Modern English Grammar - Conjunctions

 CONJUNCTIONS

A conjunction is a word that connects parts of sentence. It can connect words, phrase or even clauses.

Examples:

When you go to London, you must try fish and chips. ( connects words)

He tried his best but could not pass the exam (connects sentences)

There are four types of Conjunctions. They are,

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

3. Correlative Conjunctions

4. Conjunction adverbs

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

It can be sub-classified into four types. They are,

•          Cumulative or copulative conjunctions- It merely adds one statement to another (and)
•          Adversative Conjunctions- express opposition or contrast between two statements.(but, yet, still)
•          Disjunction or alternative conjunctions- It presents two alternatives, sometimes indicating a choice between them. (or, otherwise, else)
•          Illative Conjunctions- It expresses an inference. (for, so)

2. Subordinating Conjunction (because, after, although, if)

Examples:

We are going to study all night, because we have an exam tomorrow.

After Lucy gets home from work, she likes to watch TV for an hour.

3. Correlative Conjunction (either...or, neither...nor, not only ...but also, such... that, both...and, not...but, whether...or, though...yet)

They are used in pairs.  

Examples:

He is either a fool or a madman.

He is neither a fool nor a madman.

He visited not only France but also Germany

4. Conjunction Adverbs (Hence, However, therefore, In contrast, In addition, On the other hand, Moreover)

Examples:

Stacey kept talking in class; therefore, she got in trouble

She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy.