Types of Conjunction: Definition, Types, Examples, & Exercises PDF

In the vast platform of English grammar, conjunctions are used as a server that moulds words, phrases, and clauses into sentences. It has always been an important part of grammar. Studying types of conjunction will be very helpful to students who are preparing for competitive exams. In this blog, We’ll take you through the diverse landscape of conjunctions. Where students will get a complete knowledge of conjunction, where to use it, how to use it, when to use it and so on.

Also Read: List of Conjunctions Words

What are Conjunctions? – Definition

As discussed above, conjunction is used to connect phrases or clauses to build a meaningful sentence out of it. It also plays an important role in constructing ideas and organizing individual thoughts in a meaningful way. Some popular conjunctions in English grammar are ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘it’, etc. 

Must Read: Conjunctions With Exercises and Answers

Types of Conjunction with Example Sentences

There are three types of conjunctions within the parts of speech namely, Coordinating, Correlative, and subordinating conjunctions. Let’s go through them one by one to get a mastery over their usage. 

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses that are coordinated with each other to form meaningful sentences The very common coordinating conjunctions are for, nor, and, but, or, yet, so.

Examples

• He enjoys both tea and coffee.
• He wanted to visit the museum, but her friends preferred the park.
• She neither sang nor danced at the ball.

Quick Read: What are clauses?

Correlative Conjunction 

The word ‘correlative’ itself implies that it is related to the other word. So, the Correlatives as conjunctions, work in pairs to connect elements within the sentences. They include pairs such as: either/nor, both/and, not only/but also, etc.

Examples

• He is not only intelligent but also diligent.
• He can either go by bus or by plane.
• Neither the teacher nor the students are satisfied with the result.

Subordinating conjunctions

Those conjunctions which cannot stand alone in the sentence are called subordinates. They build a strong relationship between the dependent and independent clauses. The commonly used subordinate conjunctions are because, since, although, while, if, when, unless, until, etc.

Examples

• Because it was raining, my friends stayed indoors.
• After this session is over, we will have our lunch.
• If we study hard, we will pass the exam.

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs as Conjunctions

Conjunctive adverbs function as both adverbs and conjunctions, connecting clauses or sentences and reflecting the relationship between them. Some words come under conjunctive adverbs, however, therefore, moreover. 

Examples

• He failed the exam however he studied hard.
• The tasks were completed on time, hence we celebrated here farewell party.
• He didn’t like the play moreover he got bored.

Learn more about conjunctions

Types of Conjunctions with Common Examples

Mentioned below are the types of conjunctions:

List of Coordinating Conjunctions

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• By
• Yet
• No

List of Correlative Conjunctions

• Either/Or
• Neither/Nor
• Not/Only/But also
• As/As
• Both/Or
• Weather/Or

List of Subordinating conjunctions

• After
• While
• Though
• Through
• Since
• Until
• After
• Whereas
• Now What

Conjunctive Adverbs Lists

• However
• Moreover
• Nevertheless
• Furthermore
• Throughout
• Similarly
• Alternatively
• Hence

5+ Important Rules of Conjunctions in English

Here are some common rules that are kept in mind while using the conjunctions in a grammatically correct order:

1. We use we, as well, both of, not only, but also conjunctions to show the link between two things.
2. The usage of so, as and as conjunctions is suitable for building a significant connection between two things, people etc.
3. ‘Although’ and ‘through’ are usually followed by yet or common(,)
4. We should use pairs such as no sooner…. than, hardly…., when, and scarcely… in a correct form.
5. Lest is a negative word that should not be used, whereas The first form of the verb follows lest.
6. ‘Neither of’ denotes none of the two; whereas ‘none of’ is used when there are more than two.

Exercises on Types of Conjunction with Answers for Practice

Exercise 1- Fill in the Blanks with Conjunction

Fill in the banks with suitable conjunctions in the following sentences

1. Ramesh___________ Ravi is playing on the ground.
2. Make a point to study hard  ________ so that you will be able to score more.
3. ___________ Ria does not cook much, she loves baking.
4.  She neither liked the paneer ____________ pizza
5. We’ll buy groceries today ___________ tomorrow.
6. My friends were tired ____________ after playing in the park.
7. You can either join us for lunch ____________ or dinner.
8. She will come to the party _____________ he has invited her.
9. He enjoys both tea ___________ coffee.
10. Because it was raining, _________ friends stayed indoors.

Answers

1. And
2. or
3. Although
4. nor
5. or
6. after
7. or
8. if
9. and
10. my

Exercise 2 – Choose the Correct Conjunction

Tick the correct conjunctions among the following

1. He was so exhausted _________ that he stopped working.

• But
• Unless
• Although
• Because

Ans: But

2. We are going to work harder __________ we can be promoted.

• When 
• Because
• So that
• Despite

Ans: So that

3. Ria looks at her friend __________ she hasn’t seen before

• As if
• When
• Although
• Because

Ans: As if

4. Rahul decided to choose badminton _______ he had a good hand on it.

• In case
• Although
• Because
• Even if

Ans: Because

5. I have decided to buy a bag __________ it will go with my dress.

• Because
• Incase
• Provided that
• Although

Ans: Because

FAQs

Find more Exciting Reads on Conjunctions Below!

Coordinating Conjunctions	English Grammar from Scratch
Conjunctions Exercises	List of Conjunctions
English for Competitive Exams	Correlative Conjunctions

This was all about the types of conjunction and their usage in English grammar. Hope you understand the concept and know how to proceed. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.