A conjunction is any word that connects other words within a sentence. There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions, and each type is used differently within a sentence. By understanding the types of conjunctions and their functions in the English language, you can improve your overall grammar and sentence structure.
Definition & Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are the ones you likely had to learn in your early English classes. They are used with a comma to create compound sentences. Remember the list of seven coordinating conjunctions with the mnemonic word device: BOYSFAN.
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
- For
- And
- Nor
Two examples of coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences include:
- Jessie wanted a new purse, but she couldn't afford it.
- Gwen lost her temper in class, and the teacher sent her to the office.
Definition & Examples of Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that cannot stand by themselves. A set of correlative conjunctions is usually located within the same sentence, and if not, each one from the pair is located in separate but closely related sentences. The five correlative conjunctions include:
- Both, and
- Either, or
- Neither, nor
- Not only, also
- Not only, but also
Two examples of correlative conjunctions in sentences include:
- Not only did Katrina forget her shopping list at home, but she also locked her keys in the car.
- Like I said before, "You either did it or you didn't."
Definition & Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are found at the beginning of a dependent clause, which consists of words that contain both subjects and verbs but cannot stand as an independent clause (sentence). One way to remember a subordinate conjunction's purpose is to remember that dependent clauses are also known as subordinate clauses. While there are numerous subordinating conjunctions, the most common ones include:
- After
- Although
- As if
- As in
- As long as
- As much as
- Assuming that
- Because
- Before
- Even though
- How
- If
- In order that
- In that
- Now that
- Once
- Providing that
- Since
- So long as
- So that
- Than
- That
- Though
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Wherever
- Whether
- While
Two examples of subordinating conjunctions in sentences include:
- Although Mary-Ann left Casey money for dinner, she did not use it.
- So long as you finish the work on time, I don't care what you do tonight.
Remember that a conjunction is only a word that connects two parts of a sentence together. With a little practice, you can recognize these critical parts of sentences. By understanding the purpose of each type of conjunction, you can improve your overall sentence structure and knowledge of grammar.
Related Reading:
If you found this article on conjunctions useful, you might also like:
- Identifying & Correcting Run-On Sentences
- Comma Usage with Dependent Clauses
- Can I End a Sentence in a Preposition?
Megan B. Wyatt - Megan B. Wyatt has a BA in English, edits fiction manuscripts and currently works as an entertainment reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
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