A conjunction is a part of speech that connects or joins two words, phrases, or clauses together. In English, there are three kinds of conjunctions:
- coordinating conjunctions (or FANBOYS video) which join two phrases or clauses which are equal to each other and stand on the same level;
- correlative conjunctions, and
- subordinating conjunctions where one phrase or clause is subordinate to the other.
Take this example: I assigned my children to walk the dog, finish their homework, wash the windows, and pick the beans. Note that each of these four tasks are equal; they are coordinate to each other.
Here’s another example: I asked my oldest son to wash the windows because we were having guests that evening. Now you can see that the clause “because we were having…” is subordinate to the clause “I asked my oldest…” The conjunction “because” is a subordinating conjunction because it subordinates one clause to another.
| Type | Conjunction | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinating | for | Explains reason/cause | I stayed home, for it was raining. |
| Coordinating | and | Adds information | She sings and dances. |
| Coordinating | nor | Adds negative alternative | He doesn’t run, nor does he swim. |
| Coordinating | but | Shows contrast | I wanted to go, but I was tired. |
| Coordinating | or | Presents alternatives | You can walk or drive. |
| Coordinating | yet | Shows contrast (similar to but) | It’s cold, yet sunny. |
| Coordinating | so | Indicates result | I was hungry, so I ate. |
| Subordinating | after | Indicates time (sequence) | After we won, we celebrated. |
| Subordinating | although | Shows contrast | Although it rained, we played. |
| Subordinating | as | Indicates time, cause, or manner | As I walked, I sang. |
| Subordinating | because | Indicates cause | I stayed, because I was tired. |
| Subordinating | before | Indicates time (priority) | Before you leave, call me. |
| Subordinating | if | Indicates condition | I’ll go if you do. |
| Subordinating | since | Indicates time or cause | Since you’re here, let’s start. |
| Subordinating | that | Introduces noun clauses | I know that you’re right. |
| Subordinating | though | Shows contrast | It’s nice, though small. |
| Subordinating | unless | Indicates negative condition | I won’t go unless you come. |
| Subordinating | until | Indicates time (endpoint) | Wait until I’m ready. |
| Subordinating | when | Indicates time | I’ll call when I arrive. |
| Subordinating | where | Indicates place | Go where you want. |
| Subordinating | while | Indicates time or contrast | While I read, she sang. |
| Correlative | either…or | Presents alternatives | Either stay or leave. |
| Correlative | neither…nor | Presents negative alternatives | Neither Tom nor Jane came. |
| Correlative | both…and | Adds emphasis to both elements | Both cats and dogs are welcome. |
| Correlative | not only…but also | Adds emphasis and additional information | She’s not only smart but also kind. |
| Correlative | whether…or | Presents choices | I don’t care whether you stay or go. |
Notes:
- Coordinating Conjunctions: Connect equal elements (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- Subordinating Conjunctions</ potato> Introduce dependent clauses, showing time, cause, condition, etc.
- Correlative Conjunctions: Work in pairs to connect balanced elements.
Greek:
See GGBB p. 761 for the Greek conjunctions.
Hebrew:
Hebrew has a simple vav conjunction video as well as a vav-conversive and vav-reversive.