Conjunctions are the words that join together sentences and words. There are following types of conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions join together nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, clauses, and propositional phrases. These conjunctions are – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. In short, they are called FANBOYS.
- Mary wanted to perform tonight, but her health did not permit her. (joining two independent clauses)
- Samuel went to Paris to visit the tourist places and to write his thesis. (joining two “to verb” phrases.
Subordinating Conjunctions: These conjunctions join a clause to another to communicate the full meaning of the sentence. They may provide a necessary transition between the two ideas in two clauses in the sentence. This transition can indicate time, place or cause and effect relationship.
- The teacher will announce the date of assessment once all the students submit their projects.
- John watched his favorite TV show after he finished his project.
- Since Amy was getting late for the concert, she asked her friends to meet her directly at the venue.
They may also reduce the importance of one clause to make the more important idea of the two obvious. The more important idea lies in the main clause, while the less important idea lies in the clause followed by the subordinating conjunction.
- Although the day is pleasant, it does not look apt for picnic.
- As he saw his father approaching, Joe hung up the phone.
Correlative Conjunctions: Some conjunctions are used in pairs. They connect two equal grammatical entities. These conjunctions are Either…Or, Neither…Nor, Not Only…But Also. Both…And, etc. Always make sure that the entities following the two conjunctions must be grammatically and logically parallel to each other.
- Amy not only baked cake but also cooked sumptuous meal.
Entities parallel – Verb phrases = “baked cake” and “cooked sumptuous meal”.
- The teacher does not care whether you stay or go.
Entities parallel – Verbs = “stay” and “go”.
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