Conjunctions

Word Classes (Parts of Speech)

1. Definition
- The connections between words and groups of words
e.g although, because, if, nor ,and, before, only, as, for, neither, or, that

- Sometimes, two or three words can be used together as a single conjunction:
e.g I took this class so that I could learn more about genetics.


2. Types of conjunction
- Coordinate
- Subordinate
- Correlative

Coordinate Conjunctions
- connect elements of equal importance
e.g My cats and dogs are great friends.

- the example above shows that both subject connected by ‘and’ does not depend on the other to support the meaning.

Subordinate Conjunctions
- connects elements of differing importance.

- one element is the main clause while the other is a subordinate clause

- main clause has a subject and predicate – can stand on it’s own.

- subordinate clause is to modify the main clause in some way, rather than to express a primary idea.

- subordinate clause also has a subject and predicate, but it can't stand alone and make sense, it depends on the main clause.

- The relationship that the subordinate conjunction creates between main and subordinate clauses may carry one of several meanings:

· Place – where and wherever can imply a sense of place.
Where there is smoke, there is fire.

· Time – after, before, since, until, when, whenever and while can imply a sense of time.
It has been years since I saw you last.

· Manner – as and as if can imply a sense of manner.
You look at me as if I were from another planet.

· Reason – as, because, in order that, since, so that, and that can provide reason.

I came because I want to see you.

· Possibility or Conditionality – although, if, even if, provided, though, and unless can state possibility or conditionality.
If you go, I will go too.

· Comparison – as and than can make a comparison.
She does not want to do anything else than to play pinball.

o Correlative Conjunctions

- when two conjunctions are used at the same time.
- sometimes, it functions as a subordinate conjunction or a coordinate conjunction.

e.g
Both Jack and Jill went up the hill. (functions as a coordinate conjunction)

Not only am I a fisherman, but also I am a fabulous chef.
(functions as a subordinate conjunction)

Other links: http://www.arts.uottawa.ca/writcent/hypergrammar/conjunct.html