English Grammar/Basic Parts of Speech/Conjunctions

Definition

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 dependant on it.

Coordinative Conjunctions

A coordinative conjunction joins two sentences together that do not rely on each other for meaning. We can split the co-ordinative conjunctions into four smaller groups: the cumulative, the alternative, the adversative, and the illative.

Cumulative

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

Used to indicate a choice between one notion and another. For example:

• or
• either...or
• else
• otherwise

Adversative

Used to contrast one notion and another.

• but
• yet
• however
• nonetheless
• despite
• still

Illative

These show that one notion is implied, inferred or proved by another.

• then
• thus
• therefore
• so
• for

Subordinating conjunctions

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