Conjunction | Types, Examples and List

Definition

A conjunction is a word that joins two equal things together. It can join two nouns or two verbs, but it cannot join a noun to a verb.

Conjunction Examples

  • He bought a book and a pen.
  • Would you like to take tea or cold coffee.
  • I always worked hard so I could easily achieve my targets. 
  • I invited him for a lunch but he did not respond. 
  • I went to grocery shop where I bought house-hold articles.
  • She as well as I went to a park.
  • She saw me while she was driving.

Types of Conjunction

Conjunctions are divided into three types, which are briefly discussed here with the help of examples.

Coordinating Conjunctions

The conjunctions joining together two statements or clauses of equal rank or importance is called coordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunction Examples

 1. Neither a borrower nor a lender be.
2. Two and two make four.

The main coordinating conjunctions are: and, nor, but, for, or, also. 

Subordinating Conjunctions

The conjunctions joining a subordinate or dependent sentence to an independent or principal sentence is called a subordinating conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunction Examples

 1. They came back because they were afraid.
 2. Since my wife says so, I must believe it.

The main subordinating conjunctions are: after, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless, as, when etc.

Correlative Conjunction

Correlative conjunctions are similar to coordinating conjunctions. They join the statements or clauses of equal importance but these are always used in pairs. 

Correlative Conjunction Examples

  1. Both Julia and John plays the chess.
  2. Neither Julia nor John played the game.
  3. Julia not only plays the chess, but also a strongest player.

The main coordinating conjunctions are: both–and, either–or, neither—nor, not only—but also

Read also: Conjunction Exercises with Answers

Conjunction List

These conjunction words are used to link or connect the phrases or sentences.

AndAfter
AlthoughAs for as
As long asAs soon as
ButBecause
BothBefore
EitherFor
HowHowever
IfIn case
NeitherNor
NowOnly
OrSince
So thatThan
ThatThough
UnlessUntil
WhenWhereas
WhetherWhile
WheneverYet

Common Errors

INCORRECTCORRECT
Either John I are going to Park.Either John or I am going to Park.
John as well as I am going to Park.John as well as I is going to Park.
Not only is he foolish, but obstinate.Not only is he foolish, but also obstinate.
Hardly had he slept, than the bell rang.Hardly had he slept, when the bell rang.
No sooner did he sleep, when the bell rang.No sooner did he sleep, than the bell rang.
You cannot be happy unless you do no marry her.You cannot be happy unless you marry her.
Neither a borrower, or a lender be.Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.
Although he is weak, but he is hard working.Although he is weak, he is hard working.
Three or three make six.Three and three make six.

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