Conjunctions and Uses: Learn with definition, types definitions, examples, exercises.
What Is a Conjunction: Definitions and Examples
Definition of Conjunctions :
A conjunction is a word that joins or connects two parts of a sentence. These types of words are also known as Transitional Words.
Examples:
And (Conjunctions and Uses)
We use “and” to form one sentence when the sentences consist of the same meanings.
Steve is my friend. He is my next-door neighbor.
Steve is my friend and my next-door neighbor.
Ali is going to market. He is with his mother.
Ali and his mother were going to market.
The sun rises. The light prevails.
The sun rises and the light prevails.
Daniel is coming from the station. Hamza is with him.
Daniel and Hamza are coming from the station.
Karachi has a large seaport and a large airport.
He came and told us the news.
Boys and girls have to prepare for the exams.
We use “and” when both parts of that sentence are in the same direction and not opposing each other.
Note:
After synthesis, the first part is called “Principal Clause” whereas the second part is known as “Co-ordinate Clause”.
Or (Conjunctions and Uses)
Or is used when there is an option in two sentences.
Is it your bat or mine?
Do you want tea or coffee?
This is 3rd period or 4th.
Because (Conjunctions and Uses)
We use ‘because’ when the second sentence gives the reason for to the first sentence. We can use all three words (connectors) for the same sentence.
Examples
You should help him. He is your brother.
You should help him because, for, as he is your brother.
He was laying in bed. He was ill.
He was laying in the bed because he was ill.
Alya could not eat hard food. She was sick.
Alya could not eat hard food because she was sick.
He went to the doctor because he was not well.
I support him because he is kind to me.
He failed because he did not work hard.
But (Conjunctions and Uses)
But is used to combine two sentences that are opposite in meaning to each other.
Examples
He promised to help me. He refused to help me.
He promised to help me but he refused.
One thing is to consider that in the above sentence ‘help me’ comes in both sentences, so it is better to write it once.
He went to university. He returned home very soon.
He went to university but returned home very soon.
The players were in high spirit. They refused to play.
The players were in high spirit but they refused to play.
Ahmad likes meat but Ali likes vegetables.
Smith is reading but James is playing.
I like batting but Vijay likes bowling.
Therefore (Conjunctions and Uses)
When the second sentence is a result of the first sentence then we use therefore/hence/thus to connect or combine these two sentences.
Example
Ahmad wanted to grow. He got admission to a college.
Ahmad wanted to grow therefore he got admission to a college.
Smith is ill. He should take a rest.
Smith is ill therefore heshould take a rest.
He is a good player. Everyone admires him.
He is a good player therefore everyone admires him.
He is my friend therefore I trust him.
He did not work hard therefore he failed.
I have no money therefore I will go to the bank.
Till
Wait here till I come back.
Stay here till I return.
We will be there till morning.
As Well As
It is used to combine two sentences when both have the same meanings.
Mike as well as Smith playing chess.
I as well as he is ill.
They as well as I have made a mistake.
Both —- and
Both he and his brother are there.
We have both love and honor for the poor.
He is both intelligent and hardworking.
Either —— or
It also expresses the option.
Either take it or leave it.
Either work hard or refuse the assignment.
He is either a doctor or an engineer.
Neither —– nor
He can neither see nor hear.
Neither he nor I am playing.
Neither you nor your brother should attend the meeting.
Not only —– but also
He is not only lazy but also stupid.
James is not only a good player but also a good student.
He is not only a doctor but also a lawyer.
Although —- yet
Although he is poor yet he is honest.
Although he worked hard yet he is failed.
As —- so
As you sow, so shall you reap.
As you work, so you shall be paid.
As —- as
He is as brave as a lion.
His color is as white as milk.
So —- as
He is not so clever as you think.
He is not so lucky as you are.
Unless
Unless he comes, you cannot go.
I will go unless you go.
Unless he keeps quiet, I will return him out.
Than
James is older than Smith.
I am stronger than he is.
While
Enjoy his company while he is here.
I must meet him while he is in the country.
The girl sang while the boy played.
Before
Finish your work before you return back home.
Visit him before you leave.
I shall change my clothes before playing.
Whether
He asked me whether my son would pass.
Otherwise
This connecter is used when there is a content of warning. Therefore, use else/otherwise before the sentence containing a warning.
Examples
Speake the truth. You will be punished.
Speake the truth else/otherwise you will be punished.
Control your diet. You will grow fat.
Control your diet else/otherwise you will grow fat.
Complete your work otherwise, your marks will be deducted.
Run fast otherwise you will be at the end.
If
You will pass if you work hard.
I asked him if he was ill.
When
We use ‘while/when’, when the second action happened in the continuation of first action. So, combine both sentences by using ‘while/when’.
Examples
His cousin dropped in. He was making mischief.
His father dropped in while/when he was making mischief.
I caught him. He was making a noise.
I caught him while/when he was making a noise.
Take an umbrella when you go out of home.
He had gone when I reached.
There are main three types of Conjunction.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
3. Correlative Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
These types of conjunctions link two or more words or sentences.
Examples:
And, but, otherwise, lest, till, therefore, while, then, so, still, as well as,
Look at the examples below where two elements that are coordinated with conjunctions, are shown in brackets.
I like [tea] and [coffee].
Ali likes [juice] but Yousaf likes [cold drink].
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinate conjunction always comes at the beginning of a subordinate clause. However, a subordinate clause can sometimes come after and sometimes before the main clause. Thus two structures are possible.
Ali went swimming although it was raining.
Although it was raining, Ali went swimming.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions surround a word or phrase and show how the two phrases are correlated.
Smith wants not only money but also fame.
These pairs of conjunctions require parallel or equal structures for each other. Correlative Conjunctions always work in pairs.
He wants not only a good salary but also a short time of working.
Either learn English or French.
He can either read nor write.
Neither was it’s your mistake nor mine.
You may also learn:
Idioms and Phrases with Meanings and Examples
Introduction to Direct Indirect Speech and Basic Changes