Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses.
They're essential for creating
more complex and interesting sentences. Here's a breakdown of their uses, along with
examples:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): These connect elements of equal grammatical
rank. Think of the acronym FANBOYS:
● For: Indicates a reason. I went to the store, for I needed milk.
● And: Adds something. She sings and dances.
● Nor: Connects negative alternatives. He doesn't like coffee, nor does he like tea.
● But: Shows contrast or exception. He's tall, but he's not very strong.
● Or: Presents alternatives. Do you want coffee or tea?
● Yet: Similar to "but," showing contrast. She studied hard, yet she failed the test.
● So: Shows a cause-and-effect relationship. I was tired, so I went to bed early.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions: These introduce a dependent clause (a clause that cannot
stand alone as a sentence) and connect it to an independent clause (a clause that can stand
alone). They show relationships like time, cause, condition, or contrast. Some common ones
include:
● Time: after, before, when, while, since, until, as soon as, whenever I will call you when I
arrive.
● Cause/Reason: because, since, as I couldn't go because I was sick.
● Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as You can go if you finish your homework.
● Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas Although it was raining,
we went for a walk.
● Place: where, wherever I went where the music was playing.
3. Correlative Conjunctions: These come in pairs and connect elements of equal grammatical
rank.
● both/and: Both my brother and my sister are doctors.
● either/or: You can have either the red one or the blue one.
● neither/nor: Neither the cat nor the dog was hungry.
● not only/but also: She is not only intelligent but also very kind.
● whether/or: I don't know whether or not he will come.
Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences:
● The dog barked and wagged its tail. (Coordinating)
● Although it was late, they continued working. (Subordinating)
● Both the book and the movie were excellent. (Correlative)
● She went to the store because she needed groceries. (Subordinating)
● He is a talented musician, yet he struggles to find work. (Coordinating)
Key Points to Remember:
● Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses.
● Different types of conjunctions have different functions.
● Using conjunctions correctly makes your writing more sophisticated and easier to
understand.
