What is the similarity between English conjunctions and a bridge? Well, they are both connectors. A bridge connects one place to another while conjunctions connect one word, phrase, or clause to another.
But, what is it really?
Without conjunctions, our statements will just be plain, simple, and boring, and you have no choice but to chunk your complex idea one by one.
Conjunctions are the words that help us see the importance of the various other words in the sentence. It allows us to make our complex and sophisticated ideas without chopping it off to multiple pieces.
So, to start this bridging, connecting, and building, let us all learn the different English conjunctions and its types.
Types of conjunctions
The three types of conjunctions are coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions which serve a unique purpose.
Subordinating conjunctions
The subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause and a dependent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions are although, as, because, though, while, and whereas.
In addition, subordinating conjunctions can indicate a contrast, a cause-and-effect relationship, and other relationship between the two clauses.
Although
This is a conjunction that is used to show contrast.
They are good siblings, although they don’t see each other eye to eye sometimes.
Although we are a free country, we still have limitations and boundaries to keep.
She insisted that to us that she went to the party, although we never ever saw her there.
As
This type of subordinating conjunction is used to show the comparison of the way some things are done.
As I came at there house she was about to leave.
As you couldn’t see the play, we’ll tell you something about it.
For a few minutes they held on to each other, kissing as if they hadn’t seen each other in a week.
Because
This conjunction is used to express reason or opinion.
The employee is absent today because of her sickness.
I have to stand up for the cause because it is the right thing to do.
The chef was furious to his staff because they left the gas stove open overnight.
Though
The conjunction “though” expresses contrast.
She looked at them as though they had betrayed her.
I guess he’d been drinking, though I wasn’t completely sure of that.
Though she was no more than twenty-two, she was already a highly successful businesswoman.
While
This is a type of correlative conjunction that implicates contrast.
The phone rang while I was watching TV.
He prefers chocolate cake, while his sister prefers apple custard pie.
While waiting for the food to arrive, the family were happy to sit and talk in the relaxing surroundings.
Whereas
This is similar to though, it shows contrast as well.
You treat the problem lightly, whereas I myself was feeling awful and dreadful.
The husband loves Christmas holiday, whereas his wife loves Valentine’s day evenmore.
Whereas most new personal computers like laptops have several USB slots, older ones often only had one.
Correlative/Correlating Conjunction
A correlative or correlating conjunction uses paired conjunctions to link two ideas or clauses. Furthermore, this is one of the English conjunctions that are often confused because of the similarity with coordinating conjunctions. This is because they join sentence elements that are similar in importance.
This type of conjunction usually joins the words, not the sentences. It connects the words of equal importance in a sentence.
The following are some examples of correlative conjunctions:
Both, and
These are applicable to two elements that we want to put emphasis with.
Both Louis and John made the varsity team this year.
They are decided, both basketball and volleyball teams, to conduct there camp next school year.
Neither, nor
This is a correlative conjunction that expresses negation between two choices or options.
They are neither interested nor ecstatic about the finals’ results tomorrow.
Neither Germany nor Portugal got to the quarter finals this year.
Either, or
The either…or conjunctions are being involved whenever there are two options to choose from.
Either we can go to the movie or we can eat dinner at the fancy restaurant, your call.
You can either buy a new car this year or you can go on a holiday.
Not only, but also
These English conjunctions are used to emphasize an additional element in the sentence, especially when its occurrence seems contradictory to the prior knowledge.
This investigation is not only one that is continuing and worldwide but also one that we expect to continue for quite some time.
Not only was it raining all day at the wedding but also the band was late.
Not, but
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are the most popular category of conjunctions. Simply put, they bring ideas together. They can join words, phrases, and clauses.
These words tend to be small, including words like “and,” “so,” “for,” and “but.” However, they serve a very large function.
There are seven English conjunctions belong to coordinating conjunctions. The acronym “FANBOYS” helps us remember the following coordinating conjunctions.
For
This conjunction “for” is used to explain reason or purpose.
She wraps the big box with glitters, this is for the wedding presents.
We go to the mall every Sunday, for we want to have an occasional Sunday family gathering.
And
This is one of the English conjunctions that is utilized to connect the same ideas, thoughts, and etc. It also adds one thing to another.
He is a good writer, and he is also a good cello player.
I like to read, and I write faithfully in my journal every night.
Nor
The conjunction nor is used to present add further negative idea to a former stated negative idea.
He neither enjoyed nor bored himself today.
I neither love nor hate to watch TV.
But
This is an English conjunction that shows contrast.
I love you but I am still not ready.
Television is a wonderful escape, but it interferes with my writing.
Or
The conjunction “or” presents an alternative or a choice.
We could either go skiing or drink a hot chocolate drink tomorrow.
Would you rather read a book or watch a good TV show?
Yet
It is used to introduce a contrasting idea that follows the preceding idea logically. Yet has a similar function with but.
It is already summer season, yet we are not ready for some vacation.
I always take a book to the park, yet I never seem to turn a single page.
So
This is to indicate effect, result or consequence.
She is at the right age so she is now ready to live alone.
I like to read, so my grammar is always on-point.
How to punctuate English conjunctions?
In punctuating English conjunctions, there are certain rules to follow:
- When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, a comma is used before the coordinating conjunction (unless the two independent clauses are very short).
Example:
She is a woman who believes that every person deserves second chances, and she is also an advocate of freedom of speech and equality.
- A comma is not necessary if is after a non-essential elements.
Example:
Incorrect: The governor of our province is a resilient person but he, is now showing some fragile behaviors.
Correct: The governor of our province is a resilient person, but he is now showing some fragile behaviors.
- A semicolon (;) is being replaced in place of a comma if an independent clause in a compound sentence contains a comma to set off introductory or non-essential elements before a coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: The earnings at different elite universities, particularly, are enough to cause sticker shock, yet the current increases at many schools are the lowest in many years.
Correct: The earnings at different elite universities, particularly, are enough to cause sticker shock; yet the current increases at many schools are the lowest in many years.
When you should not punctuate conjunctions
- A comma is not necessary if the conjunction is at the beginning of a sentence.
Examples:
But instead, he continued his undying support to the activists.
Yet leaving aside all these chance associations, the rain might be a blessing indeed.
- Coordinating conjunctions with two verbs, two subjects, two complements, or two objects, comma is not necessary to be present there.
Incorrect: She likes bread, or pancakes for breakfast.
Correct: She likes bread or pancakes for breakfast.
Incorrect: I want sugar, and milk and bread in the morning.
Correct: I want sugar and milk and bread in the morning.
English conjunctions are beyond helpful in developing your learning about the English language. It will be useful in your writing and speaking skills. Imagine if you master all of these English conjunctions. you have endless and wonderful possibilities of word building and sentence constructions. So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe to us and be a master of the English language.
Do you know more about English conjunctions? Let us know, drop your comments below.
For more exciting blogs: Present Continuous Tense and Everything There is to Learn
Conjunctive Adverbs and its Rules We Should Know
Common Preposition Mistakes you Need to Correct!