What are the 4 types of conjunctions?

Conjunction is a word that is used to connect clauses, words, or phrases. It is important for clarity and understanding in writing.

Conjunction List

He is the list of most commonly used conjunction words.

and
because
either
however
lest
only
till
unless
so
as well as
as if
but
else
if
or
still
too
until
either – or
neither – nor
so – as

i – Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunction joins two phrases, clauses or words. These are used when we emphasize on both the clauses equally.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions:

Examples

Would you like to take tea or juice?
I hate to solve equations, for these are difficult to solve.

ii – Subordinating Conjunctions

A word that is used to join an independent clause to a dependent clause is called subordinating conjunction. For example, while, when, once, unless, because, before, etc.

A dependent clause can add value to an independent clause. When we connect the dependent clause to an independent clause, it becomes more meaningful and has more information.

He was eating chips when he was watching TV.
He got the first position in the exam because he worked hard.

iii – Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs. Both words of a pair have equal importance. These are used to relate the phrases or sentences. Examples of correlative conjunctions are neither – nor, either – or, not only – but also, etc.

He can go to either beach or a park to spend his holiday.
Neither Jimmy nor Tom attended the party.

iv – Conjunctive Adverb

Conjunctive adverb or adverbial conjunction connects two independent phrases or sentences. Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs but conjunctive adverbs modify the two phrases.

Some conjunctive adverbs are likewise, again, similarly, in addition etc.

Examples

I wanted to go to a park; however, my friend wanted to see a movie.
My job description is very tough; on the other hand, I really enjoy the facilities offered to me.

Conjunction rules with examples

When the subject is interlinked with ‘as well as’ then the verb is used according to the first subject.

Examples

He as well as I is at fault.
I as well he am at fault.

When two subjects are interlinked with either-or OR neither-nor than verb comes according to the second subject.

Examples

Either I or you are going to the park.
Either you or I am going to the park.
Neither you nor I am a teacher.
Neither I nor you are a hunter.

Use ‘did’ and ‘than’ after no-sooner

Example

No sooner did the teacher enter the class room than the boys stood up.

Do not use ‘not’ when ‘unless’ is present in the sentence.

Unless you work hard, you cannot pass.

Use first form of verb after ‘lest’.

Be careful lest you should lose everything.

‘Were’ is used after ‘as if’

Examples

He looks as if he were weary.
She talks as if she were mad.

So – as

So-as are used in negative sentences whereas as-as are used in negative and positive sentences.

Examples

He is as strong as you.
He is not so strong as you.

Neither – nor

Neither-nor are used to give negative impact in a sentence.

Example

Neither you nor your friend has stolen my watch.

Not only – but also, both – and

These conjunctions are used to press something and to fascinate something in a sentence.

Examples

He is not only intelligent but also hard working.
He is both poor and hard working.

As – So

To give force on something, we use ‘as – so’ in a sentence.

Example

As you sow, so shall you reap.

So – that

We use ‘that’ after ‘so’ to give explanation in a sentence or to mention the cause which has some effect.

Example

The medicine was so bitter that I could not take it.

Read also: 8 Parts of Speech with Examples

Further Reading

What are the 4 types of conjunctions? | Conjunction rules with examples

Conjunction List