Conjunctions are essential components of the English language, playing a pivotal role in connecting words, phrases, and clauses to create coherent and meaningful sentences.
Table of contents
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, establishing relationships between different parts of a sentence. Conjunctions enable the smooth flow of ideas, making communication clearer and more efficient.
Key Functions of Conjunctions:
- Connecting Words: Link individual words of the same part of speech.
- Connecting Phrases: Join groups of words functioning as a single unit.
- Connecting Clauses: Bind independent or dependent clauses to form complex sentences.
- Connecting Sentences: Combine separate sentences to create compound or complex structures.
Examples:
- She likes tea and coffee.
- He arrived before the meeting started.
- I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
- It was raining. Therefore, we stayed indoors.
Types of Conjunctions
Conjunctions can be categorized based on their function and the relationship they establish between the connected elements. The primary types include:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.
Common Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS):
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
Usage Rules:
- Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.
- Do not use a comma when connecting single words or phrases.
Examples:
- She bought apples and oranges.
- He worked hard, and he succeeded.
- I wanted to attend the concert, but I couldn’t get tickets.
- It was late, so we decided to go home.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause, establishing a relationship of dependence.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Time: after, before, when, while, since, until
- Cause/Effect: because, since, as
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
- Contrast: although, though, even though, whereas
- Purpose: so that
Usage Rules:
- The dependent clause can precede or follow the independent clause.
- When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma after it.
Examples:
- After she finished her homework, she went out to play.
- He stayed home because he was feeling sick.
- If it rains, the picnic will be canceled.
- Although it was raining, they continued hiking.
- She whispered so that no one could hear her.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join equal grammatical elements.
Common Correlative Conjunctions:
- either…or
- neither…nor
- both…and
- not only…but also
- whether…or
- just as…so
Usage Rules:
- Ensure parallel structure: the elements joined by correlative conjunctions should be grammatically similar.
- Place the correlative conjunctions before the elements they connect.
Examples:
- Either you can come with us, or you can stay home.
- Neither the manager nor the employees were available.
- Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the event.
- She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
- Whether it rains or shines, the event will proceed.
- Just as he arrived, so did she.
4. Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs act as conjunctions to connect independent clauses, often indicating a relationship such as cause and effect, contrast, or sequence.
Common Conjunctive Adverbs:
- however
- therefore
- moreover
- consequently
- nevertheless
- furthermore
- thus
- meanwhile
- hence
- similarly
Usage Rules:
- Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it when connecting two independent clauses.
- Alternatively, start a new sentence with the conjunctive adverb followed by a comma.
Examples:
- She didn’t see the sign; therefore, she missed the turn.
- It was raining; however, they went for a walk.
- He studied hard; consequently, he passed the exam.
- The project was challenging; nevertheless, they completed it on time.
Rules for Using Conjunctions
Understanding the rules governing the use of conjunctions ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing and speech.
1. Maintain Parallel Structure
When using conjunctions to join elements, ensure that the connected elements are grammatically parallel.
Correct:
- She likes reading, writing, and painting.
Incorrect:
- She likes to read, writing, and painting.
2. Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
When connecting two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, place a comma before the conjunction.
Correct:
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.
Incorrect:
- I wanted to go for a walk but it started to rain.
3. Avoid Comma Splices with Conjunctive Adverbs
When using conjunctive adverbs to connect independent clauses, use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Correct:
- She was tired; therefore, she went to bed early.
Incorrect:
- She was tired, therefore she went to bed early.
4. Choose the Appropriate Conjunction for the Relationship
Select conjunctions that accurately reflect the relationship you intend to convey, such as cause, contrast, condition, or addition.
Examples:
- Cause: because, since
- Contrast: although, whereas
- Condition: if, unless
- Addition: and, moreover
5. Use Correlative Conjunctions in Pairs
When using correlative conjunctions, ensure that both parts of the pair are present and correctly positioned.
Correct:
- Either you can join us, or you can stay home.
Incorrect:
- Either you can join us, stay home.
6. Avoid Overusing Conjunctions
While conjunctions are useful for connecting ideas, overusing them can lead to run-on sentences or convoluted structures. Use them judiciously to maintain clarity.
Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
Even with a solid understanding of conjunctions, common errors can occur. Being aware of these pitfalls helps in avoiding them.
1. Comma Splices
Using a comma to join two independent clauses without an appropriate conjunction.
Mistake:
- She loves to dance, she goes to classes every week.
Correction:
- She loves to dance, and she goes to classes every week.
- She loves to dance; she goes to classes every week.
2. Incorrect Conjunction Choice
Selecting a conjunction that does not accurately represent the intended relationship.
Mistake:
- I went to the store because I wanted to buy milk, but I forgot my wallet.
Correction:
- I went to the store because I wanted to buy milk, but I forgot my wallet. (This sentence is correct; an example of incorrect choice:)
- I went to the store and I wanted to buy milk, but I forgot my wallet. (Here, “and” doesn’t show the causal relationship.)
3. Fragmented Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
Starting a sentence with a subordinating conjunction but not completing the sentence with an independent clause.
Mistake:
- Although she was tired.
Correction:
- Although she was tired, she continued working.
4. Misusing Correlative Conjunctions
Not maintaining parallel structure or omitting one part of the pair.
Mistake:
- She is not only talented but also hardworking.
Correction:
- She is not only talented but also hardworking.
5. Overusing Conjunctive Adverbs
Relying too heavily on conjunctive adverbs can make writing seem stiff or overly formal.
Example of Overuse:
- She was late; therefore, she missed the meeting. Moreover, she didn’t apologize. Consequently, her boss was upset.
Balanced Approach:
- She was late and missed the meeting, which upset her boss.
Exercises to Practice Conjunctions
1. Fill in the Blanks
Choose the appropriate conjunction to complete each sentence.
a) She wanted to go for a walk, ___ it was raining.
- but
- because
- and
Answer: but
b) You can have tea ___ coffee.
- or
- and
- nor
Answer: or
c) He didn’t study, ___ he failed the exam.
- so
- and
- yet
Answer: so
d) ___ she was tired, she finished her work.
- Although
- Therefore
- However
Answer: Although
e) She is not only intelligent ___ also very creative.
- but
- or
- nor
Answer: but
2. Identify the Conjunctions
Underline the conjunctions in the following sentences and identify their type.
a) I would like to travel to Japan and Korea.
- and (Coordinating)
b) Because it was late, we decided to go home.
- Because (Subordinating)
c) She is either going to the party or staying home.
- either…or (Correlative)
d) He didn’t study; therefore, he failed the test.
- therefore (Conjunctive Adverb)
e) You can come with us, but you have to hurry.
- but (Coordinating)
3. Correct the Errors
Rewrite the following sentences, correcting any conjunction errors.
a) She enjoys reading, she doesn’t like writing.
Correction:
- She enjoys reading, but she doesn’t like writing.
- She enjoys reading; she doesn’t like writing.
b) I will go to the store because I need milk, and bread.
Correction:
- I will go to the store because I need milk and bread.
c) Although he was tired, but he continued working.
Correction:
- Remove either “although” or “but”:
- Although he was tired, he continued working.
- He was tired, but he continued working.
d) She likes both cats or dogs.
Correction:
- She likes both cats and dogs.
e) If you study hard, you will pass the exam therefore.
Correction:
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam, therefore.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
4. Combine the Sentences
Use an appropriate conjunction to combine the following pairs of sentences.
a) It was raining. We went for a walk.
Possible Answers:
- But: It was raining, but we went for a walk.
- Although: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
b) She didn’t see the sign. She missed the turn.
Possible Answers:
- She didn’t see the sign, so she missed the turn.
- She missed the turn because she didn’t see the sign.
c) He is smart. He doesn’t study.
Possible Answers:
- He is smart, yet he doesn’t study.
- He is smart but he doesn’t study.
d) They can watch a movie. They can go out for dinner.
Possible Answer:
- They can watch a movie or they can go out for dinner.
e) The project was difficult. They completed it on time.
Possible Answer:
- Although the project was difficult, they completed it on time.
- The project was difficult, but they completed it on time.