Grammar

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Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are mainly used to join actions, ideas and thoughts. They are categorised into three main types:

Coordinating conjunctions – used to combine two independent clauses. Examples of coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

In the English language, there are seven coordinating conjunctions and they are referred to by the acronym FANBOYS. Given below are the coordinating conjunctions in English.

FANBOYS

For

And

Nor

But

Or

Yet

So

Now, take a look at how these coordinating conjunctions can be used differently to link the various parts of a sentence.

‘For’

• Combining two parts of the sentence – Popeye could not make it to the party for the rain.
• Combine two clauses – She was on leave yesterday, for she was sick.

‘And’

• Combining two nouns – Kukku and Deepa have been married for three years now.
• Combining two phrases – Keeping a journal and listening to music are my hobbies.
• Combine two clauses – The Taj Mahal is in Agra, and it is considered as a symbol of Shahjahan’s love for his wife, Mumtaz.

‘Nor’

• Combining two nouns – She does not like having milk nor eggs.
• Combining two phrases – Do not forget to lock the door nor turn off the lights.
• Combine two clauses – Danny does not miss the gym, nor does he miss his diet.

‘But’

• Combining two nouns – It is not Henry who should do it but you.
• Combining two phrases – I was looking for you but found your brother instead.
• Combine two clauses – Kavitha is not a fan of marvel movies, but she loved Black Panther.

‘Or’

• Combining two nouns – The speech would be given by Priya or Inba.
• Combining two phrases – Would you like to cook your own food or order food online?
• Combine two clauses – You can go to the theater, or watch it online.

‘Yet’

• Combining two phrases – It was raining yet sunny and bright.
• Combine two clauses – My brother just had his lunch, yet he says he is still hungry.

‘So’

• Combining two phrases – I did not find the measuring cups so used measuring spoons to prepare the dough for the cake.
• Combine two clauses – The mother bird left, so my brother took care of it.

Subordinating conjunctions – used to combine an independent clause and a dependent clause. Examples of subordinating conjunctions are if, although, though, after, before, because, as if, unless, until, when, while, etc.

• "I will go to the store after I finish my homework,"

• Whenever his wife was out working, he would take care of the house.
• ( Whenever ,but ,when)
• As long as she lived, she took care of the orphanage.
• I won’t be back in Mumbai until early next week.
• The child ran to her mother as soon as she saw her.

Correlative conjunctions – used to combine two phrases or parts of the sentence which have equal importance within a sentence. Examples of correlative conjunctions are not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, whether…or, rather…or, if…then, etc.

What Is a Correlative Conjunction?

A correlative conjunction seems to be used in pairs and they correlate in order to make connections and provide equal importance to the points that are discussed in a sentence.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions include:

Either…or

Neither…nor

Not only…but also

Whether…or

No sooner…than

Rather…than

Such…that

Scarcely…when

As many/much…as

Both…and

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use correlative conjunctions in sentences.

• Either you learn how to do it or you will have to face the consequences.
• Neither did Rachel nor her friends make it to the event.
• Not only did they block the road but they also kept shouting slogans.

Example 

• His two favorite sports are football ______ tennis. (Or,And,Nor,For)
• His two favorite sports are football and tennis.

• I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mary refused.(Or,And,but,For)
• I wanted to go to the beach, but Mary refused.

• I am allergic to cats, ­­­­______ I have three of them. (Or,And,but,yet)

• I am allergic to cats, yet I have three of them.

• I am a vegetarian, ­­­­_______ I don't eat any meat (So,And,but,yet)

• I am a vegetarian, so I don’t eat any meat 

 ______ did Rachel _______ her friends make it to the event.

Neither did Rachel nor her friends make it to the event.