Conjunctions connect words or groups of words. Conjunctions join the independent clause and are used as transition words.
Transition Words
| therefore | also | however |
| in fact | indeed | hence |
| consequently | furthermore | on the other hand |
Types of Conjunctions
A. Coordinating conjunction
A coordinating conjunction ties together words that have the same grammatical construction.
| and | but | for |
| nor | or | yet |
| so |
Julia and Petra are pretty girls.
B. Correlative conjunction
A correlative conjunction is used in pairs to connect the same kind of words or groups of words.
| both…and | neither…nor |
| whether…or | either…or |
| not only…but also |
Neither we nor they want it.
I will visit you, whether by boat or by plane.
Xyli is not only beautiful, but also brilliant.
C. Subordinating conjunction
A subordinating conjunction is a function word that joins a dependent clause to a main clause, or connects two ideas by making one idea dependent on the other. The relation may be one of:
| Relation | Conjunctions |
|---|---|
| Cause | as, because, inasmuch as, since |
| Comparison | as…as, so…as, than |
| Concession | although, though, while |
| Condition | if, provided that, unless |
| Manner | as, as if, as though |
| Place | where, wherever |
| Purpose | in order that, so that, that |
| Result | so that, so…that, such…that |
| Time | after, as, before, since, till, until, when, while |
Exercise 1
Join the sentences into one compound sentence. Use and, but, yet, or and so.
1. The children came along. The party was postponed.
Show answer
The children came along, and the party was postponed.
2. The Philippines is said to be beautiful country. I like Baguio best.
Show answer
The Philippines is said to be a beautiful country, but I like Baguio best.
3. The students studied hard. They scored high in the test.
Show answer
The students studied hard, so they scored high in the test.
4. The sun is bright. The wind is warm.
Show answer
The sun is bright, and the wind is warm.
5. My friends passed the test. They will graduate.
Show answer
My friends passed the test, so they will graduate.
Sample answers shown; other correct joins are possible.
Exercise 2: Prepositions and Conjunctions
Choose the correct word from the brackets.
1. I have no means (of, in) getting to the theater.
Show answer
of
2. You must do (as, like) I tell you.
Show answer
as
3. Divide these brochures (among, between) all those attending the workshop.
Show answer
among
4. I can’t afford to go to the party; (beside, besides) I have other things to do.
Show answer
besides
5. Your business prospects are different (from, than) mine.
Show answer
from
6. I do not know (whether, as how) I can take the last trip to Palawan.
Show answer
whether
7. Those children look (as if, like) they have a holiday.
Show answer
as if
8. I had hardly slept a wink (when, until) he called.
Show answer
when
9. We arrived (in, at) Baguio last night.
Show answer
in
10. Don’t (blame, put the blame) on him alone.
Show answer
put the blame
Interjections
| ah | alas | bah |
| darn | goodness | hey |
| oh | pshaw | uh |
| ugh | whew | wow |
| ouch | what | hurry |
| yippee | good | well |
Well! When are you leaving?
Ouch! You’re touching me.
Key Takeaways
- Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses.
- Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts; correlative conjunctions work in pairs; subordinating conjunctions make one idea depend on another.
- Subordinating conjunctions show cause, comparison, concession, condition, manner, place, purpose, result, or time.
- An interjection expresses sudden feeling and is usually followed by an exclamation mark.
FAQ
What are the three types of conjunctions?
Coordinating (and, but, or), correlative (both…and, either…or), and subordinating (because, although, if).
What is a correlative conjunction?
A pair of words, such as neither…nor, that connects the same kind of words or groups of words.
What does a subordinating conjunction do?
It joins a dependent clause to a main clause and shows how the two ideas relate.
Master English Grammar in 30 Days
Browse all 30 lessons
- Day 1 Grammar Lesson
- Parts of Speech Lesson
- Pronoun Classification
- Pronoun with Examples
- Verbs Lesson
- Tenses of Verbs
- Six Tenses of Verb
- Progressive Forms of Verbs
- Group of Verbs
- Subject-Verb Rules
- Active and Passive Voice
- Agreement of Subject and Verb
- Special Cases of Agreement
- Complements Lesson
- Prepositions Lesson
- Cases of Nouns and Pronouns
- Uses and Kinds of Adjective
- Adjectives have Comparison
- Kinds of Adverb
- Preposition and Prepositional Phrase
- Conjunction with Charts
- Clauses Lesson
- Adjective Clauses Lesson
- Classifying Sentences Based on Clauses
- Verbals Lesson
- Verbal Analogy Tests
- Gerund and Split Infinitive
- Punctuation Rules
- More About Punctuation
- List of Troublesome Words
More Lessons to Try
Continue improving your English grammar and writing skills with these related lessons:
- Clauses
- Preposition and Prepositional Phrase
- Adjective Clauses
- Classifying Sentences Based on Clauses
- Explore All Grammar Lessons on english-grammarblog.blogspot.com
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