Conjunctions are words that connect two words, phrases or sentences. There are mainly three types of conjunctions – coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions

Coordinating conjunction

These conjunctions join together two different words or phrases. For example, and, or, nor, but, for, so, yet etc.

Examples of coordinating conjunctions used in sentences:

1. My brother has three cats and two dogs.

2. I don’t love nor hate watching TV.

3. This year I will go to France or Germany.

Subordinating conjunction

These conjunctions connect an independent clause to a dependent clause. Independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, whereas a dependent clause adds extra information to the independent clause and their meaning is dependent on the independent clause.

Subordinate conjunctions are used to establish a time (before, after, till, when, whenever, while), a place (where, wherever), a reason (because, as), a condition (if, unless), to indicate comparison (as, than), or to show contradiction (though, although, while).

Examples of subordinating conjunctions used in sentences:

1. We’ll stay in the car until the rain stops.

2. Saniya became the best sportsperson because she practiced and worked hard.

3. I have been dancing since I was five years old.

4. Finish cleaning your room while I cook dinner.

Correlative conjunction

These conjunctions are used in pair to join alternatives or equal elements. For example, either – or, neither – nor, no sooner – than, so – that, not only – but also etc.

Examples of correlative conjunctions used in sentences:

1. I could neither laugh nor cry.

2. She is not only good at sports, but also at studies.

3. I will either eat roti or rice.

4. He felt so bad that he cried all night.

5. We had no sooner gone to bed than the phone rang.