Parts of Speech – CONJUNCTION
A conjunction in English grammar is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses to form more complex and meaningful sentences. Conjunctions are used to show the relationship between different elements in a sentence. There are two main categories of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym “FANBOYS,” which stands for:
- For:Used to indicate a reason or purpose.
Example :
He went to the store, for he needed some groceries. - And:Used to add information or join similar ideas.
Example :
She likes to read books, and she also enjoys watching movies. - Nor:Used to indicate a negative alternative.
Example :
Neither John nor Mary could attend the meeting. - But:Used to express contrast or opposition.
Example :
I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much work to do - Or:Used to present alternatives.
Example :
You can have tea or coffee for breakfast. - Yet:Used to show contradiction or surprise.
Example :
He is tired, yet he won’t take a break. - So:Used to indicate a result or consequence.
Example :
The weather is bad, so we decided to stay home.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions are used to join an independent clause (a complete thought) with a dependent clause (an incomplete thought). They introduce adverbial clauses and show a relationship between the clauses.
Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
- Because:Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
Example :
I couldn’t go to the party because I was feeling ill. - Although:Indicates a contrast or concession.
Example :
Although it was raining, they went for a walk. - If:Introduce a condition or a hypothetical situation
Example :
If you study hard, you’ll do well on the test. - When:Introduce a time-related condition or situation. It connects a dependent clause (describing a specific time) to an independent clause
Example :
I’ll call you when I get home. - Since:Indicates a time relationship or cause and effect.
Example :
Since it’s a holiday, the office is closed. - While:Indicates a simultaneous action or contrast.
Example :
I read a book while waiting for my appointment.
Adverbs like “until,” “after,” or “before” can also function as subordinating conjunctions.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join sentence elements.
Some examples of correlative conjunctions are:
- Either/Or:Used to present two alternatives.
Example :
You can either go to the movies tonight or stay home and watch a movie. - Neither/Nor:Used to indicate that both alternatives are not true.
Example :
Neither John nor Mary wanted to attend the meeting. - Not Only/But Also:Used to present two related ideas.
Example :
The book is not only informative but also highly engaging.