Conjunctions are essential components of English grammar, connecting words, phrases, or clauses to create more complex and detailed sentences. They help to clarify the relationship between different parts of a sentence and ensure smooth, cohesive communication. In this chapter, we will take a look into the types of conjunction, along with numerous examples to illustrate their usage.
Types of Conjunctions
- Coordinating Conjunctions: Connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
- Correlative Conjunctions: Work in pairs to connect equal elements in a sentence.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. They are often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
For
Definition: “For” is used to explain the reason or purpose of an action. It often introduces a cause or reason in a sentence, providing an explanation for the preceding clause.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She is going to bed early, for she is very tired. |
| – He can’t attend the meeting, for he is unwell. |
| – They decided to stay indoors, for it was raining. |
| – She brought an umbrella, for it looked like rain. |
| – I need to study hard, for the exam is tomorrow. |
And
Definition: “And” is used to add information or connect similar ideas. It combines elements of equal importance, such as words, phrases, or clauses.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She likes apples, and she likes oranges. |
| – He went to the store, and he bought some bread. |
| – They went to the park, and they played soccer. |
| – She is smart, and she is kind. |
| – We are going to the museum, and we are visiting the zoo. |
Nor
Definition: “Nor” is used to add negative information to a sentence. It is often used in negative sentences where it introduces an additional negative statement.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She doesn’t drink coffee, nor does she like tea. |
| – He didn’t see the movie, nor did he read the book. |
| – They don’t like pizza, nor do they like burgers. |
| – She didn’t call, nor did she send a message. |
| – He can’t swim, nor can he ride a bike. |
But
Definition: “But” is used to show contrast between two ideas. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or contradicts the previous one.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She is friendly, but her brother is shy. |
| – He wanted to go, but he had to work late. |
| – They were tired, but they kept walking. |
| – She is small, but she is strong. |
| – He tried hard, but he couldn’t finish the task. |
Or
Definition: “Or” is used to present choices or alternatives. It introduces different options or possibilities in a sentence.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – You can have tea, or you can have coffee. |
| – Do you want to go to the park, or stay home? |
| – We can eat out, or we can cook at home. |
| – Should I call you, or will you call me? |
| – You can read a book, or watch a movie. |
Yet
Definition: “Yet” is used to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome. It often shows that something surprising or contrary to expectations happens.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – It was cold, yet he went swimming. |
| – She is young, yet she is very wise. |
| – He is rich, yet he is not happy. |
| – She was tired, yet she finished her work. |
| – They are friendly, yet they are very private. |
So
Definition: “So” is used to show a result or effect. It introduces the consequence or outcome of the preceding clause.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – He was tired, so he went to bed early. |
| – She missed the bus, so she was late for work. |
| – They were hungry, so they ordered pizza. |
| – It was raining, so they stayed indoors. |
| – She studied hard, so she passed the exam. |
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship such as cause and effect, contrast, or time.
