Conjunctions
- What is a conjunction?
- A conjunction is a word or phrase that links two clauses.
- What types of conjunctions are there?
- There are three types: subordinate, coordinate, and correlative. (We will only present subordinate and coordinate conjunctions here.)
Subordinate Conjunctions
A subordinate conjunction is a word or phrase that begins a dependent clause. Examples of subordinate conjunctions are the following: since, because, when, if, after, although, until, etc.
Example #1
When I get tired, I don't function as well as I normally
do.
Explanation: The subordinate conjunction is "when," and it begins the dependent
clause "when I get tired."
Example #2
Since he left his money at home, we can't buy groceries.
Explanation: The subordinate conjunction is "since," and it
begins the dependent clause "since he left his money at home."
Coordinate Conjunctions
A coordinate conjunction is a word or phrase that connects two clauses. There are only 7 coordinate conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, so, for, yet.
Example #1
They went to the theatre, and we went with them.
Explanation:
The coordinate conjunction is "and," and it connects the two independent clauses.
Example #2
They wanted to go boating in the lake, but the weather was uncooperative.
Explanation:
The coordinate conjunction is "but," and it connects the two independent
clauses.