4 Types of conjunction in English Grammar! There are many different types of conjunction in English grammar. But what are they? And how do you use them? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of conjunctions and how to use them in your own writing. Stay tuned!
Why Study Conjunction?
ESL students should study conjunction because it is a key part of the English language. Conjunctions are words that connect clauses, and they are important for making your writing clear and concise. Without the proper use of conjunctions, your writing can be choppy and difficult to follow.
Conjunctions also play an important role in grammar. There are different types of conjunctions, and each type has its own set of rules for usage. If you don’t understand how to use conjunctions correctly, your grammar will be off-balance and your writing will be awkward.
So overall, studying conjunction is important for two main reasons: it helps you write better English, and it helps you learn the ins and outs of writing.
Definition of Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that shows the relationship between words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions are used to link words, phrases, or clauses together.
For example:
- We went outside and he fell asleep on the bench
The conjunction here, “and,” connects the two actions together.
Types of Conjunction
Below are types of conjunctions in English:
- Coordinating Conjunction
- Subordinating Conjunction
- Correlative Conjunction
- Conjunctive adverbs
Coordinating Conjunction
Coordinating conjunctions are words like ‘and’, ‘but’, and ‘or’. They connect two or more items in a sentence.
Here is an example:
- I want to watch a movie tonight, but I don’t have any money.
The word ‘but’ connects the two items in the sentence (‘a movie tonight’ and ‘I don’t have any money’). It shows that there is a contrast between the two items. In this case, the speaker wants to watch a movie, but doesn’t have any money.
What are the seven coordinating conjunctions?
The seven coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. These conjunctions connect two independent clauses to form a compound sentence. Each conjunction has its own unique meaning:
and = adds together the two clauses
but = shows contrast between the two clauses
or = gives the choice of either one of the two clauses
nor = neither of the two clauses is true
for = because of this (clause)
so = therefore (clause)
yet = however (clause)
Subordinating Conjunction
A subordinating conjunction is a word that joins clauses, typically one subordinate (dependent) clause and one main (independent) clause. The most common subordinating conjunctions are “because,” “although,” “if,” “since,” and “when.”
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a sentence. The dependent clause often provides information that is necessary to understand the main clause.
For example:
- I’m going to the store because I need some milk.
In this sentence, the phrase “because I need some milk” is a dependent clause that introduces the reason why the speaker is going to the store. Without that phrase, the main clause (“I’m going to the store”) would not make much.
Correlative Conjunction
A correlative conjunction is a word that joins together two words, phrases, or clauses that are related to each other. Some common correlative conjunctions are “both…and”, “either…or”, “neither…nor”.
Correlative conjunctions are important for ESL students because they help students create complex and accurate sentences. By using correlative conjunctions, students can show how two things are related to each other. This can be helpful in both writing and speaking because it makes their ideas easier to understand.
Conjunctive adverbs
ESL students, A conjunctive adverb is a word that joins two clauses and shows the relationship between them. It is usually used to show how the clauses are related in time (e.g. then, so, finally), but it can also be used to join clauses that are related in other ways (e.g. however, nevertheless).
Here are some examples:
- I am going to bed now, so I will not be late for work tomorrow morning.
- She didn’t pass the test, but she tried her best.
- The cat slept through the storm, nevertheless it was scared when it woke up afterwards.
How do you teach conjunctive adverbs?
One way to teach conjunctive adverbs is by using a list of common conjunctive adverbs, such as “furthermore,” “moreover,” “nevertheless,” “still,” and “yet.” You can model how to use the conjunctive adverb by showing examples of how it can be used in a sentence.
For example, if you are writing about the benefits of exercise, you might say, “Exercise has many benefits, including weight loss, improved health, and increased energy.” You could then use the word “moreover” to add another benefit to the list. “Moreover, exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good.”
What is the formula for a conjunctive adverb?
A conjunctive adverb is a word that joins two clauses together and shows the relationship between them. There are three types of conjunctive adverbs: coordinative, subordinative, and disjunctive. Coordinative conjunctive adverbs show a relationship of equality between the two clauses. Subordinative conjunctive adverbs show a relationship of subordination or inequality between the two clauses. And disjunctive conjunctive adverbs show a relationship of opposition between the two clauses. Here is an example of each type:
Coordinative: I went for a run after I ate breakfast.
Subordinative: I went for a run because I ate.
What is the difference between conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases?
Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that connect two clauses, while transitional phrases are phrases that introduce a change in the direction or focus of the sentence.
Conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore, moreover) are typically used to join two independent clauses that are of equal weight. In other words, the two clauses could be standalone sentences if they were punctuated properly.
For example: I wanted to try out for the team, however, I didn’t have enough money.
Transitional phrases (e.g., in conclusion, on the other hand), on the other hand, are typically used to introduce a new idea or perspective in a paragraph. They act as bridges between one thought and another.
In English, there are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. Coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses together (e.g., I want to go out tonight and I need to study for my test tomorrow). Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g., After I finish my homework, I can go out with friends). Correlative conjunctions always appear in pairs (either both before the verb or both after the verb) and connect equal parts of a sentence (e.g., either you are or you aren’t; he did not come nor call).
