• Although the diamonds are costly yet people buy them because it adds to
status.
5. Unless and Until is negative words. Unless is action-oriented while until is
time-oriented. Remember, do not use the words (never, not, no) with the clause
containing until and unless words.
For example:
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• The father asked his daughter to wait until he returned.
• Unless the employee works hard, the company will not progress.
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6. Always use the correct pair of conjunctions. Like not only with but also and
more.
Hardly__ when or before
No sooner__than
Barely__when or before
Scarcely__when or before
For example:
• No sooner had he finished his speech than the audience applauded.
• The thief not only stole jewels but also took away the gizmos.
7. The conjunction doubt/doubtful is followed by that in negative or
interrogative sentences whereas in affirmative sentences these are followed
by if or whether.
For example:
• He doubts if he can come to drop you.
• I don’t doubt that he is hard-working.
• She is doubtful whether she will attend the party.
8. The conjunction from is followed by to and between is followed by and.
For example:
• It is difficult to choose between gold and silver
• He keeps playing the guitar from morning to evening
9. When more than two persons or things are involved, then (none of/ one of) is
used instead of (neither/either)
For example:
• One of the employees complained about the manager.
• None of the employees complained regarding the theft.
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10.The conjunction Rather/Other are followed by than.
For example:
• You have no other option than to go back to school.
• He would rather give a car than a necklace
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