Classes of Conjunctions on the bases of Dependence

All the conjunctions can be divided into two classes on the bases of dependence and absence of dependence.

Coordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions

1. Co-ordinating Conjunctions

The word “co-ordinating” means “of equal rank”. Hence, the Co-ordinating Conjunction can be defined as that Conjunction that is used to join two Independent Sentences or statements of equal rank or importance. Phrases, clauses, and words can be joined through “Co-ordinating Conjunctions”.

Hint for Co-ordinating Conjunction

One can remember the Co-ordinating Conjunction by keeping in view that “the two sentences that are connected through Co-ordinating Conjunction are playing an important and equal role within the sentence”.

Rules for using Co-ordinating Conjunctions

Following rules must be followed to use the Co-ordinating Conjunctions:

Generally, it is avoided to use Co-ordinating Conjunction at the start because they are attempting to help you prevent from writing fragments rather than complete sentences. However, it is just a personal choice. You can use Co-ordinating Conjunctions at the start by keeping the following rules:
When the Coordinating Conjunction is used at the start, then the main clause should be there immediately the Coordinating Conjunction.
Do not use Co-ordinating Conjunction at the start of every sentence. Instead, use it at the start only when there is a need to make the writing effective.
Generally, a comma appeared after Co-ordinating Conjunction, but when the sentence starts with Co-ordinating Conjunction, the comma after the conjunction may be quitted.

Examples of Co-ordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions are 7 in number. “FANBOYS” is the best formula to remember these seven following main examples of Co-ordinating Conjunctions:

For F
And A
Nor N
But B
Or O
Yet Y
So S

Coordinating Conjunctions except “or, nor” may be replaced with a comma, semi-colon, or colon. For example:

Comma

Rama went out to play, and Hari stayed at work.
We were out of milk, so I went to the store to buy some.

Semi-colon:

A semi-colon can be used between two sentences when there is a very close relationship between two sentences that both sentences complete the sense/meaning of each other.

Dad is going bald; his hair is getting thinner and thinner.
You should stop eating so much food; you will have to go on a diet.
She had self-defense training; consequently, she warded off the assailant.

Colon

Colon is used between two sentences when the second sentence completes the meaning of the first sentence. It means that a colon is used when the first sentence is dependent on the second sentence to make complete sense.

Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out.
The very best peaches are those that are grown in the great state of Georgia.

“For” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“For” is used as a Co-ordinating Conjunction, when there is a need to explain a reason or purpose in the sense of “because”. Generally, it joins two independent clauses or sentences to explain the “why” question of the reason. For example”:

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.
Socrates

She must have been very hungry, for she ate everything immediately.
I go to the park every Friday, for I long to see his face.
My husband sent me flowers, for he loves me.
He is overweight, for he eats too many cakes and biscuits.

“For” is come under the domain of “Illative Conjunction“, because “for” is used to express a reason.

“And” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“And” is used as Co-ordinating Conjunction when it is concerned to join two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, two phrases, or two independent clauses. It means that “and” is used to add one thing to another thing. For example:

I take milk and sugar in my tea.
The bowl of eyeball stew is hot and delicious.
You should invite Mario and Estefan to the party.
The puppies run and jump when their owner comes home.
She looks beautiful and grown-up in her prom dress.

“And” can also be called “Cumulative Conjunction“, because it simply adds one sentence to another.

“Nor” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“Nor” is used as Co-ordinating Conjunction to connect two negative ideas. It means that when both sentences have negative meanings, then neither must be used to connect them. For example:

Switzerland is not in the European Union, nor is it a member of NATO.
My sister does not like to dance, nor does she take a role in drama.
John has not done his chores, nor has he finished his homework.
King Henry was not the ruler of France, nor did he reign over Spain.
He has not been going to church, nor has he been to the playground.

“Nor” is come under the domain of “Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions“, because it is used to express two alternatives.

The rule for using “Nor”

The following rule must be followed to use “nor” to connect sentences.

To use “nor”, the verb and subject order must be changed in the second sentence or clause.

“But” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“But” is used as Co-ordinating Conjunction to connect two sentences of contrast. It means that “but” shows the contrast between two words, phrases, or ideas of equal importance. As a Co-ordinate Conjunction, “but” is always used to convey two opposite ideas. For example.

I like coffee, but my wife prefers tea.
My father earned an award, but he never got to accept it.
I was going to earn an A-grade in Chemistry, but I failed the Physics test.
They would like to attend her marriage, but they have more plans that day.
Television is a wonderful escape, but it interferes with my writing.

“But” is related to “Adversative Conjunctions“, because it offers a contrast between two statements.

