What Are the 3 Types of Conjunctions with Examples?
Conjunctions are essential words in English grammar that connect sentences, phrases, or words. Students use them regularly in schoolwork, writing assignments, and exams. Understanding conjunctions also helps in speaking and writing clear sentences in daily life. At Vedantu, we make grammar topics simple and exam-ready.
| Type of Conjunction | Function | Common Examples | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinating | Links equal words, phrases, or clauses | and, but, or, for, nor, so, yet | I wanted tea but had coffee. |
| Subordinating | Connects dependent and independent clauses | because, although, if, while, before, since | She left because it was late. |
| Correlative | Works in pairs for emphasis or alternatives | either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also | Either finish your work or go outside. |
What Are Conjunctions in English Grammar?
Conjunctions in English grammar are connecting words. They join two or more words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Without conjunctions, writing and speech sound disconnected. Conjunctions help create smooth, meaningful sentences in English for both exams and daily use.
Types of Conjunctions and How They Are Used
There are three main types of conjunctions in English grammar. These are coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions. Understanding their differences helps students write correct and clear sentences.
- Coordinating Conjunctions: Used to join equal elements (words, phrases, or clauses). Example: “She likes apples and oranges.”
- Subordinating Conjunctions: Link a dependent clause to a main clause. Example: “I will call you when I arrive.”
- Correlative Conjunctions: Come in pairs and show relationship between matching sentence parts. Example: “Neither Sam nor Rita was late.”
Conjunction Examples in Sentences
Seeing conjunctions in sentences helps you recognize and use them correctly. Here are sentence examples for each type, with the conjunction shown clearly:
- Coordinating: “I want pizza or pasta for lunch.”
- Subordinating: “Although it rained, we went outside.”
- Correlative: “He is not only smart but also kind.”
Rules for Using Conjunctions
When using conjunctions in English grammar, follow simple placement and punctuation rules:
- Place coordinating conjunctions between the elements they join, not at the sentence start for formal writing.
- When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, add a comma after the dependent clause.
- Correlative conjunctions must be used as pairs for correct meaning.
- Avoid using unnecessary conjunctions in one sentence.
Quick Reference Table: Common Conjunctions
| Coordinating | Subordinating | Correlative |
|---|---|---|
| and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor | because, although, if, when, before, after, since, while, unless, until | either...or, neither...nor, both...and, whether...or, not only...but also |
Practice Sentences: Find the Conjunction
Try spotting conjunctions and their types in the following sentences. This builds exam confidence and real-life skills.
- The dog barked and ran away.
- If you finish early, we can go out.
- Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the picnic.
- She did not eat breakfast nor drink juice.
Summary: Why Conjunctions Matter in English Grammar
Conjunctions are key to connecting ideas in speech and writing. They fall into coordinating, subordinating, and correlative types. Learning to use conjunctions improves English grammar, supports strong exam answers, and helps you write fluently. Keep practicing with Vedantu for more success.
Learn more about Types of Conjunctions
Read about the Use of Conjunctions
FAQs on Introduction to Conjunctions in English Grammar
1. What is a conjunction in English grammar?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They show the relationship between the connected elements. Common examples include and, but, and because.
2. What are the main types of conjunctions?
The main types are:
- Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor)
- Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, since, if, while)
- Correlative conjunctions (e.g., both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also)
3. Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?
While traditionally discouraged, starting sentences with conjunctions like but or and is now acceptable for emphasis or stylistic effect in contemporary English.
4. What are some common conjunction examples?
Common examples include and, but, or, so, because, although, since, if, while, however, therefore.
5. How do you use conjunctions in a sentence?
Conjunctions join similar grammatical elements. For example: "I like tea and coffee." (joins nouns) "She studied hard, so she passed the exam." (joins clauses).
6. What is the difference between conjunctions and prepositions?
Conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses. Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence (e.g., location, time, manner). For example: "The book is on the table" (preposition); "The book and the pen are on the table" (conjunction).
7. What is a zero conjunction?
A zero conjunction is the omission of a conjunction between clauses, often used in informal writing or speech. For example: "I went to the store, I bought milk."
8. How do conjunctions affect sentence punctuation?
Conjunctions can affect punctuation. For example, a comma is usually needed before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses: "I went to the park, and I played with my friends."
9. What are some common errors students make with conjunctions?
Common errors include incorrect usage of correlative conjunctions (e.g., using "either...and"), comma splices (incorrectly joining independent clauses without a conjunction or proper punctuation), and misuse of subordinating conjunctions.
10. How do conjunctions differ in British and American English?
While the core types and most common conjunctions are the same, minor variations in usage and preferred conjunctions might exist between British and American English. However, these differences are usually subtle.
11. What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions join grammatically equal elements (words, phrases, or independent clauses). Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that is grammatically unequal to the main clause.
