Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
They play a crucial role in
linking different parts of a sentence together. Conjunctions can be categorized into several types based
on their functions and usage. Here are the main types of conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal
grammatical importance. The common coordinating conjunctions are remembered by the acronym
"FANBOYS":
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Subordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions join subordinate (dependent) clauses to main
(independent) clauses, indicating the relationship between the two clauses. Some common
subordinating conjunctions include:
After
Although
Because
Before
If
Since
Though
Until
When
While
Correlative Conjunctions: These conjunctions work in pairs to link words, phrases, or clauses of equal
weight and importance. Some common correlative conjunctions include:
Either...or
Neither...nor
Both...and
Not only...but also
Whether...or
Conjunctive Adverbs: These adverbs are used to connect independent clauses or to show the
relationship between ideas in separate clauses. Examples of conjunctive adverbs include:
However
Therefore
Furthermore
Consequently
Nevertheless
Additionally
Meanwhile
Nonetheless
These are the main types of conjunctions in English. Each type serves a specific purpose in joining
elements within sentences, clauses, or phrases. Understanding the different types of conjunctions can
help improve the clarity and coherence of writing and communication.
Here are sentences using all the coordinating conjunctions:
I want to go to the beach, for the weather is sunny today.
She likes to read books, and she enjoys writing stories too.
He neither wanted to dance, nor did he want to sing.
They wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining heavily.
You can have pizza or pasta for dinner tonight.
He studied hard, yet he failed the exam.
She was tired, so she decided to take a nap.
These sentences demonstrate the use of all seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) in different
contexts.
Here are sentences using various subordinating conjunctions:
After: After I finish my work, I will go for a walk.
Although: Although it was raining, they decided to have a picnic.
Because: She stayed indoors because it was too cold outside.
Before: Please finish your homework before you watch TV.
If: If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the outdoor event.
Since: Since he left early, he missed the meeting.
Though: Though he studied hard, he couldn't pass the exam.
Until: I will wait here until you come back.
When: She smiled when she saw her old friends.
While: He listened to music while he worked on his project.
These sentences showcase the use of different subordinating conjunctions to connect subordinate
clauses to main clauses, expressing various relationships between ideas in the sentences.
Here are sentences using all correlative conjunctions:
Either...or: You can either go to the movies or stay home and relax.
Neither...nor: Neither the cat nor the dog wanted to go outside in the rain.
Both...and: She is both intelligent and hardworking.
Not only...but also: He is not only a great athlete but also a talented musician.
Whether...or: Whether you like it or not, we have to finish this project by tomorrow.
These sentences demonstrate the use of all correlative conjunctions, each connecting elements in the
sentence with a specific relationship.
Here are sentences using conjunctive adverbs:
However: She studied hard; however, she still failed the exam.
Therefore: The weather forecast predicted rain; therefore, we decided to cancel the outdoor picnic.
Furthermore: The book was well-written; furthermore, it was beautifully illustrated.
Consequently: He missed the train; consequently, he arrived late to the meeting.
Nevertheless: The traffic was terrible; nevertheless, we reached the airport on time.
Additionally: She completed her project early; additionally, she volunteered to help her colleagues.
Meanwhile: He was busy with work; meanwhile, his family enjoyed a vacation.
These sentences illustrate how conjunctive adverbs are used to connect independent clauses or show
the relationship between ideas in separate clauses.