“Or” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“Or” as a Co-ordinating Conjunction is used to represent alternatives. It means that “or” is used between two sentences of choice. But it is used when there is a choice between two positive things, unlike “nor” that used to present two negative statements. It is used to connect two phrases or clauses. For example:

Would you prefer coffee or tea?
He cannot decide if he should study Physics or Chemistry.
Do you prefer to go to bed early or to stay up late?
Would you rather read a book or watch a good TV show?
They could have to clean their house before the movie, or they could watch the movie at first.

“Or” is come under the domain of “Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions“, because it offers positive alternatives.

“Yet” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“Yet” as a Co-ordinating Conjunction is used to connect two contrasting ideas, one of which is the logical preceding idea of the first idea. “But” and “yet” almost act as the same as Co-ordinating Conjunctions. But when “but” is used between two sentences or clauses of choice, then it means that the action is finally done. And when “yet” is used between two sentences or clauses of choice, then it means that a final decision may be changed in the future. For example:

He is seventy-two, yet he still swims, runs, and plays football regularly.
I want a puppy, yet my sister says that she is afraid of him.
They like their teacher, yet they wish he passed them fairly.
I always take a book to my workplace, yet I never seem to turn a single page.

“Yet” is related to “Adversative Conjunctions“, because it presents a contrast.

“So” as Co-ordinating Conjunction

“So” as a Co-ordinating Conjunction is used to connect the sentences, clauses, or words that show some effect, result, or consequence from an action in the earlier sentence. It means that “so” is used when the first sentence has action and the second sentence has the result of that action. For example:

I have drunk six cups of coffee today, so I have got a headache.
His bike would not start, so he called a mechanic.
A baby bird fell out of its nest, so we took care of it.
The kids got bored, so they went to the park.
I wanted to bake a cake, so I went to the store and bought flour and sugar.

“So” is come under the domain of “Illative Conjunction“, because it shows effect or result.

Kinds of Co-ordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions can be divided into four kinds as follows:

Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions
Adversative Conjunctions
Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions
Illative Conjunctions

Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions

Cumulative or Copulative Conjunctions can be defined as conjunctions that are used simply to add one statement to another statement. Generally, this type of conjunction uses to connect sentences to add extra information with a certain degree of emphasis to the independent clauses. For example:

We carved not a line, and we raised not a stone.
David wrote the emails and John sent them.
The buffalo got up and walked away slowly.
He as well as she passed the test.
He not only looted the shop but also fired at the shopkeeper.

(And, ‘both….and” , as well as , ‘not only…..but also‘), come under this domain.

Adversative Conjunctions

Adversative Conjunctions can be defined as conjunctions that are used to connect two sentences of opposite sense. It means that Adversative Conjunctions are used to contrast two sentences. For example:

He is slow, but he is sure.
The rope was thin but it was strong.
I was annoyed, but still, I kept quiet.
He is rich still he is unhappy.
I would come; only that I am engaged.
He was all right; only he was fatigued.
There were few chances of success nevertheless they decided to go ahead.

(But, yet, whereas, while), come under the domain of Adversative Conjunctions.

Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions

Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions can be defined as conjunctions that are used to connect the sentences of choice. It means that Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions are used to choose between two alternatives. For example:

She must weep, or she will die.
Either he is mad, or he feigns madness.
Neither a borrower nor a lender is.
They toil not, and neither do they spin.
Walk quickly, else you will not overtake him.
You can have coffee or tea.
You must either obey my instructions or quit.
I will neither obey your instructions nor quit.
She did not sing, nor did she dance.
You must pay the fine otherwise you will be punished.

(Or, ‘either….or’, ‘neither….nor‘, neither, nor), come under the domain of Disjunctive or Alternative Conjunctions.

Illative Conjunctions

Illative Conjunctions can be defined as the conjunctions that are used to make an inference. It means that Illative Conjunctions are used to make a deduction or conclusion. For example:

Something certainly fell in: for I heard a splash.
All precautions must have been neglected, for the plague spread rapidly.

Something fell for I heard a thud.
He works hard so he will win.
They must have gone out for nobody answered the phone.

(For, so), come under the domain of “Illative Conjunctions”, because they represent an inference.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

The word “sub-ordinating” means “depend on me”. Subordinating Conjunction can be defined as the Conjunction that is used to connect one independent and other dependent clauses.

Independent Clause/Sentence in Subordinating Conjunctions

An independent clause or sentence can be defined as that sentence or clause which is complete in its meaning and sense. In other words, Independent Clause or Sentence do not require other sentence or clause to convey their meanings.

