Etymology:

Bridges connect roads and different paths. Likewise, in English grammar, conjunctions are used to connect different words and sentences. Examples include, 'and, or, yet, so' etc. They can be placed at the beginning of the sentences. Conjunctions are very important as they act as connectors, thus providing logic and reason to sentences.

Types:

There are three main types of conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Correlative Conjunctions
3. Subordinating Conjunctions

Let's get into the details of the sub types:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions, otherwise known as coordinators, do the job of combining two or more sentences of equal importance. Both the parts are required to logically complete a sentence. Conjunctions are highlighted in the below examples.

Example:

a. He is wasting his money, as he has been gambling for too long.
b. Robin plays first and then studies.
c. Ron has a great stride, but he isn't quick enough.
d. This is a useful formula, but very difficult to remember
e. They play a lot, yet they always top in the class.

2. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions can be easily identified as they are always in pairs. There are officially six pairs of correlative conjunctions.

1. Either...or

Example: Either you do your homework or you will not watch TV tonight.

2. Not only...but also

Example: Not only is gas getting expensive, but also harder to get.

3. Neither...nor

Example: Neither the Indian cricket team nor basketball team is doing well.

4. Both...and

Both trains and buses are available for that location.

5. Whether...or

Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.

6. Just as...so

Just as many Indians love cricket, so many games are played here.

3. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions have the role of joining independent and dependent clause. The most common examples include after, as far as, as long as, as though, so that etc.

Example:

1. He will come after work.
2. As far as I am concerned, the matter is not important.
3. I am okay with it as long as she is on board.
4. He was acting as though he was the King of the country.
5. He attacked so that his people will have peace.

Test

Practice conjunctions with the below examples:

1. She led the country ______ in economics ______ by her virtue.
2. _________ you win _____you lose, your enthusiasm matters.
3. ________ we act now, the battle is lost.
4. Ranjit is tall _____ handsome.
5. Kathleen plays the guitar well, ___ her favorite instrument is the piano.
6. You can come to the meeting ______ you don't say anything.
7. I am not going ________ I get a promise from you.
8. You look _____ you are a ghost.
9. Every day he visits _____calls.
10. Are you sure? You look _____ you are confused.

Answers:

1. not only...but also.
2. whether....or.
3. unless.
4. and.
5. yet.
6. as long as
7. until.
8. as if.
9. or.
10. as if.

The above explanations and samples will make conjunctions very clear for you. Making your grammatical concepts strong is one of the basics in attaining English fluency. Practice them daily and clear your doubts with the help of an online English teacher.

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