What is a conjunction? Definition and Examples

Imagine trying to communicate without conjunctions. You would be left with a string of brief, isolated thoughts. Like the following sentences. 

“I like to bake. I like to eat. I don’t like washing dishes.”

Conjunctions are the essential words that link these ideas, helping us convert complex thoughts into cohesive sentences. Conjunctions bring fluency and structure to our language whether for joining two ideas, contrasting different points, or listing multiple actions.

In this blog, we will discuss what conjunctions are and the different types that exist. We will also explore how these small words can transform your writing into something more natural, engaging, and expressive.

Conjunction Definition

Conjunctions are essential words that connect other words, phrases, or clauses. It gives sentences a smoother, more refined flow. They allow you to express multiple ideas in a single, cohesive statement instead of using a series of short and disjointed sentences.

How Do Conjunctions Work?

If we take the previous example, we can say, “I like cooking and eating, but I don’t like washing dishes afterward.” This structure is clearer and more engaging, all thanks to conjunctions.

Let’s consider more conjunction examples.

• I like to write songs and compose music.
• Cynthia is exhausted, yet she insists on baking everything from scratch.
• Sophie studied hard, so she passed the exam.
• We did a complete preparation for the picnic, still nobody enjoyed it.
• John asked for help because he was injured.

With conjunctions, you can create sentences that sound natural and connected. But it is essential to ensure that the phrases joined by these conjunctions are parallel. They share the same grammatical structure. For example:

Incorrect: He likes singing and plays guitar. 

Correct: He likes singing and playing guitar.

Types of conjunctions with examples

Conjunctions fall into four main categories. Each type has its unique functions for joining ideas in a sentence. Let’s break down each type and look at how to use them effectively.

• Coordinating Conjunctions
• Correlative Conjunctions
• Subordinating Conjunctions
• Conjunctive Adverbs

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, and so, are single words that connect similar grammatical elements. They connect words as two nouns or two clauses where each carries equal importance in the sentence. These conjunctions help combine two independent clauses and make the sentence smoother and more concise.

Coordinating Conjunction Examples:

• I stayed up all night writing, so I was not able to wake up early.
• She loves to write short stories and publish them in local magazines.
• I would love to have an ice cream but it will disturb my calorie intake.

When joining two independent clauses (complete thoughts), a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction. However, if you are linking an independent clause with a dependent clause, you can skip the comma.

With a comma: There are too many, that’s why we need to reconsider.

Without a comma: I do not like Italian food but I love their desserts.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link ideas that are equally important. These conjunctions are either/or, both/and, not only/but also, and more. Like coordinating conjunctions, they connect similar grammatical structures to ensure the ideas have a balanced and parallel form in the sentence.

Correlative Conjunction Examples:

• I not only got selected for the competition, but also got the first prize.
• Both you and Alex were supposed to attend your sister’s wedding.
• Neither me nor Rachel are interested in investing in your stupid business idea.

Always ensure that the sentences are constructed in parallel structure. Each part of the sentence following the conjunctions should mirror the structure of the other to maintain clarity and flow.

Incorrect: We should either plan the trip in advance or getting a travel agent handle it all.

Correct: We should either plan the trip in advance or get a travel agent handle it all.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause. Words such as since, because, although, and while, are used to create complex sentences. These conjunctions introduce the dependent clause, add reasons, conditions, time, or contrasts to the main idea.

Subordinating Conjunction Examples:

• Unless we give him money, he is not going to help us.
• Ben participated in the group activities although he was mad.
• Here are some discount coupons in case the store accepts them.

A rule of thumb is to place a comma after the dependent clause when it appears at the beginning of a sentence. If the dependent clause follows the main clause, a comma isn’t necessary.

With a comma: As soon as she finishes her food, we will go to a dessert place.

Without a comma: We will go to a dessert place as soon as she finishes her food.

Conjunctive Adverbs

Other than the three main types of conjunctions, there are some other terms used as conjunctions. These words are known as conjunctive adverbs, like however, therefore, and meanwhile. They technically act as adverbs but serve to link two independent clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are versatile and often emphasize contrast, consequence, or addition.

Conjunctive Adverb Examples:

• She was doing laundry while the dinner got ready.
• The dessert looks so tempting; however, I am cutting down sugar.
• We are happy to take you to the trip; after all, you are our best friend.

When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after.

Can a Sentence Start with a Conjunction?

You may have heard that it is incorrect to begin a sentence with a conjunction, especially a coordinating conjunction like and, or, and but. Beginner writers are often taught this rule, but it is not strictly true. In fact, starting a sentence with a conjunction can be a powerful stylistic choice. It helps to emphasize a particular point or create a dramatic pause.

Example:

• I will not be present at the event. But you can call me anytime if you need help.
• You are sitting here? And I was looking for you outside.
• Can you get me a black suit? Or I will have to stitch it myself.

This technique is common in creative and informal writing. It is generally best to avoid it in academic contexts where formality and clarity are required.

Starting with Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction can also begin a sentence. But it must introduce a dependent clause that is followed by a complete independent clause. This structure can add variety and depth to your writing by establishing context before presenting the main idea.

Example:

Unless you communicate about boundaries in a proper way, nobody will adjust their behaviour for you.

However, remember that a dependent clause on its own creates an incomplete thought. So, it will be referred to as a sentence fragment. Or it could answer a question.

Fragment:

When will everybody adjust their behaviour?

Unless you communicate about boundaries in a proper way.

Fragments are only acceptable in informal writing and speech but they are avoided in formal or academic writing for clarity.

Wrap Up

Conjunctions have a great role in creating that perfect coordination between words and phrases. They help to manage and organize related ideas in a proper way. Without these words, we will be left with short and difficult to read sentences. So, they must be used correctly to transform the ideas into a synchronized version. 

If you want to use the conjunctions and other parts of speech accurately, get the Grammar Checker. It will keep you free from the hassle of proofreading every single sentence. So, access the grammar checking tool and make your content free of all the possible grammatical errors.