Conjunctions
Conjunctions – A conjunction is a word which joins together two words, clauses or sentences.
E.g. And , or , but , while , yet , hence , therefore , for , if , moreover , all , both , either….or , neither….nor , not only….but also , whether….or , as soon as, etc…
Conjunctions are divided into two classes : Coordinating conjunctions (and , or , but , nor) and Subordinating conjunctions (if , when , because). These are sometimes called ‘coordinators’ and ‘subordinators’ respectively.
Correlative Conjunctions – Some conjunctions are used in pairs. Conjunctions which are thus used in pairs are called Correlative Conjunctions or Merely Correlative.
E.g. neither…nor , whether…or , though…yet , not only…but also, etc..
Example :
- Mr.Rao not only smokes but also drinks.
- Either you want to go or you don’t.
- Only God knows whether he is alive or dead.
Compound Conjunctions – The phrases which are used as conjunctions are called Compound Conjunctions.
E.g. as soon as , as well as , so that , as if , even if , to the extent that , etc..
Example :
- He behaved as if nothing had happened.
- We went inside as soon as it started raining.
Co-ordinating Conjunctions – A coordinate conjunction joins words or word groups of the same kind and same importance.
E.g. and , for , either (or) , also , but , neither (nor)
Example :
- A cat and its kittens.
- A male or a female?
- The animal is large but timid.
Subordinating Conjunctions – Those conjunctions that join two sentences or clauses one of which is dependent on the other are known as subordinate conjunction.
E.g. after , how , although , lest , whenever , etc…
a) Subordinating Conjunctions of Time – The conjunctions after, as, as long as, as soon as, before, until, since, when, while are used to say when something happens. They are called conjunctions of time.
Example :
- I’ll call you when I get home.
- After he had done his duty, he felt happy.
b) Subordinating Conjunctions of Place – The conjunctions where and wherever are used to talk about places. They are called Subordinating conjunctions of place.
Example :
- Put it where we can all see it.
- The dog follows Rosy wherever she goes.
c) Subordinating Conjunctions of Reason – The conjunctions although, because, for, once, in as much as, since, as , though, why, and in case tell why someone does something. They are called Subordinating conjunctions of reason.
Example :
- She wanted an answer because she had to leave.
- Although he wanted to say yes, he couldn’t.
d) Subordinating Conjunctions of Purpose – The conjunctions so, so that, such that and in order to tell what the purpose of something is. They are called Subordinating conjunctions of purpose.
Example :
- She raised her hand so that he could see her.
- We eat so that we may live.
e) Subordinating Conjunctions of Condition – The conjunctions except, if, once, though, unless, without are called Subordinating conjunctions of condition.
Example :
- If he buys the book, he will read it.
- Unless you work hard, you cannot get good result.
f) Subordinating Conjunctions of Comparison – as, as far as, as much as, as well as, else, otherwise, rather, than (Than only when it follows comparative adverbs or adjectives or the words else, rather, other, or otherwise.) are called Subordinating conjunctions of comparison.
Example :
- London is larger than any other city in England.
- Are cats more independent than dogs?
