Conjunctions in English
What are conjunctions in English?
Conjunctions in English are connector words such as and, because, or, but etc., which are used to connect words and phrases together. Moreover, conjunctions are divided into three categories: coordinating (the most common), subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
Why do we need conjunctions in English?
We need words that can connect phrases and words together to make sentences and questions shorter, less redundant, but also to add more flow to our sentences. I.e,
- I like my job and my friends.
Instead of:
- I like my job. I like my friends.
- Daniel would like a trip to the beach or to the mountains.
Instead of:
- Daniel would like a trip to the beach. He would also like a trip to the mountains.
- I was late because I missed my train.
Instead of:
- I was late. I missed my train.
The most common conjunctions in English
- And, but, because, so, yet, or, nor, for, and (al)though.
Examples of conjunctions connecting phrases
- Samuel and I are best buddies.
- My friend is a little annoyed, but he’ll be fine.
- Because they told me the truth, I will not get stressed.
- Henry studied hard for his final exams, so he managed to get good grades.
- I think they told everyone to leave, yet they didn’t tell Jack.
- Philippe cleans his flat every weekend, or he pays for a cleaner.
- You don’t drive, nor do you ride a bicycle.
- This chap is incapable of telling the truth, for he is a liar.
- (Al)though you greeted our guests, I thought you were a little impolite.
Sentences can start with conjunctions
There is nothing incorrect about beginning a sentence with a conjunction.
- Because of this issue, it will need to escalate to the boss.
- And for this reason, he told me to leave.
- But, will we see her again?
- Although they misbehaved, they didn’t get told off.
- Yet, here I am.