Learn About Conjunction and Its Types | With Examples

If you have written anything, you have likely used conjunctions. However, despite common conjunctions, many students still struggle with the proper placement. 

They also struggle with understanding when to use "and," "but," or "because" in their sentences. 

But don’t worry because, in this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know. From what conjunctions are, their various types, and examples, this blog has everything you need and more. 

So, let’s get started!

How do Conjunctions Work?

Conjunction words are the parts of speech that join words, phrases, or clauses together. They act as bridges, linking different parts of a sentence to convey a complete idea. 

Without conjunctions, your writing will lack proper flow and will affect your readability and understanding. 

Take a look at this example below to have a better understanding:

See how much better the second part sounds? Adding conjunctions helps to connect the sentences more fluently, creating a smoother and more coherent narrative flow.

Different Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose in connecting ideas. There are three main types of conjunctions:

• Coordinating Conjunctions: They connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of similar grammatical positions. 
• Subordinating Conjunctions: They connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, creating complex sentences where one idea is dependent on the other.
• Correlative Conjunctions: They come in pairs and work together to join elements within a sentence. Common pairs include "either/or," "neither/nor," "both/and," "not only/but also," and "whether/or."

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are like the glue that holds your ideas together. They can connect words, phrases, or even entire sentences. 

Common Words

Remember the acronym "FANBOYS" to recall the most common coordinating conjunctions: 

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

How to Punctuate Coordinating Conjunctions

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses. Here are some examples for your understanding:

• I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much homework.
• She is intelligent and hardworking.
• You can have cake or ice cream for dessert.
• I like tea and coffee.

Common Errors to Avoid

Avoid using coordinating conjunctions to join independent and dependent clauses without proper punctuation.

Remember the comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining independent clauses.

Take a look at this comparison between the correct and wrong way of using coordinating conjunctions:

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words that join dependent clauses to independent clauses. They might seem complicated, but once you understand how to use them, you'll find them in your writing. 

Common Words

They introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Here are some common words:

• After
• Although
• As
• Because
• Before
• Even though
• If
• Since
• Though
• Unless
• Until
• When
• Whenever
• Where
• Whereas
• While

How to Punctuate Subordinating Conjunctions

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

Here are some examples: 

• Because she studied hard, she aced the exam.
• As it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
• I'll go to the gym if I finish my work early.
• He'll come to the party when he finishes his assignment.

Common Errors to Avoid

Don't confuse subordinating conjunctions with coordinating conjunctions. Remember, subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses while coordinating conjunctions join independent clauses.

Here is a comparison between the correct and wrong ways of using subordinating conjunctions:

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are a pair of other conjunctions that work together to join words, phrases, or clauses with similar grammatical structures. By connecting sentence elements, they provide balance and clarity to your writing.

Common Words

Here are the common words for correlative conjunctions:

• Both...and
• Either...or
• Neither...nor
• Not only...but also
• Whether...or
• Just as...so
• As...as

How to Punctuate Correlative Conjunctions

Punctuate correlative conjunction pairs in the same way you would coordinate conjunctions. Here are some examples for your understanding:

• Not only did she bring snacks, but also drinks.
• Either we go to the beach, or we stay home and watch movies.
• She is neither tall nor short.
• Both my sister and I enjoy hiking.

Common Errors to Avoid

Ensure that both elements connected by correlative conjunctions are grammatically parallel.

Don't separate the correlative conjunction pairs with unnecessary punctuation.

Take a look at the incorrect and correct ways of using correlative conjunctions:

Comparison Between Types of Conjunctions

Now that we've covered coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions, let's summarize the key differences between them:

Test Your Knowledge

Now that you know everything about conjunctions and their uses, let’s test your knowledge. 

Exercise 1

Below are some sentences with gaps. Fill in the gaps with the appropriate conjunction from the list provided and guess the type of conjunction used as well. 

Solution to Exercise 1

So there you have it!

Conjunctions may seem like small words, but they play a crucial role in the structure and coherence of our language. 

By learning various types of conjunctions and their proper uses in sentences, your writing skills will improve. 

So, the next time you sit down to write and get confused with the correct conjunction to use, revisit this blog. 

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Continue Learning

If you want to learn more about academic writing, grammar, and related concepts, check out these blogs.