Conjunctions — Types, Grammar, and Examples
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech that joins groups of words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Conjunctions allow writers and speakers to form complex sentences, which helps to avoid the choppiness created by the repetition of multiple short, simple sentences.
Different types of conjunctions
There are three kinds of conjunctions in the English language, each with a different function within a sentence:
Coordinating
Subordinating
Correlative
Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions act as connectors between two or more independent clauses, phrases, or words in a sentence that share equal importance.
The seven coordinating conjunctions that create the acronym FANBOYS include the following:
For: Indicates reason
And: Highlights agreement
Nor: Denotes negative agreement
But: Presents an opposing idea
Or: Provides alternate options
Yet: Shows contrasting ideas
So: Signifies a result or effect
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses to dependent clauses (subordinate clauses). The order of the clauses does not impact the conjunction.
There are seven main categories of subordinating conjunctions that describe the connection between the independent and dependent clauses:
Comparison: Connects the clauses by comparison
Concession: Concedes a point between the clauses
Condition: Identifies rules for the clauses
Manner: Determines how an action takes place
Place: Determines when an action takes place
Reason: Defines why an action is performed
Time: Establish when the action takes place
Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions include pairs of words that connect different parts of a sentence.
The most common pairs of correlative conjunctions include the following:
Both/and: Links two equal items
Either/or: Joins two positive statements
Neither/nor: Joins two negative statements
Not only/but also: Stresses a connection between two items
Whether/or: Indicates two possible actions
Conjunction grammar
The following grammatical rules apply to the use of conjunctions:
Coordinating
Independent Clauses: Place a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.
Words: Do not use a comma before a coordinating conjunction linking two items.
Items in a Series: When listing more than two items, place a comma before the coordinating conjunction that identifies the last item.
Sentence Starters: Coordinating conjunctions can be at the beginning of a sentence as long as the sentence is complete.
Subordinating
Dependent Clause: When a sentence starts with a dependent clause and ends with an independent clause, place a comma before the subordinating conjunction that separates the two.
Independent Clause: When a sentence starts with an independent clause and ends with a dependent clause, do not place a comma before the subordinating conjunction that separates the two.
Correlative
Subject/Verb Agreement: A singular subject is paired with a singular verb; a plural subject is paired with a plural verb.
Pronoun Agreement: When connecting two antecedents with a correlative conjunction, the pronoun must agree with the antecedent closest to the conjunction.
Parallel Structure: The items/ideas connected using correlative conjunctions must follow the same grammatical structure (verb and pronoun form) to balance the ideas in the sentence.
Conjunction examples
Coordinating Conjunctions: The following example sentences incorporate the use of the seven coordinating conjunctions:
For: Elaine left work early, for she wasn't feeling well.
And: Zack and Tyler finally agreed on where to eat.
Nor: Kim didn't use the slide, nor did she use the diving board.
But: The group was supposed to arrive earlier, but their flight was delayed.
Or: Would you rather have popcorn or candy while watching the movie?
Yet: Simon originally considered dropping the class, yet it was too late.
So: Laura wanted to leave early so she wouldn't hit traffic.
Subordinating Conjunctions: The following sentences incorporate the use of common subordinating conjunctions in each of the seven categories:
Comparison: Rather than drive to the restaurant, they decided to walk.
Concession: Despite how much it cost, the family decided to vacation in Europe.
Condition: Kevin said he would accept the new position only if he received a raise.
Manner: Olivia hopped on the trampoline as if she was a kangaroo.
Place: He hid his most prized possession where he thought no one would find it.
Reason: Jenny finished her homework early so that she could stay up late.
Time: After the recital, we decided to go for ice cream.
Correlative Conjunctions: The following sentences incorporate the use of the five main correlative conjunction pairs:
Both/and: Both Ken and Mel agreed to host the party.
Either/or: Either we leave the dog with the neighbors or take him with us.
Neither/nor: After the game, neither the fans nor the players left the stadium.
Not only/but also: Simon enjoys not only pineapples but also mangoes.
Whether/or: Barbara wasn't sure whether she should send an e-mail or a letter.
