A conjunction is one of the eight parts of a speech. Conjunctions are words that join a group of words, phrases, or clauses. There are several types of conjunctions, each serving a distinct purpose.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words or clauses that have the same level of grammatical significance in a sentence. Coordinating conjunctions consist of:
- and
- but
- or
- so
- nor
- for
- yet
When a coordinating conjunction joins two clauses, you generally use it with a comma.
Example: The police officer told the protestors to go home, and the crowd became violent.
Example: Many shareholders came to the meeting, but few understood the significance of the merger.
Example: I spent most of my study break partying, so I failed my exams.
When a coordinating conjunction joins a clause and one or more words, you generally use it without punctuation.
Example: I spent my entire pay cheque on a designer skirt and blouse.
Example: Susan’s dress is sexy but tasteful at the same time.
Example: Mike sleeps in the guest room or on the couch.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent clause. The independent clause is a complete sentence, but the dependent clause is so named because it cannot form a complete sentence on its own. Some common subordinating conjunctions include:
- Provided (that)
- If
- Unless
- When
- Although
- Whereas
- Before
- After
- Since
- Whenever
- While
- Because
- As soon as
There are several ways to use subordinating conjunctions in sentences. You should use a subordinating conjunction, without any punctuation, if the dependent clause plays an essential role in the meaning of the complete sentence.
Example: The green leaves are bright and radiant when the sun is shining.
Example: Visitors get to feed the animals if an attendant is present.
However, if the first clause is true on its own, then you should use a comma with the subordinating conjunction.
Example: James wears a helmet, whenever he rides his bike.
Example: Janet is the definition of graceful, since she started dancing ballet.
When you have a sentence that uses a subordinating conjunction and a comma to join two clauses, you can always reverse the order of the two clauses.
Example: Whenever he rides his bike, James wears a helmet.
Example: Since she started dancing ballet, Jessica has been the definition of graceful.
So, when you need to use a comma with your subordinating conjunction, the order of your clause in the sentence becomes irrelevant.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are used to clarify the relationship between two independent clauses. Some common conjunctive adverbs include:
- However
- Therefore
- Nevertheless
- Still
- Thus
- Consequently
- Similarly
- Besides
- Equally
- Accordingly
- Then
When a conjunctive adverb joins two clauses it uses two punctuations: a comma and a semicolon.
Example: The government decided to develop a cemetery in the area; however, the residents were not having it.
However, you can substitute some conjunctive adverbs with a comma and one of two coordinating conjunctions: and or but.
Example: The government decided to develop a cemetery in the area, but the residents were not having it.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions join groups of words that are equally important in a sentence. these conjunctions always work in pairs and include:
- Either…or
- Whether…or
- Neither…nor
- Not only…but (also)
- Both…and
- Just as…so
Example: Either you stop playing in the streets or run the risk of getting hit by a vehicle.
Example: Jim wondered whether to go to the party or stay home and complete his paper.
Example: Michell not only completed all the tournaments but also won the competition.
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