4 Types of Conjunction, Definitions, & Examples

There are four types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, correlative, and restrictive. Each type has a specific role in sentence construction. Coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses together, subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause, correlative conjunctions join two items of equal importance together, and restrictive conjunctions limit the meaning of a noun or pronoun. Let’s take a closer look at each type!

4 Types of Conjunction, Types, & Examples

What is Conjunction?

A Word that is used to connect phrases and words is called Conjunction. In the English Language, there are many Conjunction but Some common ones include Or, and, because, when, for, it

Types of Conjunction

• Correlative conjunction
• subordinate conjunction
• coordinating conjunction
• Conjunctive adverbs

1) Coordinating conjunctions

What is Coordinating Conjunction? Coordinating conjunction is used to connect 2 items that are Grammatically equal on both sides. Like two phases, two words, and two independent clauses. In English, there are seven types of coordinating conjunctions.

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

You can remember these seven coordinating conjunctions by fANBOYS

This type of conjunction is placed between the items that link together.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

1. I already told you but you did not listen.
2. He is clever but his girlfriend is cleverer.
3. Ali stood first and got a prize
4. Ahmed did not try hard so he did not succeed.
5. I was taking a nap and you made a lot of noises.

2) Subordinate Conjunctions

What is Subordinate Conjunction? This type of conjunction is used to connect a word or phrase that introduces a dependent clause and independent clause or joins it to the main clause.

It is also known as subordinators, complementary and subordinate conjunction.

Some common subordinate conjunctions are: then, rather than, whether, whereas, that, whatever, which, whichever, after, as soon as, as long as, etc.

Examples of Subordinate Conjunctions

1. My mother believes that I should be a teacher.
2. She loves me always because she believes in me.
3. She works so hard that she can provide everything we need.
4. I love him because he is a beautiful person.
5. My sister felt sick because she ate too many chocolates.

3) Correlative conjunctions

What are Correlative conjunctions? This type of conjunction is used to join grammatically equal elements in a sentence and it comes in a pair.

It includes “not/but”, “both/and,” “neither/nor,” either/or,” and “not only/but also. Correlative conjunctions can make great teams, and it can change the boring sentence into something interesting to read or speak.

Examples of Correlative conjunctions

1. I want either a pistol or a knife.
2. I’ll have both a gun and a knife.
3. I didn’t know whether you’d want a gun or a knife, so I got both
4. Oh, you want neither a gun nor a knife? No problem.
5. I will either go to Lahore or Naran for vacation

4) Conjunctive adverbs

What are conductive adverbs? Conjunctive adverbs are used to contrast, cause, show sequence and effect, and other relationships. But mainly it is used to connect one clause to another clause.

Moreover, Nevertheless, However, Instead, Likewise these kind words we use in Conjunctive adverbs.

Examples of Conjunctive adverbs

1. My mom loves cats. However, she is allergic to them.
2. We broke up years ago. Still, I have feelings for Ali.
3. You must do your assignment; otherwise, you might get a bad grade.
4. We watched the Tom and Jerry show at night. All in all, it was a great experience.
5. She didn’t take a bus to work today. Instead, she drove her bike.