Conjunctions

Conjunctions Edit

A conjunction is a vital part of speech used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together, allowing writers to build complex ideas and fluid sentences.

Conjunction Definition Examples Classification Explanation and Usage

Can the same word be an adverb, a preposition, or a conjunction?

Yes, the same word may function as an adverb, a preposition, or a conjunction depending on its context in a sentence:

I saw him before. (Adverb)
He stood before me. (Preposition)
He shall do it before I return. (Conjunction)

What are Compound Conjunctions?

Compound Conjunctions are groups of words that are sometimes used to do the work of single conjunctions:

Ram as well as Karim went there.
He acted as if (or as though) he were mad.
I shall help you in case you fail.

How to Use Conjunctions in Pairs

Certain conjunctions are used in pairs; they are sometimes called correlative conjunctions or correlatives.

Either he or his brother is guilty.
Neither he nor his brother is guilty.
Both he and his brother are guilty.
Not only he but his brother also will go.

What are the Main Classes of Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are divided into two main classes:

1. What are Co-ordinating Conjunctions?

Co-ordinating Conjunctions join words or phrases or clauses of equal rank:

He said this to him and me.
He sat behind you, but in front of me.
You may go; only make no noise.

2. What are Subordinating Conjunctions?

Subordinating Conjunctions are those that join a subordinate or dependent clause to a principal clause:

He said that he was ill.
As I am ill, I cannot go.
I shall go if you come.

Important Notes on Clauses

Clauses are co-ordinate when one is not dependent on another nor enters at all into its construction: I am ill, but he is well. You are healthy and you have got money.
One clause is said to be subordinate to, or dependent on, another when it depends upon the other. The clause on which the subordinate clause depends is called the Principal clause.
Bear in mind that subordinate clauses 100 may be co-ordinate to each other. This is the boy who came here and gave the information. He said that he would come but would not stay.

What are the Four Kinds of Co-ordinating Conjunctions?

Co-ordinating Conjunctions are of four kinds

(a) Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions

These simply add information:

And: I read and he writes.
Both - and: Both he and his brother will go.
As well as: He as well as his brother will go.
Not only - but also: Not only he but his brother also will go.
Also: He was there, and you also.

(b) Alternative or Disjunctive Conjunctions

These denote a choice between two things:

Either - or: either he or his brother will go.
Neither - nor: Neither he nor his brother will go.
Or: Read or you will fail.
Otherwise: Work hard, otherwise you will fail.

(c) Adversative Conjunctions

These denote a contrast between two ideas:

But, yet, still: He is poor, but (yet, still) he is honest.
However: You are guilty; however, I pardon you this time.
Nevertheless: I am ill; nevertheless, I shall compete.
On the contrary: I do not hate him; on the contrary, I love him.
While, whereas: You failed, while (whereas) your brother passed.
Only: You may come; only make no noise.

(d) Illative Conjunctions

These denote an inference:

Therefore, so, consequently: He did not work; therefore (so, consequently) he failed.
For: I do not like him, for he is a wicked boy.

NOTE: For may be regarded as weakened because, and the clause introduced by it may look like a subordinate one. But modern grammarians hold that, as a conjunction, it is co-ordinating. "It introduces a statement by way of explanation as a kind of afterthought .... While a causal clause beginning with since, because, may precede the main sentence, that beginning with for must always follow it."

What Do Subordinating Conjunctions Indicate?

(a) Time Conjunctions

Till, until: Wait till it is night. Wait until I return.
After: He came after I had left.
Before: He laid before he could do the work.
When: He came when I was there.
While: Don't go out while it rains.
Since: I have not seen him since I come.

NOTE: The compound conjunctions, as long as, as soon as, so long as fall under this class.

(b) Cause or Reason Conjunctions

As, since: As (Since) I am ill, I cannot go.
Because: He cannot work because he is ill.

NOTE:

Good English requires that the clause introduced by as, the casual conjunction, should precede the main clause.
The clause giving the reason in sentences containing expressions reason is", "the reason why" is introduced by that, and not by because or e or on account of: The reason why he failed is that he did not work hard. The reason of his failure is that he did not work hard. But, the reason of his failure is (not, due to) his idleness.

(c) Purpose Conjunctions

That, in order that, so that: He works hard that (in order that or so that) he may win the prize.
Lest: I worked hard lest I should fail.

NOTE:

Lest expresses a negative purpose, and should not, therefore, be followed by a negative. Thus, we cannot write "He was afraid lest he should not pass." We must write instead, "He was afraid lest he should fail." It is also to be noted that 'lest is followed by should' or the present subjunctive, never by will or would: Lest we forget; lest he be angry.
In order that, so that, etc. are followed generally by may or might, in some context, by shall and should, but never by can or could, or could, or will or would:
- He encouraged me that (or, in order that) I might not lose heart.
- He works hard that (in order that) he may pass.
- I give you this advice so that you may succeed.
- He is making provision for you so that you may not fall in want.
- I give you this advice in order that nothing should be forgotten. (MEU).

(d) Apposition Conjunctions

That: He wrote to us that he would come.

(e) Condition Conjunctions

If: I shall go if you come.
Unless: I shall fail unless you help me.
Whether-or-not: I shall go there, whether you like it or not.
Provided: I shall help you provided you obey me.

(f) Effect Conjunctions

So-that: He worked so hard that he fell ill.
Such-that: He is such a fool that I cannot rely on him.

(g) Comparison Conjunctions

As-as: He is as tall as you.
Than: He is taller than you (are).
So-as: I am not so tall as you (are).

NOTE: Generally, as - as is used in both positive and negative sentences, but so - as is used in negative sentences. [But COD has under as 'It is not so (or as) easy as you think.']

(h) Manner Conjunctions

As - so: As you sow, so shall you reap.
According as: They will be chosen according as they are fit.
As if, as though:
- He behaves as if (or as though) he were (not is) mad (=as he Would have acted if he were mad).
- It Looks as if new men had (not have) sprung up.

NOTE: As as though should invariably be followed by a past conditional, not by a present form (would, not will; could, not can; did not does; was or were, not is; had gone, not has gone; know, not knows).-MEU. See examples given above. But Wood justifies "He works as if he is drunk".

(i) Concession Conjunctions

Though (although): Though (although) he is poor, he is honest.
As: Poor as (=though) I am, I am honest.
However: However strong he may be, he cannot do this.
Whoever: Whoever you may be, I cannot allow you here.
Whatever: Whatever you may say, I do not believe you.

Pro Tip: Always pay close attention to whether a clause is coordinate or subordinate, as this determines its grammatical rank and punctuation within complex sentences.

Key Takeaways

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses together.
The same English word can function as an adverb, preposition, or conjunction depending on context.
Conjunctions are broadly split into Co-ordinating and Subordinating classes.
Subordinating conjunctions express time, cause, purpose, condition, effect, comparison, manner, and concession.

Quick Practice

Test your understanding of conjunctions by writing your answers to these exercises in the comments below:

Identify the conjunction class in: "He is poor, but he is honest."
Complete the sentence: "I shall go ___ you come."

FAQ

What is a conjunction in English grammar?

A conjunction is a part of speech that joins words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together to establish relationships between different ideas.

What are the two main types of conjunctions?

The two main classes of conjunctions are co-ordinating conjunctions (joining elements of equal rank) and subordinating conjunctions (joining a dependent clause to a principal clause).

What are correlative conjunctions?

Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions used in pairs, such as either/or, neither/nor, both/and, and not only/but also.