Conjunctions in English
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. They are essential for creating complex sentences and expressing relationships between different parts of a sentence.
Here are the main types of conjunctions with examples:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
These connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. They are also known as FANBOYS:
* For: I like pizza, for it is delicious.
* And: He went to the store and bought milk.
* Nor: She doesn't like cats nor dogs.
* But: He tried hard, but he didn't succeed.
* Or: Would you like coffee or tea?
* Yet: He is a good student, yet he struggles with math.
* So: He was hungry, so he ate lunch.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
These connect a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone) to an independent clause (which can stand alone).
* Time:
* After: After he finished his work, he went to bed.
* Before: Before you leave, please lock the door.
* Since: Since I moved here, I've made many friends.
* While: While I was cooking, the phone rang.
* Cause and Effect:
* Because: Because it was raining, I stayed inside.
* Since: Since he was tired, he went to sleep.
* So that: I studied hard so that I could pass the exam.
* Contrast:
* Although: Although he was sick, he still went to work.
* Though: Though she was angry, she apologized.
* Even though: Even though it was cold, we went for a walk.
* Condition:
* If: If you are hungry, eat something.
* Unless: Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.
* Whether: I don't know whether to go or stay.
3. Correlative Conjunctions:
These always come in pairs and connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically parallel.
* Both...and: Both the cat and the dog are asleep.
* Either...or: Either you can come with me, or you can stay here.
* Neither...nor: Neither John nor Mary went to the party.
* Not only...but also: Not only is she beautiful, but also she is kind.
* Whether...or: Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
4. Conjunctive Adverbs:
These are words that connect clauses and show a relationship between the ideas expressed. They are often used with a semicolon (;).
* Addition:
* Moreover: He is a talented artist; moreover, he is a great musician.
* Furthermore: The food was delicious; furthermore, the service was excellent.
* Contrast:
* However: She is a good student; however, she struggles with math.
* Nevertheless: He is tired; nevertheless, he will finish the project.
* Cause and Effect:
* Therefore: He was hungry; therefore, he ate lunch.
* Consequently: He worked hard; consequently, he earned a promotion.
5. Prepositional Phrases:
Certain prepositional phrases can act as conjunctions.
* In addition to: In addition to being a teacher, she is also a writer.
* Instead of: Instead of going to the movies, we stayed home.
* Because of: Because of the snow, school was canceled.
This is a comprehensive list of conjunctions in English. Understanding their different types and functions will help you create more complex and nuanced sentences in your writing and speaking.