When studying English grammar, you are likely to come across conjunctions, but what is their purpose? In this article, we will take a clear and accurate look at what a conjunction is and how it is used within a sentence. We will also examine a variety of examples to help you gain a better understanding of how conjunctions function in real English usage.
Conjunction in Grammar
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. You can think of conjunctions as the “glue” that holds ideas together. Without conjunctions, our thoughts would be broken into short, repetitive sentences that lack flow and clarity.
Consider the following example:
- The girl is pretty and kind. She has blonde hair and green eyes, and she is wearing a blue jacket.
Here, the conjunction and links related ideas to create a smoother, more natural sentence. Without conjunctions, the sentence would sound awkward and repetitive:
- The girl is pretty. The girl is kind. She has blonde hair. She has green eyes. She is wearing a blue jacket.
This version is less natural and unnecessarily wordy. Conjunctions help reduce repetition and improve the flow of writing.
It is also important to use conjunctions consistently. For example:
- He runs quickly and gracefully. (correct)
- He runs quickly and graceful. (incorrect)
The first sentence is grammatically consistent, while the second is not.
Conjunctions Are Important
In English grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions help your writing sound more natural by avoiding short, choppy sentences.
- The park is empty now, but it will be filled with children after school.
- You can stay on the bus until you reach London.
Using a Conjunction to Start a Sentence
It is a common misconception that conjunctions cannot begin sentences. In fact, subordinating conjunctions can start a sentence as long as the dependent clause is followed by an independent clause, usually separated by a comma.
Coordinating conjunctions may also begin sentences, but this should be done sparingly, especially in formal writing.
Conjunctions vs. Transitions
Conjunctions connect ideas within a sentence. Transitions, on the other hand, connect ideas between sentences or paragraphs. While they serve similar purposes, they are not the same grammatical tool.
Types of Conjunctions
There are three main types of conjunctions in English:
- Coordinating conjunctions
- Subordinating conjunctions
- Correlative conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical importance. They are commonly remembered using the acronym FANBOYS.
- for
- and
- nor
- but
- or
- yet
- so
Examples:
- I would like a hamburger or a chicken burger.
- She was tired, so she went to bed early.
- My parents had little money, but they managed somehow.
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, a comma is usually placed before the conjunction.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause with a dependent clause. They show relationships such as cause and effect, contrast, time, or condition.
- after
- before
- because
- although
- while
- if
- unless
- when
- since
Example:
- Cinderella could stay at the ball until the clock struck midnight.
If the dependent clause comes first, it is followed by a comma:
- Until the clock struck midnight, Cinderella could stay at the ball.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs and must be grammatically balanced. Whatever structure follows the first part must also follow the second part.
- both / and
- either / or
- neither / nor
- not only / but also
- whether / or
Examples:
- Neither my brother nor my sister lives at home.
- I went not only to China but also to Mongolia.
Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
Using More Than One Conjunction Unnecessarily
- Incorrect: When I got to her then it rained.
- Correct: When I got to her, it rained.
Using Subordinating Conjunctions Incorrectly
Some subordinating conjunctions already imply negation and should not be paired with another negative.
- Incorrect: Unless you do not want to endanger the girl, you will stand aside.
- Correct: Unless you want to endanger the girl, you will stand aside.
Sentence Fragments
- Incorrect: Because I liked her.
- Correct: Because I liked her, I bought her an ice-cream cone.
Relative Pronoun Confusion
Relative pronouns should not be replaced if doing so changes the meaning of the sentence.
- Correct: Bold of you to assume that I live.
Not Only … But Also
Not only … but also is a correlative conjunction that requires parallel structure.
- Incorrect: The girl is not only smart but also has a tendency to be sullen.
- Correct: The girl is not only smart but also sullen.
Conjunctions Quiz
Question 1: I was tired ________ I stayed up late.
A. so
B. because
C. and
Question 2: Before I went to the store, I realized I was out of milk.
A. Correct use of conjunctions
B. Incorrect use of conjunctions
Question 3: She ate not only cookies but also chocolates.
A. Correct use of conjunctions
B. Incorrect use of conjunctions
Question 4: What is a conjunction’s main function?
A. To contrast
B. To join
C. To emphasize
Question 5: Nor, but, and yet are examples of which type?
A. Coordinating
B. Correlative
C. Subordinating
Question 6: Can conjunctions begin sentences?
A. Yes
B. No