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The kids were in a profound sleep. Their parents were dozing off. Their dogs were soundly sleeping. These sentences are okay on their own, yet they seem a tad repetitious, don’t they? Instead, let’s join them with a conjunction.
The kids, their parents, and their dogs were all sound asleep. Isn’t that a lot better now? Conjunctions are beneficial words that join bits of speech to build longer yet coherent sentences. Let’s discuss conjunctions in detail. For better understanding, you must read this topic thoroughly. It will clear all your doubts.
What is a conjunction?
Conjunctions are a very significant part of the English language. You utilise them daily! A conjunction is a word that connects different sections of sentences, phrases, and words.
Conjunctions can be used alone or in pairs. For instance, and, but, or otherwise are single words, whereas neither/nor, either/or are conjunction pairs. Conjunctions can be used to connect words, as in this sentence: Please give me five peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Conjunction examples
The conjunctions have been made bold in the following examples to make them stand out:
- I attempted to strike the nail but instead hit my thumb.
- I have two teddy bears and a cat.
- You can have chocolate ice cream or dry fruit ice cream.
- I try my best in school but I am not able to obtain decent grades.
Types of conjunctions
Conjunctions are little words, but they are beneficial and necessary for sentence construction. Did you note how the coordinating conjunction but was utilised to connect various parts of the first sentence just now?
Conjunctions are mainly used for this purpose. They link words, sentences, and clauses. Because conjunctions play such a crucial part in sentences, it’s no wonder that there are three different sorts of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.
Linking or connective words are also referred to as conjunctions. They link sentences and phrases together, as well as thoughts, activities, and ideas. Each of the three types of conjunctions joins two or more sentences together. Let’s take a look at some of the most common sorts.
Coordinating conjunctions:
And, nor and so connect equal components of a sentence, whether they are words, phrases, or independent clauses. Look at the case below:
He took a shortcut since he needed to get to school on time.
Her favourite colours were purple and red.
Subordinating conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions such as because, since, and after link a dependent clause to an independent clause. This emphasises the freestanding/independent sentence’s central concept and illustrates the relationship between the two clauses. Consider the case below:
After the party we had last night, the house was in shambles.
Since the accident, he doesn’t go skiing anymore.
Correlative conjunctions:
Correlative conjunctions, including either/or, such/that, and not only/but also, act in pairs to bring together words or phrases of similar importance in a sentence. Consider the following scenarios:
Chocolate or vanilla ice cream is available.
He can play both the guitar and the drums.
A conjunction’s purpose
Remember that the primary purpose of a conjunction is to connect or underline concepts or activities by linking together distinct components of a sentence. Conjunctions aid in forming more complex and fascinating sentences, as well as make your writing flow more smoothly.
Conjunction exercises
The exercises that follow will help you better grasp how conjunctions work. To finish each sentence, just choose the best response.
1. Q) My brother loves soft toys. He just brought a teddy bear __________ a minion doll home with him.
Ans. My brother loves soft toys. He just brought a teddy bear and a minion doll home with him.
2. Q) I want to go for a picnic, _____ I have to go to work today.
Ans. I want to go for a picnic, but I have to go to work today.
3. Q) I’m getting good scores _________ I study every night.
Ans. I’m getting good scores because I study every night.
Conclusion
A conjunction is a word that joins the conjuncts of conjunctions, words, phrases, or clauses. Because this definition may overlap with other elements of speech, each language must specify what makes a ‘conjunction’.
Conjunctions are divided into three types: coordinating, subordinating and correlative. A coordinating conjunction joins words or groups of terms of equal value; subordinating conjunction joins dependent clauses to main clauses, and correlative conjunction acts in pairs to bring together words or phrases in a sentence.
- Q) They do not drink, _____ do they play cards.
Ans. They do not drink, nor do they play cards.
