Conjunctions: Connecting Words and Clauses
Definition: Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. They act as bridges, showing the relationship between the elements they join.
Classification:
Conjunctions are typically classified into three main categories:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
* Function: Connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.
* Common examples: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)
Examples:
* For: I went to the store for milk.
* And: She likes to read and write.
* Nor: He doesn't like apples nor oranges.
* But: I wanted to go to the beach, but it was raining.
* Or: Would you like tea or coffee?
* Yet: I was tired, yet I stayed up late.
* So: I was hungry, so I ate a sandwich.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
* Function: Connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
* Common examples: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, so that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, while
Examples:
* After: After she finished her homework, she watched TV.
* Because: I couldn't go out because I was sick.
* While: While I was sleeping, the phone rang.
3. Correlative Conjunctions:
* Function: Work in pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses.
* Common examples: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or
Examples:
* Both...and: Both the cat and the dog were sleeping.
* Either...or: Either you can go to the movies or stay home.
* Neither...nor: Neither John nor Mary came to the party.
* Not only...but also: Not only is she intelligent but also kind.
* Whether...or: I don't know whether to go to the park or the library.
Note:
* There are some words that can act as both a coordinating and a subordinating conjunction depending on the context. For example, "while" can be used as a coordinating conjunction to indicate contrast (e.g., "I was working, while he was playing") or as a subordinating conjunction to show time (e.g., "While I was working, the phone rang").
* Conjunctions are essential for building complex sentences and creating a smooth flow of ideas in writing.
Understanding the different types of conjunctions helps you write clearly and effectively.