Dependent Clause/Sentence in Subordinating Conjunctions

A dependent clause or sentence can be defined as that sentence or clause which cannot complete its meanings alone. In other words, a dependent clause/sentence always requires another sentence or clause to convey its full meaning.

Hint for Subordinating Conjunction

One can remember subordinating conjunctions by keeping in view that it joins two sentences; one of which is complete in its sense and meaning, but the other requires it to complete its full meanings and sense.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

Following are the main examples of Subordinating Conjunctions:

After
Because
If
That
Though
Although
Till
Before
Unless
As
When
Where
While
Than
Ere
Except
Lest
Since
Until
Whence
How
Whither
Why

“After” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“After” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to connect one dependent clause to an independent clause to show subsequently to the time when. It means that “after” shows that a specific thing is to occur after some other event. For example:

After the shower was over the sun shone out again.
He called me after the doctor had left.
Call him after they arrive.
We were unable to complete our work after the electricity went out.
We can have dessert after dinner.

All of the above examples show the dependence of one sentence/clause on another sentence/clause and show one event’s occurrence after another event.

“Because” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Because” is used as Subordinate Conjunction between two statements to represent the reason for some specific phenomenon or action. It means that “because” is used to explain the reason and the reaction of that reason. For example:

He ran away because he was afraid.
They decided to stay at home because it was thundering heavily.
He became rich because he was intelligent and industrious.
We stopped building the shop because it was raining hard.
I love puppies because they are not enough dangerous.

In all the above sentences, because is connecting a reason and its reaction.

“If” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“If” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction and conveys the meaning of “if” between two sentences/ clauses. It means that “if” is used to connect a specific condition when some specific task is done to achieve that condition, i.e; when someone/ something takes a specific action, then the other thing must have happened. For example:

You will pass if you work hard.
We would like to fly to London if the plane tickets were not so expensive.
If it is cold tomorrow, we cannot go to school.
If I get an invitation card, then I will attend the party.
You can play if you finish your homework.

All of the above sentences show that “if” is relating a reaction and its consequence.

“That” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“That” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to introduce the dependent clause and to add more information.

Tell them that I will come.
It is quite likely that they will be late for displaying their project at the main event.
Caesar marched on Rome, and that step changed history.
Doctors believe that exercise is essential to keep healthy.
Learning about the English language is not that much difficult.

“Though” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Though” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to connect an independent and dependent clause to show two contrasting ideas. It means that when both a dependent and an independent clause are opposite to each other, then “though” is used to connect them.

He finished first though he began late.
Though the drama was very long, it was interesting.
Though the weather was very outside, they played outside.
She does not want to go shopping, though she is short of shoes.
Though it was very early, we kept walking.

In all the above examples, both dependent and independent clauses show opposite ideas that are connected with the conjunction “though”.

“Although” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Although” is used as a Sub-ordinate Conjunction between two sentences to connect them with the meaning of “in spite of the fact that”. It means that just like “though”, “although” is also used to connect two contrasting ideas. For example:

A book’s a book, although, there is nothing in it.
Although it was raining, we won the match.
He came to school, although he felt a severe headache.
Although my father waiting for me, I could not go to see him on his deathbed.
He passed the final exam, although he did not study very well.

“Till” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Till” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to tell about the specific time up to which something occurs. It means that “till” combines two clauses that are specific up to a specific time. For example:

Will you wait till I return?
John lived with his parents till he was forty.
He will keep it for you till you come back.
Why should they be in Karachi till your father comes there?
All cash registers have been electronic till now.

“Till” in all the above examples shows a specific thing up to a specific time.

“Before” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Before” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning of “earlier than the time that” between two sentences. It means that “before” is used to join two sentences that have actions and one action must be completed before the other action. For example:

Answer the first question before you proceed further.
He had written a letter to his son before he died.
Before he came to meet me, I was going to call him.
I need to complete my work before the manager arrives.
Won’t you have another drink before you go?

“Unless” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Unless” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction between two sentences to convey the meaning “except if”. It means that the clause/sentence that comes after “unless”, is a subordinate clause and needs the main clause to complete sense. For example:

He will not pay unless he is compelled.
He does not want to go there unless his father comes with him.
We were playing cricket yesterday unless it rained.
I shall not go to school unless you buy a new bag for me.
Unless I am mistaken, John’s house is the second on the left.

“As” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“As” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to connect one event with the other progressing event. It means that “as” is used as Subordinate conjunction to connect two consecutive events. For example:

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.
They arrived as we were playing.
As the forecast predicted, the weather was very hot for the whole of the month.
He decided to go shopping as he was in New York.
As you get older, moving house gets harder.

