Conjunctions

What is a conjunction?

Definition

A word such as 'and', 'but', 'while', or 'although' that connects words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence.

Types of conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions 

You use a coordinating conjunction to join two words, phrases or clauses together. You also use a coordinating conjunction when the words, phrases and clauses are equally important and get equal emphasis.

• I went to the market. I saw Frank.
  I went to the market, and I saw Frank.
  main clause + , + coordinating conjunction + main clause.
  Both clauses can exist on their own, so you can change the coordinating conjunction ('and') by a punctuation mark and the meaning does not change.
  
  BUT: I went to the market and saw Frank. → "saw Frank" cannot exist on its own. 

Examples of some coordinating conjunction are found below.
You can memorise them by using the 'Fanboys' trick.

• FOR = reason (= because; more formal)

• AND = in addition to

• NOR = and not

• BUT = contrast (= however)

• OR = choices or alternatives (= either)

• YET = contrast (= but)

• SO = effect or result (= therefore)

Exercises on coordinating conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions

You use a subordinating conjunction to join two words, phrases or clauses together. But in this case the words, phrases or clauses are NOT equally important. The subordinating clause cannot exist on its own (= the dependent clause). The main clause can exist on its own (= the independent clause).

• I went to the market because Frank was there.
  I went to the market (= main or independent clause)
  because Frank was there (= subordinate or dependent clause).

• IF = condition

• SINCE = cause

• AS = cause

• WHEN = time

• ALTHOUGH ≅ (EVEN)THOUGH ≅ WHEREAS = contrast

• WHILE = contrast

• AFTER = time

• BEFORE = time

• UNTIL = time

• BECAUSE = cause

Exercises on subordinating conjunctions