Conjunction

Conjunctions, in grammar, are a type of part of speech that connects the

words or phrases or clauses. In the absence of conjunctions, we are forced to
express complex sentences by breaking them into short simple sentences.
These conjunctions are used wisely to convey the same meaning. The
conjunctions can either be in the format of a single word or compound or
correlative. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a
sentence but it depends on the type of conjunction being used.

Example: She bought a flower and chocolates from the market.

Types of Conjunction: Definition and Examples

There are three different types of conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions:

Coordinating conjunction definition is as follows, the conjunction that

joins two elements that have equal syntactic importance and
grammatical rank. They are able to join two independent clauses, two
phrases, two adjectives, two verbs or two nouns.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, they are - for, and, nor, but,
or, yet, and so. The easiest way to remember these conjunctions is with
an acronym called FANBOYS.

Among all these conjunctions “so” can be used both as coordinating

and subordinating conjunctions. As a coordinating conjunction, it can
link two independent clauses and as a subordinate conjunction, it can
link two unequal clauses.

Rules for using the Coordinating Conjunctions:

There are few rules which have to be followed during the use of
suitable conjunctions along with the usage of words in specific
situations:
  When the coordinating conjunction connects two independent
clauses, a comma has to be used before that conjunction.

Example: I wanted to go shopping, but my friend wants to go to

a movie.

 When coordinating conjunction is joining two phrases or words, a

comma is not used before the conjunction.

Example: I like to ride bikes and swim.

 A comma is optional when coordinating conjunction is used with

more than two items.

2. Correlative Conjunctions:

These are a kind of tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs where

they are used in different places.

Correlative Conjunction Examples: either/or, neither/nor, not

only/but also, whether/or, not/but.

 I either want a chocolate cake or pastry.

 She neither likes tea nor coffee.

3. Subordinating Conjunctions:

The subordinating conjunction meaning and examples are provided

here. These are the types of conjunctions that help to join dependent
clauses with independent Some of the common
clauses.
subordinating conjunctions are “since, because, though, as,
although, while, and whereas”. Sometimes the adverbs can also
act as conjunctions such as, “until, after, or before”.

Example: I can stay here until the clock strikes nine. Here the word
“until” acts as a conjunction that connects two ideas such as, “can stay
here” and “clock strikes nine”. Here the first idea is independent of the
second one hence, “can stay here” is an independent clause, and “clock
strikes nine” is a dependent clause.
 It is not mandatory to have the subordinating conjunctions in the
middle of the sentence, but it has to be a part of the dependent clause.
The dependent clause is also called the subordinate clause or
subordinating sentences.

The dependent clause has two specific qualities,

 It cannot act as an own sentence.

 It depends on the independent clause to provide a complete

meaning.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

The subordinating conjunctions are categorized by meaning:

1. Time: When the main clause is performed or will be performed,

the time-related conjunctions establish a period.

Example: as soon as, once, before, still, whenever.

I will clean the house after the relatives are gone.

2. Concession: By providing the additional information the concession

conjunctions help to redefine the meaning of the main clause. It
highlights the action that has happened in the hindrance or obstacle.

Example: although, even though, as though.

She wrote my article even though it is assigned to me.

3. Comparison: It helps to establish the connection between the words

by providing a correlation.

Example: though, whereas, just as, in contrast to.

You will complete the work fastly whereas I need some more
time.

4. Cause: It defines the reason the main clause was performed.

Example: because, since, so that.

 My father always inspires me because he believes in me.

5. Condition: It provides the rules under which the main clause works.

Example: If, in case, even if, unless.

In case my sister suggests buying this dress, then I will go for it.

6. Place: It defines the place where the action or the activities occur.

Example: wherever, whereas.

I will place the conjunctions wherever it is necessary.