Conjunction

Conjunction

Conjunctions are used to join parts of a sentence that function in the same way or in a closely related way. The parts joined may be words, phrases, or clauses. In a simple way we can say that Conjunctions are words used as joiners. Different kinds of conjunctions join different kinds of grammatical structures. In grammar, a conjunction (abbreviated CONJ or CNJ) is a part of speech that connects two words, sentences, phrase or clauses together. This definition may overlap with that of other parts of speech, so what constitutes a “conjunction” should be defined for each language. In general, a conjunction is an invariable grammatical particle, and it may or may not stand between the items it conjoins. The definition can also be extended to idiomatic phrases that behave as a unit with the same function as a single-word conjunction (as well as, provided that, etc).

According to McFadden (unknown), there are some kinds of conjunction:

1.      Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions is Conjunctions that join equal parts of a sentence. They are and, but, or, nor, for, and yet.

In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a coordinating conjunction: (1) Joni and Jeni are usually purple. In this example, the coordinating conjunction “and” links two nouns.

2.      Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and indicates the nature of the relationship among the independent clause (s) and the dependent clause (s). The most common subordinating conjunctions are: after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, then, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, and while.

Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is subordinating conjunction: (1) aftershe had learned to drive, Alice felt more independent. The subordinating conjunction after introduces the dependent clause: After she had learned to drive. (2) if the paperwork arrives on time, your cheque will be mailed on Tuesday. Similarly, the subordinating conjunction if introduces the dependent clauses: if the paperwork arrives on time. (3) Tono had to begin thesis over again when his computer crashed. The subordinating conjunction when introduces the dependent clause: when his computer crashed.

3.      Correlative conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are some conjunctions are used in pairs. You use them to link equivalent sentence elements. The most common correlative conjunctions are both…and, either…nor, neither…nor, not only…but also, so…as and whether…or.

The highlighted words in the following sentences are correlative conjunctions: (1) both the seniors and the faculty had the faculty had their pictures taken for the yearbook. In this sentence, the correlative conjunction both…and is used to link the two noun phrases that act as the compound subject of the sentence: the senior and the faculty. (2) Either the editor of the year book or the assistant editor will contact the photographer. Here the correlative conjunction either…or links two noun phrase: the editor and the assistant editor. (3) The yearbook is sold not only to students but also to teachers. In this example the correlative conjunction not only…but also links the two noun phrases, students and teachers which act as direct objects.