Conjunctions

CONJUNCTIONS

What is Conjunctions ?

Conjunction is a word which joins two words, clauses or sentences.

For Example :

a.       I can read and write English.

b.      I could not come to school because I was ill yesterday.

c.       He tried but failed.

There are mainly two types of conjunctions :

·         Coordinating conjunction

·         Subordinating conjunction

·         Co-ordinating conjunctions

Co-ordinate conjunctions are those which join words, phrases or clauses having equal rank.

Co-ordinating conjunctions are four types :

        I.          

  Cumulative Conjunctions :

These conjunctions add one clause to the other.

For Example :

a.       He came in and sat with me.

b.      Trust in god and do your best.

c.       You are no less guilty than your friend.

      II.          

  Alternative conjunctions :

They denote a choice or alternate between two statements.

For Example:

a.       Neither Rama nor her friend lives here.

b.      Sit silently or go out.

c.       Either he or his brother will come.

    III.         

   Adversative conjunctions :

They denote contract between two statements.

For Example:

a.       He is poor but contented.

b.      You harmed me yet I will help you.

c.       She ran fast nevertheless she missed the bus.

    IV.          

Illative conjunction :

These conjunctions show that one statement or fact is inferred from the other.

For Example :

a.       I was ill therefore I was absent yesterday.

b.      She did not work hard so she was failed.

c.       As you sow, so shall you reap.

·       

  Sub-ordinate conjunctions :

These conjunctions join subordinate clause with the main clause.

Class of sub-ordinate conjunctions :

i.                    Conjunctions of Time :

When, while, before, after, until, till, since, etc.

For Example :

a.       Wait here till I come back.

b.      I will help you when you ask me.

ii.                  Conjunctions of Place :

Where, wherever, everywhere

For Example :

a.       The cat moves wherever it likes.

b.      My child follows me everywhere I go.

iii.                Conjunction of additions :

And, as well as, also, both, besides, not only …but also

For Example :

a.       He is both a poet and a singer.

b.      He is not only rich but also clever.

iv.                 Conjunction of Condition :

If, provided, unless, provided that, supposing, etc.

For Example :

a.       If you work hard you will pass in the exam.

b.      Unless you work hard you cannot achieve your aim.

v.                   Conjunctions of Purpose :

In order to, so that, otherwise, lest, etc.

For Example :

a.       Robin ran fast so that he could catch the bus.

b.      You should run lest you miss the train.

vi.                 Conjunctions of contrast :

But, still, yet, though, although, despite, however, etc.

For Example :

a.       I felt angry but kept quiet.

b.      He worked hard yet failed.

vii.               Conjunctions of Comparison :

As….as, than, etc.

For Example :

a.       He is as tall as a tree.

b.      He is taller than his brother is.

viii.             Alternative Conjunctions :

Either … or, neither … nor

For Example :

a.       He was neither punished nor fined.

b.      Either he or his friend will do this work.

ix.                 Conjunctions of manner :

As, as if

For Example :

a.       Do as your father tells you.

b.      He did not behave as I expected him to do.