Types of Conjunctions as Part of Speech
- Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, and independent clauses of equal grammatical rank in a sentence. These include and, but, or, yet, for, so, nor, etc.
Examples:
- Are you an atheist or an agnostic? (‘Or’ joins individual words.)
- I will have a mango and a banana. (‘And’ joins individual words.)
- I like the actor’s performance on stage but dislike his movies. (‘But’ joins two phrases.)
- Maya has been appreciated for both her spontaneity and the ability to tackle tough situations. (‘And’ joins two phrases.)
- I went to the market, but I did not purchase vegetables. (‘But’ joins two independent clauses.)
- It was already dark, so I took the cab. (‘So’ joins two independent clauses.)
- Subordinating Conjunctions:
Subordinating conjunctions join independent and dependent clauses. Some of these are because, since, as, although, though, while, in spite of, whereas, etc. Often a subordinating conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship or a contrast.
Examples:
- Since I was not at home, I couldn’t cook food.
- Although you have passed the exam, there is room for improvement.
- I went to the doctor in spite of being fit.
- Correlative Conjunctions:
Correlative
conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to show the
relationship between two things in a sentence. Some of the most common
correlative conjunctions are either… or, neither… nor, not only… but also, no sooner… than, hardly… when, etc.
Examples:
- I neither like capsicum nor tomatoes in my soup.
- You can either sign the document or leave immediately.
- Not only did he pass the exam, but also topped it.
- Whether you like it or not, we will attend the gathering this Sunday.
- You are both innocent and cute.