Conjunctions as Part of Speech

Conjunctions are used to link different clauses together, and to join words, phrases
and sentences. By using conjunctions, we can make complex sentences that show a
connection between actions and ideas. Examples: and, but, so, although, or, etc.

Types of Conjunctions as Part of Speech

1. Coordinating Conjunctions:

Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, and independent clauses of equal

grammatical rank in a sentence. These include and, but, or, yet, for, so, nor, etc.

Examples:
2|
 • Are you an atheist or an agnostic? (‘Or’ joins individual words.)
• I will have a mango and a banana. (‘And’ joins individual words.)
• I like the actor’s performance on stage but dislike his movies. (‘But’ joins
two phrases.)
• Maya has been appreciated for both her spontaneity and the ability to
tackle tough situations. (‘And’ joins two phrases.)
• I went to the market, but I did not purchase vegetables. (‘But’ joins
two independent clauses.)
• It was already dark, so I took the cab. (‘So’ joins two independent clauses.)

2. Subordinating Conjunctions:

Subordinating conjunctions join independent and dependent clauses. Some of these are
because, since, as, although, though, while, in spite of, whereas, etc. Often a
subordinating conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship or a contrast.

Examples:

• Since I was not at home, I couldn’t cook food.

• Although you have passed the exam, there is room for improvement.
• I went to the doctor in spite of being fit.

3. Correlative Conjunctions:

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to show the
relationship between two things in a sentence. Some of the most common correlative
conjunctions are either… or, neither… nor, not only… but also, no sooner… than,
hardly… when, etc.

Examples:

3|
 • I neither like capsicum nor tomatoes in my soup.
• You can either sign the document or leave immediately.
• Not only did he pass the exam, but also topped it.
• Whether you like it or not, we will attend the gathering this Sunday.
• You are both innocent and

Rules to Use Conjunctions as Part of Speech

• Until is time oriented and unless is action oriented. Both of these are negative
words. So, not, never and no cannot be used with the clause containing these
words.

Example: Wait for me in the auditorium until I return.

Unless you work hard, you will not succeed.

• In an affirmative sentence doubt and doubtful are followed by if/ whether. On

the other hand, in a negative or an interrogative sentence, doubt and doubtful are
followed by that.

Example: I doubt if she will participate in the quiz competition.

I do not doubt that she will participate in the quiz competition.

• Both/and connects either two subjects or two objects.

Example: Both Jai and Latika enjoyed the match. (Subjects)

Jai enjoyed both the match and the candyfloss. (Objects)

• While using a correlative conjunction, the two parts of the conjunction should
go before words of the same kind. For instance, if the noun is used after neither,
another noun should be used after nor.
4|
Examples:

Incorrect - Neither is he a singer nor a dancer.

Correct - He is neither a singer nor a dancer.

Incorrect - Not only does he sing but also dance.

Correct - He not only sings but also dances.
Correct - Not only does he sing but he also dances.

• When two subjects are joined by neither-nor or either-or, the verb should agree
with the subject (noun or pronoun) closest to the verb. If it is singular, choose the
singular verb; if the noun is plural, choose the plural form of the verb.

Examples:

1. Incorrect - Neither Megha nor Amrita were wearing the desired costume.

Correct - Neither Megha nor Amrita was wearing the desired costume.

2. Incorrect - Neither Priyanka nor Dipika made their presence felt.

Correct - Neither Priya nor her friends are invited.

Correct - Neither Priyanka nor Dipika made her presence felt.