Conjunctions are a vital component of the English language, connecting words, phrases, or clauses to create more complex and coherent sentences. They are essential in forming sentences and providing coherence and clarity to written and spoken communication.
Conjunctions come in various forms, including coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions.
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Having a solid understanding of conjunctions and their usage can make your writing more precise, clear, and engaging. Whether you are a professional writer or a student, this list of common conjunctions will be a valuable resource in your writing toolkit.
Coordinating Conjunctions Examples
Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance in a sentence. Here are some examples of coordinating conjunctions in use in real-world contexts:
“I went to the store and bought some milk.” In this sentence, “and” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses of equal importance.
“He’s not very tall, but he’s very strong.” Here, “but” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses with a contrast in meaning.
“She didn’t study for the exam, nor did she review her notes.” In this sentence, “nor” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses and adds a negative clause to the sentence.
“I want to go to the beach, or I want to go to the mountains.” In this sentence, “or” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses and offers a choice between two options.
“We can eat pizza for dinner, yet we should also have a salad.” Here, “yet” is a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses with a contrast in meaning.
Subordinating Conjunctions Examples
Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause in a sentence. Subordinating conjunctions are commonly used in both spoken and written English to show the relationship between ideas in a sentence. Here are some examples:
“Because it was raining, we decided to stay home.” In this sentence, “because” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause “it was raining” and connects it to the main clause “we decided to stay home.”
“Although he tried his best, he still failed the test.” Here, “although” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause “he tried his best” and connects it to the main clause “he still failed the test.”
“She will go to the party if she finishes her work on time.” In this sentence, “if” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause “she finishes her work on time” and connects it to the main clause “she will go to the party.”
“After he finished his homework, he watched TV.” Here, “after” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause “he finished his homework” and connects it to the main clause “he watched TV.”
“I’ll go to the gym as soon as I finish my work.” In this sentence, “as soon as” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the subordinate clause “I finish my work” and connects it to the main clause “I’ll go to the gym.”
Correlative Conjunctions Examples
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect two parts of a sentence that are of equal importance. They are useful for connecting two parts of a sentence that are equally important and showing the relationship between them. Here are some real-world examples:
“Either you study for the exam or you will fail.” In this sentence, “either…or” is a correlative conjunction pair that connects two options and shows the speaker’s preference.
“Not only did he win the race, but he also set a new record.” Here, “not only…but also” is a correlative conjunction pair that connects two ideas and emphasizes their significance.
“Whether you like it or not, we have to go to the dentist.” In this sentence, “whether…or” is a correlative conjunction pair that connects two options and suggests that there is no other choice.
“Both the pizza and the salad were delicious.” Here, “both…and” is a correlative conjunction pair that connects two items and shows that they are of equal importance.
“I will visit my family either this weekend or next weekend.” In this sentence, “either…or” is a correlative conjunction pair that connects two options and suggests that there is a choice to be made.
Common Conjunctions
A minute later
Accordingly
Actually
After
After a short time
Afterwards
Also
And
Another
As an example
As a consequence
As a result
As soon as
At last
At lenght
Because
Because of this
Before
Besides
Briefly
But
Consequently
Conversely
Equally important
Finally
First
For example
For instance
For this purpose
For this reason
Fourth
From here on
Further
Furthermore
Gradually
Hence
However
In addition
In conclusion
In contrast
In fact
In short
In spite of
In spite of this
In summary
In the end
In the meanwhile
In the meantime
In the same manner
In the same way
Just as important
Least
Last
Last of all
Lastly
Later
Meanwhile
Moreover
Nevertheless
Next
Nonetheless
Now
Nor
Of equal importance
On the contrary
On the following day
On the other hand
Other hand
Or
Presently
Second
Similarly
Since
So
Soon
Still
Subsequently
Such as
The next week
Then
Thereafter
Therefore
Third
Thus
To be specific
To begin with
To illustrate
To repeat
To sum up
Too
Ultimately
What
Whatever
Whoever
Whereas
Whomever
When
While
With this in mind
Yet