Conjunctions are words which join phrases, clauses and sentences.
Conjunctions have three basic forms which are shown in the table below.
Form | Words | Sentences |
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Single Word | and, but, because, although, or, so, for, etc. | Do you want chips or cake? |
Compound | provided that, as long as, in order that/to, etc. | You need to exercise in order to lose weight. |
Correlative | both/and, either/or, neither/nor, if/then, not/but, not only/but also | Either Monday or Tuesday is fine. Not only should you eat fruit, but also vegetables. |
Conjunctions also have two functions, as shown below.
Type | Function | Position | Example Sentences |
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Coordinating conjunctions | Join equal (independent) parts of a sentence. | Always come between the words/clauses that they join. | Jack and Jill went up the hill. The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming. |
Subordinating conjunctions | Join subordinate clauses to main clauses. | Usually come at the beginning of subordinate clauses. | I went swimming although it was cold. |
Although some people say it's not correct to use conjunctions at the beginning of a sentences, many famous writers do so. view more...