Different Types of Conjunctions in English Grammar

A conjunction is a word which connects two words, phrase, clauses and sentences.

Example:-

i)                    John and Peter went to market.

ii)                   He must weep or he will die.

iii)                 Paul as well as his brother is intelligent.

There are four different types of conjunctions in English grammar.

1.)    Co-ordinating Conjunction:- Co-ordinating are the conjunctions which together words or phrase of equal rank. The co-ordinating conjunctions are: and, but, else, either, or, nor, for etc.

Example:-

i)                    He is poor, still people like him.

ii)                   He has been ill since he came here.

iii)                 Either you or your brother go to Shimla.

2.)    Subordinating Conjunctions: - When a word joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning, it is called subordinate conjunction.

Example:-

i)                    He will do if he allowed to do so.

ii)                   In these dresses which is yours.

The sentences ‘if he is allowed to do so’ or when he will came back depends for its full meaning on ‘He will do’ or ‘I don’t know’. The conjunctions ‘if’ or ‘when’ therefore, join two sentences of unequal rank and are called subordinate conjunctions.

Subordinate conjunctions may be classified according to their meaning, as

Cause                                              :   as, because since.

Purpose                                          :    that, so that, in order that, lest

Comparison                                  :    than, as, as if, as well as.

Condition                                       :    if, unless, whether, in case that

Result                                              :    that, so that

Time                                                 :    after, before, when, since, while

Place                                                :    where, whither

Manner                                          :    how, as if, as though

Degree                                          :     as far as, as much as

3.)    Co-relative conjunctions: - These type of conjunctions are used in pairs: both...and; either...or; neither...nor; not only... but also; no-sooner...them; scarcely...when; so...that; such...that.

4.)    Adverbial conjunctions: - These conjunctions connect independent clauses. They differ from co-ordinating conjunctions in respect of their position in a sentence and punctuation.          

a)      Addition: - after all, also, besides, likewise, moreover, further more etc.

b)      Contrast: - However, instead, the less, in the other hand, still etc.

c)       Illustration: - for example, namely, that is for instance.

d)      Time: - at first, finally, meanwhile, now, then, thereafter etc.

e)      Result: - hence therefore, as a result, thus stc.

f)       Conclusion:- To conclude, to sum up, in conclusion etc

g)      Attitude: - Happily, honestly, luckily, unfortunately etc.