English Grammar/Basic Parts of Speech/Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word or words used to show the relationship between one notion and another notion. There are two main types of conjunction: the coordinative conjunction, which joins phrases of equal importance and rank, and the subordinative conjunction, which joins a phrase with another phrase that is dependent on it.
Coordinative Conjunctions[edit | edit source]
A coordinative conjunction joins two sentences together that do not rely on each other for meaning. We can split the coordinative conjunctions into four smaller groups: the cumulative, the alternative, the adversative, and the illative.
Cumulative[edit | edit source]
A cumulative conjunction is used to add one thought to another. Examples of cumulative conjunctions include
- and
- both...and
- not only
- but also
- as well as
Alternative[edit | edit source]
Used to indicate a choice between one notion and another. For example:
- or
- either...or
- else
- otherwise
- neither...nor
Adversative[edit | edit source]
Used to contrast one notion and another.
- but
- yet
- however
- nonetheless
- despite
- still
Illative[edit | edit source]
These show that one notion is implied, inferred or proved by another.
- then
- thus
- therefore
- so
- for
Subordinating conjunctions[edit | edit source]
Subordinating conjunctions express relationships of time, manner, cause or reason, comparison, condition, or purpose. They are used to introduce subordinate clauses that are not complete