The Conjunction (The Joiner)
Conceptual Definition
A Conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. They allow us to avoid the “choppiness” of multiple short sentences by creating smooth transitions between related ideas.
- Without Conjunctions: I like tea. I like coffee. I do not like milk.
- With Conjunctions: I like tea and coffee, but I do not like milk.
Classifications of Conjunctions
To use conjunctions professionally, one must understand the three distinct categories
Coordinating Conjunctions
These join words or clauses of equal grammatical rank. There are seven, easily remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:
- For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Example: He was tired, so he went to bed.
Subordinating Conjunctions
These join a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause. They provide a transition that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, contrast, or specific timeframe.
- Common examples: Because, although, if, since, while, though, unless, until.
- Example: Since it is raining, we should stay indoors.
Correlative Conjunctions
These are “tag-team” conjunctions that always work in pairs to relate one part of the sentence to another.
- Common Pairs: Either…or, Neither…nor, Not only…but also, Both…and, Whether…or.
Example: Neither the manager nor the employees were aware of the change.
Advanced General Rules for Conjunctions
The "Neither...nor" Subject-Verb Agreement
When joining two subjects, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it.
- Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students are present.
- Correct: Neither the students nor the teacher is present.
No "But" after "Although"
A common error is using “but” in a sentence that starts with “although” or “though.”
- Incorrect: Although he is poor, but he is honest.
- Correct: Although he is poor, he is honest.
Scarcely/Hardly...When
Use “when” (not “than”) with “hardly” or “scarcely.”
Correct: Hardly had I reached the station when the train whistled.
Lest...Should
The conjunction “lest” is always followed by “should” and is negative in meaning (meaning “so that…not”).
Correct: Work hard lest you should fail. (Do not add “not” after should).