Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases, or clauses. They help create smooth and logical flow in writing and speaking. There are three main types of conjunctions, each serving a different purpose:
Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.” You can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS.
- Example: She likes to read books and listen to music.
Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, showing a relationship between the two. Common subordinating conjunctions include “because,” “although,” “since,” “while,” and “if.”
- Example: I stayed home because it was raining.
Correlative Conjunctions
These conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal elements in a sentence. Some examples of correlative conjunctions are “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “both…and,” and “not only…but also.”
- Example: Either you can go to the party or stay home and study.
Understanding the differences between these types of conjunctions can help you use them correctly in your writing and speaking.
Discover the difference between a simple and compound sentence, synecdoche and metonymy, trousers and pants.