Types of Conjunctions
In this article, we will study about the various types of Conjunctions.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative Conjunctions or Correlatives - Conjunctions which are used in pairs.
For example:
either - or
Either this or that.
neither - nor
It is neither useful nor decorative.
both - and
We both fear as well as adore him. (incorrect)
We both fear and adore him. (correct)
whether - or
It does not matter anymore whether you submit your assignment now or not.
not only - but also (OR not merely - but also)
Not only is he rude, but also halfwit.
Not merely is he rude, but also halfwit.
though - yet (rare in current English)
Though he has lost everything, yet he has not lost his fighting spirit. (correct)
Though he has lost everything, he has not lost his fighting spirit. (correct – we can drop ‘yet’)
We do not use ‘still’, ‘but’ and ‘else’ with ‘though’.
Though he has lost everything, still he has not lost his fighting spirit. (incorrect)
Though he has lost everything, but he has not lost his fighting spirit. (incorrect)
Though he has lost everything, else he has not lost his fighting spirit. (incorrect)
When we use Conjunctions as Correlatives, we place each of the correlated words immediately before the words to be connected.
She not only cleared GMAT, but also SSC. (incorrect)
She cleared not only GMAT, but also SSC. (correct)
Compound Conjunctions
Compound Conjunctions – When we use compound expressions as Conjunctions.
Let us see some of these compound conjunctions:
even if
Now they won’t be able to chase down the target even if they hit boundary on each ball.
as if
They are celebrating as if they have won the trophy.
in order that
The teacher repeated the concept in order that all students might understand.
on condition that
I will give you the password on condition that you won’t sneak around.
so that
We save in our young days so that we may live in peace in old age.
provided that
You will succeed provided that you work hard and smart.
as though
He walks as though he owns the world.
as well as
Sachin as well as Jayasurya was playing for Mumbai.
as soon as
He went on holidays as soon as he qualified GRE.
Misplaced Co-relative conjunctions
Many times conjunctions are used at wrong places in a sentence. Especially, when conjunctions are in pairs (co-relative), the position of the conjunction matters.
Let us see some of the commonly misplaced co-relative conjunctions.
either…or and neither…nor
We use either…or and neither…nor just before the choice words.
I will either have milk or coffee. (incorrect)
I will have either milk or coffee. (correct)
Sit either quietly or go away. (incorrect)
Either sit quietly or go away. (correct)
Neither he is playing nor writing. (incorrect)
He is neither playing nor writing. (correct)
not only … but also
Not only he flunked his written exam but also his practical assessment. (incorrect)
He flunked not only his written exam but also his practical assessment. (correct)
In the sentences given above, ‘his written exam’ and ‘his practical assessment’ are the two nouns we are talking about. ‘not only’ should be placed just before ‘his written exam’ and ‘but also’ should come just before ‘his practical assessment’.
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.