"We have eggs AND cheese BUT we don't have rice". These words in capital letters are examples of conjunctions, which join parts of a sentence. Continue the lesson below to learn more conjunctions.
Conjunctions are used to connect words and/or clauses and are sometimes also referred to as “linking words”. There are two types of conjunction (coordinating and subordinating) and their position within the sentence depends on the type of conjunction. In addition, conjunctions have three forms.
The most commonly used conjunctions are: “and”, “but” and “or”.
Examples:
She works at a bank and goes to university. |
I like to swim in the ocean, but only if the water is warm. |
We can study now or later. |
1. Coordinating Conjunctions: This type of conjunction is used when we want to connect two clauses that have the same value or are grammatically equal.
Position: Coordinating conjunctions are always located between the words or phrases that they connect.
Examples:
She likes to sing and dance. |
I want to move to London so I am studying English. |
They are moving to Barcelona, however they really like Madrid. |
2. Subordinating Conjunctions: We use this type of conjunction when one of the clauses of the sentence depends on the other (subordinate clause); the subordinate clause does not make sense without the main clause. Most conjunctions are of this type.
Position: Subordinating conjunctions generally are found in front of the subordinate clause.
Examples:
I have been working at the bank since 2005. |
She is studying English so that she can move to London. |
They went to the beach although it was raining. |
Conjunctions have three forms:
1. Simple: a single word
2. Compound: more than one word that is generally followed by “as” or “that”
3. Correlative: surrounding an adjective or adverb, such as “if…then”.
Below is a list of conjunctions with their definition, type and form.
C = Coordinating conjunction
S = Subordinating conjunction
Conjunction/Definition | Form | C | S |
---|---|---|---|
after following in time; at a later time |
simple | X | |
although though; despite the fact that; used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a previously made statement} |
simple | X | |
and used to join/connect words or clauses; presents non-contrasting objects or ideas; used to start a new clause that continues or adds to a previous clause; added to or in addition; plus |
simple | X | |
as to the same degree or amount; used to introduce an example |
simple | X | |
as…as used for making comparisons, to say that two things are equal in some way |
correlative | X | |
as long as provided/providing; on condition that; if and only if |
compound | X | |
as soon as when; immediately after something happens |
compound | X | |
as well as in addition to; and |
compound | X | |
because for the reason that |
simple | X | |
before at an earlier time |
simple | X | |
both…and used to indicate that two people or things are being referred to rather than just one |
correlative | X | |
but presents a contrast or exception |
simple | X | |
either…or used to indicate choices or possibilities; one or the other of two |
correlative | X | |
even if used to stress that something will happen despite something else that might prevent it |
compound | X | |
even though a stronger way to say “though” or “although” |
compound | X | |
however presents a contrast or exception |
simple | X | |
if used to talk about the result or effect of something that may happen or be true; used with conditional statements |
simple | X | |
in case used to talk about something that might happen or be true |
compound | X | |
in order to to make it possible for something to happen |
compound | X | |
moreover in addition |
simple | X | |
neither…nor used to indicate two or more things about which something is not true; not one or the other of two people or things |
correlative | X | |
nevertheless in spite of; however |
simple | X | |
nor presents a non-contrasting negative idea |
simple | X | |
now that since something is true; because of the fact that something happened |
compound | X | |
or presents an alternative; used to introduce another choice or possibility |
simple | X | |
once at the moment when; as soon as |
simple | X | |
since from the time in the past when; used to introduce a statement that explains the reasons for another statement |
simple | X | |
so presents a consequence; for that reason; therefore |
simple | X | |
so that to make it possible for something to happen; in order to |
compound | X | |
then used to indicate what happened or happens next; used to indicate what must be true or what should happen if something else happens |
simple | X | |
therefore presents a reason; because of that |
simple | X | |
though although; despite the fact that; used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a previously made statement |
simple | X | |
unless used to say what will happen or be true if something else does not happen or is not true |
simple | X | |
until up to the time or point that |
simple | X | |
when at, during or just after the time that; used to say what happens or is true in a particular situation |
simple | X | |
whereas used to describe how two people, groups, etc. are different |
simple | X | |
whether if it is or was true that |
simple | X | |
whether…or used to indicate choices or possibilities |
correlative | X | |
yet presents a contrast or exception |
simple | X |