Conjunctions in English Grammar | Open Gateway Tamil

Conjunctions in English Grammar

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word used to connect clauses, phrases, or words. Conjunctions are essential for creating more complex sentences by linking ideas and concepts.

Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two words, phrases, or independent clauses that are of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Examples:

She likes tea and coffee.
He didn’t go to the party but stayed at home.
You can have coffee or tea.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause. These conjunctions show the relationship between the two clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, since, although, while, if, unless.

Examples:

I stayed at home because it was raining.
Although he was tired, he continued working.
She will be upset if she doesn’t win.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join words, phrases, or clauses. Common correlative conjunctions include: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also.

Examples:

Both John and Mary attended the meeting.
You can either have tea or coffee.
Not only did she pass the exam, but also got the highest score.

Rules for Using Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join equal elements like words, phrases, or independent clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause.
Correlative conjunctions should always be used in pairs to connect the elements they modify.

Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences

The cat is sleeping and the dog is playing.
She was tired but happy.
He didn’t go to the market because it was closed.
Neither the teacher nor the students were ready.

Common Errors with Conjunctions

Incorrect: He was tired, and but he continued working.
Correct: He was tired, but he continued working.
Incorrect: She likes both chocolate, and vanilla.
Correct: She likes both chocolate and vanilla.
Incorrect: I will go to the store, if it stops raining.
Correct: I will go to the store if it stops raining.