Conjunctions: Types, Rules, Usage and Examples

Definition of Conjunction

A Conjunctions is a word that works as a connector that links phrases, words, objects, and clauses in a sentence. Moreover, conjunction is typically used in the last portion of a sentence when it is used to connect clauses.

Also, conjunction is one of the parts of speech. In addition, depending on the placement of the items or phrases, conjunctions can be used to connect them at the beginning, middle, or last of the sentence.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are used to connect words, objects, actions, thoughts and ideas by using different types of conjunction. Additionally, these distinct types perform different functions to link words and phrases in the sentence. Thus, the type of conjunctions is

1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions

Many considered conjunctions adverbs as a type but these above mentioned are the major ones. So, let’s learn each one of them in detail in following sections.

Coordinating Conjunctions

The coordinating conjunctions connect the words or phrases that serve the same grammatical purpose. In short, it is used to combine two independent causes. There are a total of seven coordinating conjunctions i.e. for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. You can learn all of them by using the acronym “FANBOYS”.

Example of Coordinating Conjunctions.

1. Can you please buy apples or bananas from the market?
2. In this course, I will write a case study, a literature review, and a final report.
3. Sophie is tired, yet she maintains on dancing till dawn

Subordinating Conjunctions

The subordinating conjunctions combine the main clause with the subordinating clause. In other words, it this conjunction connects dependent clause to independent clauses. Thus, common subordinating conjunctions encompass - after, although, as much as/as soon as/as long as, as though, because, before, how, if, in order to/in order that, once, etc.

Example of Subordinating Conjunctions

1. I will have this bread after eating this chocolate.
2. I can stay out until the clock strikes twelve in the night.
3. make sure you clean your room, before you leave for playing.

Correlative Conjunctions

The correlative conjunctions work in a pair to join two words or clauses. Have a look at an example to learn it in a better way. Or in short, it is used to link two parts or phrases of the sentence that have common importance in a single sentence. It is also known as paired conjunctions. The common correlative conjunctions are not only…but also, neither…nor, either…or, whether…or, if…then, rather…or, etc.

Correlative Conjunctions Example:

1. The more he flatters his boss the more incentives he gets.
2. The project will require substantial investments of both money and time
3. She is not only a talented project manager but also a skilled content writer.

Tip: - For better memorization of it, you must prepare a conjunction chart to make a good hold on them.

Also, read Paragraph writing

Understand Conjunction Rules in Detail

Many people use conjunctions in the wrong way. Thus, to build a good understanding of the conjunction rules. It is essential for you to learn all of them to frame the sentence in a correct way:

Rule 1: -

The Conjunction So/as and as/as are used to make comparisons in a sentence. Let’s look at an example to understand it in a better way to form good conjunction sentences: -

Example: - As you react to a situation you have to bear the consequences

Rule 2: -

The conjunction ‘both’ is always followed by ‘and’.

Example: -Both Riya and Diya went for shopping

Rule 3: -

Lest is a negative word that should always be used with should or the first form of the verb. Do not use it with no, never, not with lest.

Example: -Walk carefully lest she falls

Rule 4: -

The conjunctions in English though/although are used along with commas or yet.

Example: - Though he practised a lot for the match, he didn’t win it.

Rule 5: -

Using the words unless and until should not be with (no and never).

Example: - The mother asked her son not eat the chocolate until they reached home.

Rule 6: -

Using the correct pair of conjunctions in the sentence

Example: - Not only she is beautiful but also she is intelligent

Rule 7: -

The conjunction doubt/doubtful is used with that (in negative sentence framing). In positive sentences, it is used with if and whether.

Example: - I don’t doubt that she is dishonest

Rule 8: -

The conjunction from is used with by and along with to and between. 

Example: - It is difficult to choose between Virat and Sachin

Rule 9: -

When you want to use conjunctions in English to address two or more people than none of/one of is used. You must not use neither/either.

Example: - One of the students complained about the teacher

Rule 10: -

The conjunction rather/other is used with than

Example: - He would rather walk than run

These are 10 rules of conjunctions. Now, let’s have a look at the list of most commonly used conjunctions in your daily communication.

