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 part of speech that acts as a connector, joining words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They are essential for creating complex, fluid sentences and showing the logical relationship between different ideas. Common examples include and, but, or, and because.
2. What are the three main types of conjunctions?
The three primary types of conjunctions taught in English grammar are:
Coordinating Conjunctions: These connect grammatically equal elements. (e.g., for, and, but)
Subordinating Conjunctions: These join an independent clause with a dependent (or subordinate) clause. (e.g., if, although, because)
Correlative Conjunctions: These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect balanced elements. (e.g., either...or, not only...but also)
3. What are coordinating conjunctions, and how does the acronym FANBOYS help?
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal grammatical rank. The acronym FANBOYS is a simple mnemonic device to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. Using this acronym helps students easily recall and identify them in sentences.
4. How do you use a subordinating conjunction in a sentence?
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and connects it to an independent clause. It shows a relationship of cause, time, condition, or contrast. For example, in the sentence, "We cancelled the picnic because it was raining," the subordinating conjunction 'because' introduces the reason (dependent clause) for cancelling the picnic (independent clause).
5. What is the key difference between a conjunction and a preposition?
The key difference lies in their function. A conjunction joins similar grammatical elements (like two nouns or two clauses), for example, "He is smart and hardworking." A preposition, on the other hand, shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence, often indicating location, time, or direction, as in "The book is on the table."
6. How do conjunctions affect sentence punctuation, especially the use of commas?
Conjunctions play a crucial role in punctuation. A common rule is to place a comma before a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'so') when it joins two independent clauses. For example: "She wanted to go to the concert, but she had to study for her exam." However, a comma is typically not needed if the conjunction connects two words or phrases, as in "She likes apples and oranges."
7. Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with a conjunction like 'And' or 'But'?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. While some traditional grammar rules advised against it, modern writing widely accepts starting sentences with conjunctions like 'And', 'But', or 'So'. This technique is often used for stylistic effect, to create emphasis, or to ensure a smooth transition from the previous sentence.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using correlative conjunctions?
A primary mistake is failing to maintain parallel structure. The grammatical structure following the first part of the conjunction pair must match the structure following the second part. For instance, in "She was not only a great singer but also a talented dancer," both parts are followed by a noun phrase. Another common error is mismatching the pairs, like using "neither...or" instead of the correct "neither...nor".
9. Why is choosing the right conjunction important for clear writing?
Choosing the right conjunction is vital because it clarifies the logical relationship between ideas. Using 'and' suggests addition, 'but' suggests contrast, and 'because' indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. The wrong choice can confuse the reader and alter the intended meaning of the sentence. For example, saying "He is wealthy, and he is unhappy" is very different from "He is wealthy, but he is unhappy."
