Language ArtsConjunctions are words that have a joining function. They link together words, phrases, or clauses. To understand more about conjunctions, including types of conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions, read on.

Types of Conjunctions

Many sources claim that there are three types of conjunctions, but this is misleading. It makes more sense to think about two types of conjunctions, one of which has two subcategories.

The two types of conjunctions are those that join elements that are equal - called coordinating conjunctions - and those that join an independent element to a subordinate element - called subordinating conjunctions. Some coordinating conjunctions have a single element and some have two: the second are called correlative conjunctions, but as they carry out exactly the same function as other coordinating conjunctions, just in a different way, it doesn't make sense to put them in a separate class.

Coordinating Conjunctions

The coordinating conjunctions with one element include the following:

and      but      for      nor      or      so      yet

Here are examples of them in use:

On my sandwich, I would like peanut butter and honey.

Lily can't ride a unicycle, but Andrea can do it.

I will not water the garden, for it is starting to rain.

Algernon was not home for lunch, nor will he be back in time for dinner.

Pesto or tomato sauce is the choice.

My cat isn't well, so I'm feeling a little concerned.

Arthur hasn't typed the report, yet I feel confident that he will.

There are some special facts about and. The coordinating conjunction and - possibly the most used conjunction - is sometimes represented by an ampersand (&) and sometimes by an n with one or two apostrophes, like this:

'n      'n'

in expressions like “fish and chips” or “rock and roll.” When two independent clauses are joined with a colon or semi-colon in a sentence that would normally have and joining them, the and can be omitted.

The correlative conjunctions - coordinating conjunctions with two elements - include the following:

both . . . and        either . . . or        neither . . . nor        not only . . . but also       whether . . . or

Here are examples of them in use:

Both Grandma and Grandpa have the flu.

I'm sure the best pet prize will go to either Poochie or Tweetie.

Neither lentil soup nor minestrone appeals to me right now.

Not only will Jill get to go to the college of her choice but also she has been awarded a very prestigious scholarship.

It doesn't matter whether Earl agrees or not: I want to go to Albania.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses. Many subordinating conjunctions can also function as other parts of speech, for example, prepositions and adverbs. Subordinating clauses can either precede or follow the independent clause that they are linked to. Subordinating conjunctions include the following:

Notice that several have multiple words, but unlike correlative conjunctions, these words are used as a phrase and not split. Here are examples of some of them:

After they were done bowling, the group went over to Marty's house.

Ralph stayed up till midnight although he had a midterm the following day.

Because he rarely has the opportunity, James seized the chance to go scuba diving.

I'll wash the dishes if you'll dry them.

In order that peace be preserved, we are introducing a new resolution.

I'm packing tonight so that I'll be ready first thing in the morning.

Unless I catch something pretty soon, I'm going to give up on this fishing hole.

Claire won't be home until she's finished the accounts.

When the sun climbs above the bushes, close the living room curtains to protect the furniture.

Where the speed limit is less that 55 miles per hour, please be sure to follow it.

I'm going to keep watching the hippopotamus while the rest of you visit the monkeys or pandas or whatever else it is you want to see.

Sources

The Oxford English Grammar by Sidney Greenbaum, 1996.

Words Into Type, Third Edition, 1974.