What Are Conjunctions? Definition and Examples

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Updated: Jan 21, 2025

Lesson

Conjunctions are key components of language that help to combine different ideas. Without conjunctions, sentences would feel incomplete, as they help establish relationships between ideas, showing how one part of a sentence connects to another.

They are used in both simple and complex sentences to enhance the flow of communication.

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are parts of speech used to connect different parts of a sentence, such as words, phrases, or clauses. They help create relationships between ideas and ensure that sentences are logically structured.

Examples:

In the sentence "I like pizza and pasta," the word "and" is a conjunction connecting two nouns.

In "I stayed home because it was raining," "because" connects the reason with the action.

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Conjunctions Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Conjunctions?

Definition of a Conjunction

Conjunctions are words that function to link components of a sentence, such as individual words, phrases, or clauses. By establishing connections between ideas, conjunctions ensure that sentences are logically coherent and grammatically correct.

They are crucial for creating complex sentences and conveying relationships between different elements within the sentence.

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CONJUNCTION EXERCISES WITH ANSWERS Quiz

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions come in different forms, each with a unique way of connecting parts of a sentence. Here are the main types:

Type of Conjunction	Function	Examples	Example Sentence
Coordinating Conjunctions	Join equal parts of a sentence (words, phrases, or clauses).	and, but, or, yet, so, for, nor	The cat sat on the mat and licked its paws.
Subordinating Conjunctions	Connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, showing a relationship.	because, although, if, when, while, since, until, unless	Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Correlative Conjunctions	Work in pairs to connect two parts of a sentence with equal importance.	either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and	Either you clean your room, or you can't go out to play.