Conjunction Definition

Conjunction: A group of words that connects or joins different parts of speech together is called a conjunction. Basically, conjunctions are known as the joining or linking of words. It is the grammatical glue that binds two or more words, phrases, or sentences together. In other words, Conjunctions are very useful words that link the same parts of speech together to form more complex sentences. Let’s learn more about these grammatical linkers and how we can use them to write more effective sentences.

Conjunction Examples

In English Grammar, Conjunction is a word that we use to make connections in a sentence. Conjunctions are useful in writing and speech to connect related ideas together, and they help us make our sentences shorter, less repetitive, or less confusing. Let's learn Conjunction through some examples such as-

1. Ram and Shyam are best friends. ('and' joins two words)

2. My book is on the table or in the bag. ('or' joins two clauses)

3. The flower is red and it has a particular name. ('and' joins two sentences)

4. Simran wanted to go for a hike but she has to go to work today. 

5. Both parents worked hard so that their children could study in good schools.

Conjunction (समुच्चयबोधक) Meaning in Hindi

As Conjunction is a part of speech that is been taught in both English & Hindi subjects. समुच्चयबोधक is the Hindi translation of Conjunction. The definition or meaning of Conjunction (समुच्चयबोधक) is explained as- समुच्चयबोधक ऐसे शब्द होते हैं जो दो शब्दों या वाक्यों को जोड़ देते हैं।” इस तरह वाक्य भी छोटा हो जाता है और अर्थ भी नहीं बदलता।

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are three types as follows- 

1. Coordinating Conjunctions 

The conjunctions that connect two or more equal grammatical elements. Coordinating conjunctions connect the same parts of speech (noun to noun) or independent clauses like a complete sentence/phrase.

1. The Ganga and the Yamuna are the two biggest rivers of India. (Connect Noun to Noun)
2. She might have gone to the hospital. (Independent clause)

We can use a coordinating conjunction to join the sentences, clauses, and words by using the following connecting words: And, nor, but, or, yet, for, so.

2. Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are the conjunctions that connect a subordinate clause (a clause that modifies an independent clause) or a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand by itself). For example:

1. We played cricket until the sunset.
2. He croons a song whenever he is happy.

Furthermore, we can use a subordinating conjunction to join a subordinate clause to an independent clause. Subordinating conjunctions can come from any of the places of a sentence either at the beginning or somewhere in the middle. Such as -

1. Whenever it rains, she stays inside and watches movies.
2. She stays inside and watches movies whenever it rains.

Both the sentences are correct.

3. Correlative conjunctions

Pairs of conjunctions that work together are called correlative conjunctions. Or the conjunctions that are put together in pairs are called correlative conjunctions. Here are some examples of correlative conjunctions given below –

Both …… and, rather ……than, either …… or, as……as and neither ……nor etc.

Each pair of correlative conjunctions has a different role. Here are some following examples are given below:

1. I need fruits that are either orange or banana. (lists two options)
2. Can we come over on Sunday rather than on Saturday? (states a preferred choice)
3. He neither speaks nor see. (negates both options)
4. The cat was as big as a lion! (forms a simile)

List of Three Types of Conjunctions Words

Coordinating Conjunction

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Correlative Conjunction

Both…and, whether…or, not only…but also, neither…nor, just…so, either…or, as…as, rather…than, No sooner…than, if…then, such…that, so…that etc.

Subordinating Conjunction

1. Comparison – where in, as much as, inasmuch, whereas, lest,
2. Time - After, as long as, as soon as, now since, now when, now that, now
3. Concession – though, although, even though
4. Condition - If, if then, if when, if only, unless, provided that, assuming that, even if,
5. Reason - in order to, in order that, in case, since, because, as
6. Relative Pronouns – whoever, who, whom, whomever, whose
7. Place – where, wherever
8. Relative Adjectives – that, which, whichever, whatever
9. Manner - as if, though, whether, how, as though, just as