Study Notes on Conjunctions
Definition:
Conjunctions are words used to connect clauses, sentences, or words in a sentence.
They serve as bridges, helping to link ideas or actions logically and smoothly.
Types of Conjunctions:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
- Function: Join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
- Common Coordinating Conjunctions:
FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
- Examples:
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
- She is smart and hardworking.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Function: Join dependent clauses (subordinate) to independent clauses.
- Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
Although, Because, Since, If, Unless, While, Before, After, Until.
- Examples:
- Although it was late, she continued working.
- She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
3. Correlative Conjunctions:
- Function: Work in pairs to join equal elements in a sentence.
- Common Correlative Conjunctions:
Both...and, Either...or, Neither...nor, Not only...but also, Whether...or.
- Examples:
- Either you can stay, or you can leave.
- She is both intelligent and kind.
Uses of Conjunctions:
- To add information:
- And, Moreover, Besides
- I like apples and oranges.
- To contrast ideas:
- But, However, Although
- She is friendly, but can be quite shy at times.
- To show cause and effect:
- Because, So, Therefore
- He didn’t study, so he failed the test.
- To give alternatives:
- Or, Either...or, Neither...nor
- Do you want tea or coffee?
Key Points to Remember:
- Conjunctions help in avoiding short, choppy sentences by combining thoughts or
actions.
- Coordinating conjunctions join similar elements, while subordinating conjunctions
show relationships of dependency.
- Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs.
Practice Sentences:
1. I can stay home or go to the party.
2. Since it’s raining, we’ll stay indoors.
3. She is neither tired nor hungry.
4. He is strong, yet gentle.
By understanding conjunctions, you can write more complex and fluid sentences,
making your writing clearer and more cohesive.
