LoginConjunctions
In this lesson, master conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses using combinations like "and," "but," and "or." Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
Conjunctions: Types
'Conjunctions' are categorized into three main groups based on the structures they link together. Here are the three categories:
Coordinating Conjunctions
'Coordinating conjunctions' are linking words that join words, phrases, or clauses of equal status and similar structure. The main coordinating conjunctions in English are:
Dogs and cats are lovely animals.
two nouns
I like to talk to you, but I cannot forgive what you did.
two main clauses
We can go to the movies or have dinner at a restaurant.
two verb phrases
Such sudden change is not fruitful nor pleasant.
two adjectives
Subordinating Conjunctions
As the name suggests, subordinating conjunctions are used to join a dependent clause to the main clause. 'Although,' 'because,' 'until,' and 'while,' are some common examples of subordinating conjunctions.
I talked on the phone while they were having dinner.
The plane did not take off because the flight was cancelled.
Coordinating Conjunctions vs. Subordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions have a number of fundamental differences, including:
Coordinated elements must share the same grammatical category and status, unlike subordinating conjunctions which connect a dependent clause to an independent one.
She paints landscapes and he sculpts beautifully.
Two independent clauses are connected
I'm amazed that she paints beautifully.
A subordinating conjunction subordinates a dependent clause (she paint beautifully) to an independent one (I'm amazed).
Coordinating conjunctions can join different elements like words, phrases, and clauses, whereas subordinating conjunctions only connect clauses.
The dog barked and chased the cat.
Two finite verb phrases are coordianted using 'and.'
The dog barked before chasing the cat.
Subordinating conjunctions only work when a subordinated clause (before chasing the cat) is connected to a main clause.
Coordinating conjunctions allow an unlimited number of syntactically equal elements, while subordinating conjunctions create layered, hierarchical structures. So, adding more layers of subordination requires using additional subordinating conjunctions.
The shelf collapsed under the weight of books, shoes, boxes, and tools.
Here, four different elements are coordinated using a single coordinating conjunction.
Don't invite him if he'd get bored if there was no music.
Here, 'if he'd get bored' is a subordinate for 'don't invite him' and 'if there was no music' is a subordinate for 'he'd get bored' but you cannot express the same meaning using just one subordinator.
The order of elements connected by a coordinating conjunction cannot be reversed, while subordinated clauses can switch their place with the main clause.
It was expensive, but we bought it.
You can't say "But we bought it, it was expensive."
We bought it although it was expensive. or Although it was expensive, we bought it.
Coordinating conjunction always come at the beginning of the coordinated clause or phrase, while subordinating conjunctions can come after the subject.
It rained, and the game was canceled.
You can't say "the game and was canceled."
It rained; the game, however, continued.
Subordinating conjunction are more flexible with regards to their position in the sentence.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance or are parallel in grammatical structure; accordingly, they are said to show a relationship of correlative coordination. They are used to emphasize the relationship between the words, phrases, or clauses they connect. Some important correlative conjunctions of English are 'both...and,' either...or, neither...nor, and 'not only...but (also)'.
Neither his dad nor his brother used to play basketball, but he is really interested in this sport.
Not only he cheated, but also he was not sorry at all.
Starting a Sentence with Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can come at the beginning of the sentence, but in this case, the clause they introduce needs to be separated from the main clause using a comma. For example:
Although he is young, he never attends parties.
Because she was sick, she decided not to come to the wedding.
Review
Conjunctions are used to link words, phrases, and clauses to each other. There are three types of conjunctions in English:
Coordinating conjunctions: and, or, but, nor
Subordinating conjunctions: although, because, nevertheless, therefore, etc.
Correlative conjunctions: either...or, both...and, neither...nor, not only...but also
Quiz:
Which sentence contains a subordinating conjunction?
We brought blankets and snacks for the movie.
Either finish your homework or help with dinner.
She couldn't sleep because the neighbors were noisy.
Both the piano and the guitar need tuning.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Complete the table by choosing the type of conjunction used in each sentence.
Although it was late, he continued working. | |
Sarah wanted to leave, but she stayed. | |
You can take tea or coffee. | |
Both the twins and their cousin joined the game. |
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions. (There are two extra options.)
We canceled the picnic
it started storming.
She enjoys hiking
kayaking.
He won't answer
you promise confidentiality.
The policy is
controversial
impractical.
She doesn't like coffee,
does she drink tea.
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