How to Identify and Use Coordinating, Subordinating, and Correlative Conjunctions
Conjunctions, in grammar, are a type of part of speech that connects the words or phrases or clauses. In the absence of conjunctions, we are forced to express complex sentences by breaking them into short simple sentences. These conjunctions are used wisely to convey the same meaning. The conjunctions can either be in the format of a single word or compound or correlative. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a sentence but it depends on the type of conjunction being used.
Example: She bought a flower and chocolates from the market.
Types of Conjunction: Definition and Examples
There are three different types of conjunctions:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunction definition is as follows, the conjunction that joins two elements that have equal syntactic importance and grammatical rank. They can join two independent clauses, two phrases, two adjectives, two verbs or two nouns.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions, they are - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The easiest way to remember these conjunctions is with an acronym called FANBOYS.
Among all these conjunctions “so” can be used both as coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. As coordinating conjunction, it can link two independent clauses and as subordinate conjunction, it can link two unequal clauses.
Rules for using the Coordinating Conjunctions:
There are a few rules which have to be followed during the use of suitable conjunctions along with the usage of words in specific situations:
When the coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma has to be used before that conjunction.
Example: I wanted to go shopping, but my friend wants to go to a movie.
When coordinating conjunction is joining two phrases or words, a comma is not used before the conjunction.
Example: I like to ride bikes and swim.
A comma is optional when coordinating conjunction is used with more than two items.
2. Correlative Conjunctions:
These are a kind of tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs where they are used in different places.
Correlative Conjunction Examples: either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, whether/or, not/but.
I either want a chocolate cake or pastry.
She neither likes tea nor coffee.
3. Subordinating Conjunctions:
The subordinating conjunction meaning and examples are provided here. These are the types of conjunctions that help to join dependent clauses with independent clauses. Some of the common subordinating conjunctions are “since, because, though, as, although, while, and whereas”. Sometimes the adverbs can also act as conjunctions such as, “until, after, or before”.
Example: I can stay here until the clock strikes nine. Here the word “until” acts as a conjunction that connects two ideas such as, “can stay here” and “clock strikes nine”. Here the first idea is independent of the second one hence, “can stay here” is an independent clause, and “clock strikes nine” is a dependent clause.
It is not mandatory to have the subordinating conjunctions in the middle of the sentence, but it has to be a part of the dependent clause. The dependent clause is also called the subordinate clause or subordinating sentences.
The dependent clause has two specific qualities,
It cannot act as it’s a sentence.
It depends on the independent clause to provide a complete meaning.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
The subordinating conjunctions are categorized by meaning:
Time: When the main clause is performed or will be performed, the time-related conjunctions establish a period.
Example: as soon as, once, before, still, whenever.
I will clean the house after the relatives are gone.
Concession: By providing the additional information the concession conjunctions help to redefine the meaning of the main clause. It highlights the action that has happened in the hindrance or obstacle.
Example: although, even though, as though.
She wrote my article even though it is assigned to me.
Comparison: It helps to establish the connection between the words by providing a correlation.
Example: though, whereas, just as, in contrast to.
You will complete the work fastly whereas I need some more time.
Cause: It defines the reason the main clause was performed.
Example: because, since, so that.
My father always inspires me because he believes in me.
Condition: It provides the rules under which the main clause works.
Example: If, in case, even if, unless.
In case my sister suggests buying this dress, then I will go for it.
Place: It defines the place where the action or the activities occur.
Example: wherever, whereas.
I will place the conjunctions wherever it is necessary.
Conclusion
Here, we have seen the conjunction definition and examples, we can conclude that conjunctions help us to combine the simpler sentences to make a single complex sentence. We should be very careful while placing the comma and see to it that the appropriate conjunctions are used. The conjunctions that generally appear in the middle of the sentence are not preceded by the comma. If the subordinate clause appears at the starting of the sentence, then the whole sentence is followed by a comma.
FAQs on Types of Conjunctions Explained with Simple Examples
1. What is a conjunction and why is it essential for constructing clear sentences?
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 and fluent sentences. Without conjunctions, we would be limited to short, simple statements, making our writing sound choppy and disconnected. For example, instead of saying, "She likes tea. He likes coffee," you can use a conjunction to say, "She likes tea, but he likes coffee," creating a smoother and more meaningful connection.
2. What are the three main types of conjunctions in English grammar?
The three main types of conjunctions in English grammar are:
- Coordinating Conjunctions: These connect two grammatically equal elements, such as two independent clauses. Examples include 'for', 'and', and 'but'.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: These connect an independent clause with a dependent (or subordinate) clause, showing the relationship between them. Examples include 'because', 'although', and 'while'.
- Correlative Conjunctions: These are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two balanced elements in a sentence. Examples include 'either...or', 'neither...nor', and 'both...and'.
3. How can the acronym FANBOYS help in remembering coordinating conjunctions?
The acronym FANBOYS is a useful mnemonic device to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions in English. Each letter in the acronym stands for a specific conjunction:
- F - For
- A - And
- N - Nor
- B - But
- O - Or
- Y - Yet
- S - So
By remembering the word FANBOYS, students can easily recall all the conjunctions used to join two independent clauses.
4. What is the key difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
The key difference lies in the types of clauses they connect. A coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but') joins two independent clauses, which are complete sentences that can stand on their own. In contrast, a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'if', 'since') joins an independent clause with a dependent clause, which cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence. The subordinating conjunction shows that one idea is less important than or dependent on the other.
5. How do correlative conjunctions work, and can you provide some examples?
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link two grammatically equal and balanced words, phrases, or clauses. The two parts of the conjunction must be placed correctly to frame the parallel elements. Common examples include:
- Either...or: You can have either the cake or the ice cream.
- Neither...nor: He is neither a good singer nor a good dancer.
- Both...and: She speaks both English and French.
- Not only...but also: The trip was not only fun but also educational.
6. Can a sentence correctly start with a conjunction like 'And' or 'But'?
Yes, despite a common misconception that it is incorrect, you can start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction like 'And' or 'But'. In modern writing, this is often done for stylistic emphasis or to create a smooth transition from the previous sentence. For example: "Everyone expected him to fail. But he passed with flying colours." However, in very formal academic or scientific writing, it is often better to connect ideas within a single, more complex sentence.
7. How does the choice of a subordinating conjunction affect a sentence's meaning?
The choice of a subordinating conjunction is crucial as it defines the relationship between the clauses. Using a different conjunction can completely change the sentence's meaning. For example:
- "She wore a coat because it was cold." (This explains the reason for her action).
- "She wore a coat although it was warm." (This shows a contrast or an unexpected action).
In both sentences, the action is the same, but the conjunction changes the entire context and logic.
8. What is the difference between a subordinating conjunction and a conjunctive adverb like 'however'?
A subordinating conjunction (e.g., 'while', 'although') introduces a dependent clause, making it unable to stand alone as a sentence. For example: "Although he was tired, he finished the race." Here, "Although he was tired" is a dependent clause. A conjunctive adverb (e.g., 'however', 'therefore') connects two independent clauses. It typically requires a semicolon before it and a comma after it. For example: "He was tired; however, he finished the race." Both clauses in this example can stand alone as complete sentences.
