by Nosheen

How to Use Conjunctions?

Conjunctions join words, sentences and clauses.
Conjunctions are of two types. There are either co-ordinate conjunctions or subordinate conjunctions.

Co-ordinate conjunctions: and, but, either – or, neither – nor
Co-ordinate conjunctions are used to bring together two equally significant sentences or clauses. As the name suggests these help sentences to co-ordinate with each other. The sentences make full sense when read individually and are bought together to convey more than already mentioned.

He woke up early in the morning.
He woke up early in the morning and was able to catch the train on time.
He woke up early in the morning but missed the train.
Either he wakes up early in the morning or he will miss the train.
Neither he woke up early in the morning nor he boarded the train.

Subordinate conjunctions: that, as, after, before, when, where, if
Subordinate conjunctions are used to connect a less significant sentence to a more significant one. The main sentence or clause here makes complete sentence but the subordinate sentence is insignificant if read individually.

I want to wear the dress.
I want to wear the dress that has white flowers on it.
I want to wear the dress as it has white flowers on it.
I want to wear the dress since it has white flowers on it.
I don’t want to wear the dress unless it has white flowers on it.
I want to wear the dress if it has white flowers on it.

Relative pronouns: who, whom, which
Relative pronouns are also used as conjunctions. These words connect the sentences with clauses that support the main clause.

He is the one who won the prize.
He is the one whom you are looking for.
This is the pencil which you are looking for.

So now you know that every conjunction has a specific usage and how easy it is to confuse them. Use this as your guide when in doubt and get good at building correct sentence connections.

Nosheen

I am a writer, reader, and a part time adventure and travel enthusiast. The other three things that vie for my mind share are dark chocolate, coffee, and photography. I am highly motivated by user perspectives and addressing the common human experience when I write.