After
Definition: “After” is used to indicate that one event follows another in time. It introduces a clause that describes an action happening later than the action in the main clause.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – We went home after the movie ended. |
| – She took a shower after she finished exercising. |
| – He went to bed after he finished his homework. |
| – They left the party after midnight. |
| – She felt better after taking the medicine. |
Although
Definition: “Although” is used to introduce a contrasting idea or to show a difference between two statements. It often introduces a clause that makes the main clause surprising or unexpected.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – Although it was raining, we went for a walk. |
| – Although he was tired, he kept working. |
| – Although she is rich, she is not happy. |
| – Although they are friends, they often argue. |
| – Although it was late, he didn’t feel sleepy. |
Because
Definition: “Because” is used to show reason or cause. It introduces a clause that explains why something happens or is true.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She was happy because she got a promotion. |
| – He missed the bus because he woke up late. |
| – They stayed home because it was raining. |
| – She didn’t go out because she was sick. |
| – He apologized because he made a mistake. |
Before
Definition: “Before” is used to indicate that one event happens earlier than another. It introduces a clause that describes an action happening prior to the action in the main clause.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She studied before the exam. |
| – We should finish the work before the deadline. |
| – He left before we arrived. |
| – She called me before she left. |
| – They cleaned the house before the guests arrived. |
If
Definition: “If” is used to introduce a conditional clause. It describes a situation that must happen before another action can occur.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – If you study hard, you will pass the exam. |
| – If it rains, we will cancel the picnic. |
| – If you need help, just ask. |
| – If you hurry, you can catch the bus. |
| – If she calls, tell her I’m not home. |
Since
Definition: “Since” is used to indicate a starting point in time or to show reason. It introduces a clause that explains when something started or why something is true.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – Since we moved here, we’ve made many friends. |
| – Since it was late, we decided to go home. |
| – Since she left, things have been different. |
| – Since I met you, I’ve been very happy. |
| – Since he got the job, he has been very busy. |
Though
Definition: “Though” is used to introduce a contrast or exception. It often introduces a clause that makes the main clause seem surprising or unexpected.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – Though it was expensive, he bought the car. |
| – Though she was scared, she faced her fears. |
| – Though he was busy, he helped me with my project. |
| – Though it was cold, they went for a walk. |
| – Though he didn’t like it, he did it anyway. |
Unless (continued)
Definition: “Unless” is used to introduce an exception or condition. It describes a situation that must be met for another action or statement to be true. It is often used to indicate that something will happen only if a certain condition is not met.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – You can’t go out unless you finish your homework. |
| – Unless it stops raining, we can’t play outside. |
| – Unless she apologizes, he won’t talk to her. |
| – The store won’t open unless the manager arrives. |
| – You won’t succeed unless you work hard. |
While
Definition: “While” is used to indicate that two events are happening at the same time. It can also show contrast between two statements or actions.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She read a book while waiting for the bus. |
| – He listened to music while doing his homework. |
| – While it was raining, they stayed inside. |
| – While he is very talented, he is also very humble. |
| – She cooked dinner while talking on the phone. |
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join equal elements in a sentence. They are used to show the relationship between the paired elements.
Both…and
Definition: “Both…and” is used to connect two positive statements. It emphasizes that two things are true or happening simultaneously.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – She is both smart and beautiful. |
| – Both the teacher and the students were happy. |
| – He is both a writer and a musician. |
| – The car is both fast and efficient. |
| – They are both going to the party and bringing gifts. |
Either…or
Definition: “Either…or” is used to present two choices or alternatives. It indicates that only one of the options can be true or happen.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – You can either come with us or stay home. |
| – Either he will call or he will send a message. |
| – She wants to either go to the park or go shopping. |
| – Either you apologize or leave. |
| – We can either watch a movie or play a game. |
Neither…nor
Definition: “Neither…nor” is used to connect two negative statements. It emphasizes that neither of the options is true or happening.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – Neither the dog nor the cat likes water. |
| – She is neither tall nor short. |
| – They want neither tea nor coffee. |
| – He is neither happy nor sad. |
| – Neither you nor I will go to the party. |
Not only…but also
Definition: “Not only…but also” is used to add emphasis to two statements. It highlights that both statements are true or happening, often with a sense of surprise or importance.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – He is not only a good student but also a great athlete. |
| – She not only sings but also dances. |
| – The movie was not only exciting but also educational. |
| – They are not only friends but also business partners. |
| – He not only finished the task but also did it perfectly. |
Whether…or
Definition: “Whether…or” is used to present two alternatives or options. It indicates that either of the options can be true or happen.
| Example Sentences |
|---|
| – Whether you like it or not, we have to leave. |
| – He doesn’t know whether to stay or go. |
| – Whether she comes or not, we will start the meeting. |
| – I can’t decide whether to buy the red shirt or the blue one. |
| – Whether it’s raining or sunny, we will go hiking. |
Conclusion
Conjunctions are crucial for creating complex and compound sentences that convey clear and detailed information. By understanding and using conjunctions correctly, you can enhance your writing and communication skills. This guide provides a comprehensive list of conjunctions and their examples, helping you master their usage in everyday language. Keep practicing and referring back to these examples to improve your grasp of conjunctions.