Conjunction

 

Conjunction and Its Classification

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. It helps in forming complex and meaningful sentences by linking ideas.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are mainly classified into three categories:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.

Examples:

For – I stayed home, for I was sick.

And – She likes apples and oranges.

Nor – He neither eats nor drinks.

But – I wanted to go, but I was busy.

Or – Do you want tea or coffee?

Yet – It was raining, yet he went out.

So – He was tired, so he went to bed.

(Tip: Remember FANBOYS – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)

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2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause.

Examples:

Time: when, while, after, before, until

Example: I will call you after I reach home.

Cause and Effect: because, since, as

Example: She left because she was tired.

Condition: if, unless, provided that

Example: You can go out if you finish your work.

Contrast: though, although, whereas

Example: Although it was cold, he didn’t wear a coat.

Purpose: so that, in order that

Example: He studies hard so that he can pass.

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3. Correlative Conjunctions

These are pairs of conjunctions used together to connect sentence parts.

Examples:

Both … and – She is both smart and kind.

Either … or – You can have either tea or coffee.

Neither … nor – He is neither rich nor famous.

Not only … but also – She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.

Whether … or – I don’t know whether he will come or not.

Happy learning with Noor E Alam, University of Dhaka