“When” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“When” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning “at the time that” between two sentences. It means that “when” explains the time of some unique action in correspondence to another action. For example:

When I was younger, I thought so.
It was morning when the shop had looted.
When I came into the room, everyone looked at me.
I woke up when my alarm rang.
I started looking for a house when I decided to stay there for a long.

“Where” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Where” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to connect two sentences with the meaning of “in the place that”, between two sentences. The sentence/ clause with “where”, needs another sentence/ clause to convey its full meanings. For example:

He found his watch where he had left it.
This was the shop where they met for the first time.
I told her where she has lost her wristwatch.
Please, leave this money where you got it.
I will be sitting in the same room where they left me.

“While” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“While” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the two types of meanings. One meaning is related to the time, i.e; “while” explains a specific condition in the presence of another condition at the same time. And 2nd meaning of the “while” conveys the contrast between two sentences/clauses. For example:

Make hay while the sun shines.
John visited Devid twice while he was living in New York.
While he was reading, he often listened to music.
She read this magazine while waiting for her husband.
His parents died in a car accident while he was still at school.

“Than” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Than” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to show the comparison between two sentences/clauses. It means that “then” is used to introduce comparatives and typically it adds some more force to the adjectives. For example:

He is taller than I.
I like you better than he.
I like you better than him.
Hari is more stupid than Sharma.
His bark is worse than his bite.

“Ere” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Ere” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning of at which time a specific thing is occurring. It means that “ere” tells about the sequence of time. Generally, “ere,” tells about a specific phenomenon/ action/ happening before another.

Take heed ere it be too late.
He will start ere they return.
It will be a long time ere he returns home.
Children learn to creep ere they can go.
He will be back ere nightfall.

“Ere” is all the above sentences the sequence of events/ happenings.

“Except” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Except” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning “excluding that/ not including”. It means that “except” is used to connect two sentences when it is needed to show that in a specific condition, the opposite action may be taken. For example:

Except ye repent, you shall all likewise perish.
I would like to help him except I don’t have any money.
She knows nothing about the project except that it is too much long and complicated.
She looks beautiful except when she sleeps.
Except one dies, one can not see heaven.

“Lest” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Lest” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to show the meaning “for fear that” or “to tell the reason for the particular emotion”. It means that “lest” is used as an action that is taken under some fear. For example:

Sentinels were posted lest the camp should be taken by surprise.
She was afraid lest she had revealed too much.
He hurried to the airport lest he should be late for the plane.
They ran away lest they should be seen.
I make it a rule to read the newspaper every day lest I should fall behind the times.

“Since” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Since” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the reason for something. However, in certain conditions, “since” is used to tell about the timing of a specific phenomenon. For example:

Since you say so, I must believe it.
I have been a dancer since I was young.
Since she graduated, she had been doing nothing.
This shop has been refurbished four times since I lived there.
He had been compromising music since he was ten years old.

“Until” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Until” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning “up to the time that” between two sentences. It means that “until” tells that something is happening up to some specific time. For example:

I waited for my friend until he came.
You have to stay in the house until we come back.
Do not start to act until she comes back.
He did not know he was a great dancer until he dance at the college concert.
He would not allow them to start until everyone arrives.

“Whence” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Whence” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meaning “from what time or place”, a specific thing begins. It means that “whence” is used to connect the reason for some action with the timing of some other action/ event. For example:

I do not know whence he comes.
The work is slow and dangerous, whence the high costs.
We have returned to the shop from whence we came.
No one fought with him whence he came back.
There was no reply, whence he inferred that all had gone.

“How” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“How” is used as a Sub-ordinate Conjunction with the meaning of “the way in which”. It means that “how” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction when there is a purpose of telling in which way a thing happens. For example:

I do not understand how it all happened.
Tell me how you persuaded her to marry him.
He explained how she succeed in winning this project.
Can you guide me on how can I use this electric machine?
He does not know how to sing.

“Whither” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Whither” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to convey the meanings of “to what place or state”. So, “whither” is used to connect such two sentences in which a place is specified. For example:

I shall go whither fancy leads me.
They all went without knowing whither or why they were going.
The question then arose whither the host should go next.
He grew up in London whither his family had immigrated in the early 1940s.

“Why” as Sub-ordinating Conjunction

“Why” is used as Sub-ordinate Conjunction to tell the reason for something. It means that “why” is used to tell on which account a specific thing occurs. For example:

I know not why he left us.
He will ask why you do not have your camera.
I cannot understand why they rejected our proposal.
There is a reason why she is not concerning anyone.
I know why he does not take part in a school function.