Conjunctions
Prepared by Sir.Albert J.Safari
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What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Conjunctions are considered to be invariable grammar particle, and they may or may not stand between items they conjoin.
Types of conjunctions
There are three types of conjunctions :
i. coordinating,
ii. subordinating and
iii. correlative conjunctions.
Coordinating;
Coordinating conjunctions connect two words or groups of words with similar values. They may connect two words, two phrases, two independent clauses or two dependent clauses.
For example, in each of the following sentences the coordinating conjunction “and" connects equal words or groups of words:
Connects two words: John and Reggie stayed up all night practicing their guitars.
Connects two phrases: The squirrel scurried up the tree trunk and onto a low branch.
Connects two clauses: Several managers sat with their backs to us, and I could almost hear them snickering at us lowly workers.
There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language, and they are often remembered by using the acronym “FANBOYS": for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so.
Subordinating
Subordinating conjunctions connect two groups of words by making one into a subordinating clause. The subordinating clause acts as one huge adverb, answering the questions “when" or “why" about the main clause, or imposing conditions or opposition on it.
Here are some examples of subordinating conjunctions changing a clause into adverbial subordinating clauses in different ways:
I can go shopping after I finish studying for my exam. (when)
Because the night was young, Gertrude decided to take a walk. (why)
I’ll give you a dime if you give me a dollar. (condition)
Although he never figured out why, Hanna winked on her way out the door. (opposition)
Note: The subordinating conjunction does not always come between the two clauses it connects. Often, it comes at the beginning of the first clause.
Correlative
Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. They are similar to coordinating conjunctions because they join sentence elements that are similar in importance.
The following are some examples of coordinating conjunctions:
Both, and: Both Rodney and Xing made the varsity team this year.
Neither, nor: Neither Rodney nor Xing made the varsity team this year.
Not only, but also: Not only did Rodney make the varsity team, but he also become one of the strongest players.
Conjunction Exercises
The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
1. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy __________ a kitten home with him.
1. But
2. Or
3. Yet
4. And
Answer: 4. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy and a kitten home with him.
2. I’d like to thank you ______ the lovely gift.
1. Or
2. For
3. And
4. Yet
Answer: 2. I’d like to thank you for the lovely gift.
3. I want to go for a hike _____ I have to go to work today.
1. But
2. Yet
3. Or
4. For
Answer: 1. I want to go for a hike but I have to go to work today.
4. They do not smoke, _____ do they play cards.
1. And
2. Or
3. Nor
4. Yet
Answer: 3. They do not smoke, nor do they play cards.
5. I’m getting good grades _________ I study every day.
1. Or
2. Yet
3. But
4. Because
Answer: 4. I’m getting good grades because I study every day.
