Conjunction: Definition, Types, 100+ Example

Conjunctions (abbreviated conj or cnj) are words that connect or join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences in a sentence. They serve to establish relationships and coherence between different parts of a sentence. There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions.

What is Conjunction?

A conjunction is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Conjunctions are used to coordinate and link different elements, helping to show the relationships between them. There are three main types of conjunctions:

Coordinating Conjunctions:
- These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
- Examples: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
- Sentence: I wanted to go to the party, but I had to finish my homework.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
- These conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
- Examples: because, although, if, when, since, until, unless, while.
- Sentence: She went to the store because she needed groceries.
Correlative Conjunctions:
- These conjunctions come in pairs and link similar elements within a sentence.
- Examples: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or.
- Sentence: Either you finish your dinner, or you can’t have dessert.

Examples of conjunctions in sentences:

Coordinating Conjunction:
- I like coffee and tea.
- She wanted to visit the museum, but it was closed.
Subordinating Conjunction:
- We can go to the beach if the weather is nice.
- They stayed home because it was raining.
Correlative Conjunction:
- Both my brother and I enjoy playing video games.
- You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one.

Definition of Conjunction: A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses.

Conjunctions are essential for creating clear and cohesive communication in both written and spoken language by indicating the relationships between different parts of a sentence.

Etymology of Conjunction

The word “conjunction” has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word “conjunctionem,” which is the past participle of “conjungerĕ.” The Latin roots “con-” mean “together” or “with,” and “jungerĕ” means “to join” or “to yoke.” Therefore, “conjunctionem” essentially means “a joining together” or “a union.”

This Latin origin accurately reflects the function of conjunctions in language, as these words join together different elements in a sentence, such as words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions play a connecting role, linking ideas, thoughts, or actions to create coherent and meaningful communication. Over time, the term “conjunction” has been adopted into English, retaining its fundamental meaning derived from its Latin roots.

Types of Conjunctions

The three main types of conjunctions are:

Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions:

And: I like coffee and tea.
But: She wanted to go to the party, but she had to work.
Or: Would you like tea or coffee?
Nor: She neither likes chocolate nor vanilla.
For: He studied hard, for he wanted to excel.
So: It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
Yet: He was tired, yet he continued working.

Punctuating coordinating conjunctions

When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a comma.

Comma error	Correction
Data was gathered through questionnaires, and interviews.	Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.
She usually studies in the library, or at a cafe.	She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

In these examples, the conjunction joins two words or phrases that are connected to a single verb (gathered and studies), so you shouldn’t place a comma before and When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the conjunction.

Comma error	Correction
Data was gathered through questionnaires and selected respondents participated in interviews.	Data was gathered through questionnaires, and selected respondents participated in interviews.
She usually studies in the library but when it is too busy she goes to a cafe.	She usually studies in the library, but when it is too busy she goes to a cafe.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate (dependent) clauses and establish a relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions:

Because: We went inside because it was raining.
Although: Although it was cold, they went for a walk.
If: Call me if you need help.
When: She will come over when she finishes her work.
Since: They have been friends since kindergarten.
Until: Wait here until I come back.
Unless: You can’t play outside, unless you finish your homework.

Relationship	Common subordinating conjunctions
Cause and effect	because, since, as
Time	when, before, after, once, until, whenever, since, while
Place	where, wherever
Condition	if, unless, in case
Contrast	although, though, whereas

Punctuating subordinating conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction follows an independent clause, a comma is often not necessary. In general, when the dependent clause contains essential information about the independent clause, don’t use a comma.

Comma error	Correction
She will receive a major bonus, if she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal.	She will receive a major bonus if she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal.
John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party, while he was at work.	John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party while he was at work.

However, when the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the sentence, use a comma at the end of the dependent clause.

Comma error	Correction
If she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal she will receive a major bonus.	If she succeeds in closing the corporate partnership deal, she will receive a major bonus.
While John was at work his friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party.	While John was at work, his friends snuck into his apartment to set up a surprise party.

Correlative Conjunctions

Definition: Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect similar elements within a sentence.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions:

Either…or: You can have either tea or coffee.
Neither…nor: She is neither a teacher nor a doctor.
Both…and: We can have both pizza and salad for dinner.
Not only…but also: He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Whether…or: Tell me whether you will come or not.

Understanding the different types of conjunctions and their specific uses is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and coherent sentences in English. Each type of conjunction plays a unique role in connecting and organizing various elements within a sentence or between sentences.

Proper comma usage

Proper comma usage with conjunctions depends on the type of conjunction and the relationship between the elements being joined. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)

When coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses (complete sentences), use a comma before the conjunction:

Example: I wanted to go to the party, but I had to work.

However, if the clauses are short and closely related, you may choose to omit the comma:

Example: I like coffee and tea.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, no comma is needed unless it’s at the beginning of the sentence:

Example: She went inside because it was raining.
Example: Although it was cold, they went for a walk.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

When correlative conjunctions (pairs like either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also) join two elements, use a comma before the second element:

Example: You can have either tea, or coffee.
Example: She is not only intelligent, but also hardworking.

Additional Tips

Use a comma when a conjunction connects two independent clauses, making sure there is a subject and a verb on both sides of the conjunction.
Do not use a comma before a conjunction if it connects only words or phrases, not independent clauses.
Commas are often used for clarity, especially in longer sentences. If there’s a risk of confusion or if the sentence is complex, consider using commas.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and there can be exceptions based on specific writing styles or the desired rhythm and flow of a sentence. Always consider the context and the specific elements you are joining when determining whether to use a comma with a conjunction.

Using different types of Conjunctions together

Using different types of conjunctions together can enhance the complexity and variety of your sentences. Here are examples that incorporate coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions:

Example 1: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunction (and) + Subordinating Conjunction (because):
- Sentence: I wanted to go to the beach, and I did, because the weather was perfect.

Example 2: Subordinating Conjunctions and Correlative Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunction (although) + Correlative Conjunction (either…or):
- Sentence: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk, either to enjoy the fresh air or just to embrace the rain.

Example 3: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunction (but) + Subordinating Conjunction (if):
- Sentence: She wanted to go to the party, but only if her friend could come with her.

Example 4: Correlative Conjunctions with Subordinating Conjunctions

Correlative Conjunction (not only…but also) + Subordinating Conjunction (when):
- Sentence: Not only did they finish the project on time, but also they exceeded expectations when they presented it.

Example 5: Coordinating and Correlative Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunction (or) + Correlative Conjunction (neither…nor):
- Sentence: You can choose either to join us for dinner or to have a quiet evening at home.

Example 6: Mix of Coordinating, Subordinating, and Correlative Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunction (and) + Subordinating Conjunction (while) + Correlative Conjunction (both…and):
- Sentence: She worked on the project alone, and she completed it efficiently while maintaining both quality and creativity.

By incorporating different types of conjunctions, you can create sentences that are structurally diverse and convey complex relationships between ideas. However, it’s essential to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing, so use these conjunctions judiciously based on the specific context and the relationships you want to express.