Also, read Essay writing

List of Most Commonly Used Conjunctions in Daily Communication

If you struggle to use conjunction in your daily conversation, then have a look at this table. Hence, it contains all the important daily using conjunction words. To get more clarity on the usage of conjunctions in daily communication: -

After looking at these Conjunction examples that you can use in our sentences of daily communication. You get more clarity on its usage.

Also, read: - Nouns

Practice Conjunctions with Examples

You have heard right about a saying that, practice makes a man perfect. Well, it is true in every sense. If you want to develop the mastery in using the conjunction words, then you must refer these examples to become proficient.

1. She finished her work on time and went for a walk
2. The teacher was strict but supportive as well
3. I won the semifinal match, so I will now play the finals
4. I bought this laptop because it has a good battery life
5. Neither her mother nor her sister came to attend the wedding
6. I don’t like coffee or tea
7. He said that he would attend the event if the employees would complete their work on time
8. She didn’t like going for walk yet she walked for 10km
9. Lina woke up early so that she could go for a walk
10. Rina enjoys both reading and writing in her free time
11. You won’t succeed until you make an effort
12. Anita is taller than her younger sister
13. Rahul acted as if he never met Geeta before
14. Once you finish your work you can join us
15. Call me whenever you need assistance, Harry told her colleague
16. You can stay as long as you follow the rules
17. Now that the exams are over, you can relax
18. Since you love chocolates, I brought some for you
19. Wait here, till I come back
20. He worked hard in order to buy a new car

After looking at some of the important conjunction examples, now you can use the right word or phrase in the correct placement in the sentence. Now let’s know how to use conjunctions effectively in writing

Also, Tenses

How to Use Conjunctions Effectively in Writing?

To use the conjunctions effectively in writing, you must know the correct way of placing them in your sentence. So, let’s start learning it’s practical application: -

1. You can use the conjunction chart to memorize them and then use it in the sentence.
2. Try to avoid stuffing unnecessary conjunctions in a sentence. Too much usage can make your writing difficult to read.
3. Don’t replace the conjunctions with a comma to join two or more sentences.
4. Take a good hold of the types of conjunctions and then use them according to their correct applicability.
5. To maintain the coherence in the sentence, grasp the idea of conjunction rules so that you can use it correctly.

Also read- Action words.

Conjunction Exercise with Answers

The conjunction can be understood in a better way when you practice some conjunction exercises daily. So, let’s start solving them one by one: -

1. She was feeling very tired__ she didn’t stop working.

a) then

b) yet

c) so

d) and

Answer: B -Yet

2. I would like to thank you ___ the gift

a) and

b) for

c) but

d) yet

Answer: B- For

3. I want to go for a hike ___ I have to go to work today.

a) but

b) and

c) because

d) since

Answer; A- But

4. I am getting good grades _____ I study every day

a) and

b) because

c) yet

d) since

Answer- B: Because

5. She likes to have milk ____ cookies for breakfast.

a) and

b) also

c) yet

d) since

Answer: A – And

Conclusion

In short, after reading the blog you can understand, that conjunction is a part of speech that allows you to frame logical sentences. It allows you to improve the quality of your writing and maintain the flow of the sentences. It also allows you to communicate clearly and professionally using the conjunction words.

Hence, you will become a good writer when you are well-versed with the conjunction rules and their applicability. Therefore, use it in the right place to make your sentence more sensible If you need any guidance in understanding conjunction you can connect to our education education consultant at Gradding. They will help you to become proficient.

Faqs:-

1. What are the 7 Coordinating Conjunctions?

The 7 coordinating conjunctions are used to connect the words or phrases that serve the same grammatical purpose. For, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so are the 7 of them. You can learn all of them by using the acronym “FANBOYS”.

2. What is a Conjunction and Examples?

Conjunctions is a part of speech that connect two or more words and phrases. They are also called joining words in a sentence. Some of the examples for them are: -

• You won’t succeed until you make an effort
• Anita is taller than her younger sister

3. What are the 3 Types of Conjunctions?

There are 3 types of conjunctions are: -

1. Coordinating Conjunction
2. Subordinating Conjunction
3. Conjunctive Conjunction

4. Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?

Yes, you can start a sentence with a conjunction like "and," "but," or "or" - it is considered grammatically correct in modern English and can be used to add emphasis or a conversational tone to your writing

Example - She was tired, but she still finished her work