Conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. They help in connecting ideas smoothly.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Definition: Join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
Common Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS):
- For – He stayed at home, for he was sick.
- And – I like apples and oranges.
- Nor – She doesn’t eat meat, nor does she drink milk.
- But – I wanted to play, but it rained.
- Or – Do you want tea or coffee?
- Yet – He was tired, yet he continued working.
- So – It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
Tip: Coordinating conjunctions connect similar ideas or equal sentence parts.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Definition: Join a main clause with a subordinate (dependent) clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions with Examples:
- Because – I stayed home because it was raining.
- Although / Though – Although he was tired, he finished his homework.
- If – I will go to school if it doesn’t rain.
- Unless – We cannot play outside unless the rain stops.
- While – She read a book while he watched TV.
- Since – Since you are here, let’s start the meeting.
- As – As it was late, we went home.
- Before – Wash your hands before eating.
- After – We went home after the game ended.
- When / Whenever – Call me when you reach home.
- Until / Till – Wait here until I return.
Tip: Subordinating conjunctions show time, reason, condition, contrast, or cause-effect.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Definition: Pairs of conjunctions used together to connect balanced sentence parts.
Common Correlative Conjunctions with Examples:
- Either … or – You can choose either tea or coffee.
- Neither … nor – She likes neither coffee nor tea.
- Both … and – He is both smart and hardworking.
- Not only … but also – She is not only beautiful but also intelligent.
- Whether … or – I don’t know whether he will come or not.
- As … as – He is as tall as his brother.
Tip: Correlative conjunctions always work in pairs.
4. Conjunctive Adverbs (Joining Clauses Smoothly)
Definition: Words that connect independent clauses and show relationships like contrast, cause, or result.
Common Conjunctive Adverbs with Examples:
- However – It was raining; however, we went out.
- Therefore – He studied hard; therefore, he passed the exam.
- Moreover – She is kind; moreover, she helps the poor.
- Consequently – He didn’t study; consequently, he failed.
- Nevertheless – It was cold; nevertheless, they went swimming.
- Otherwise – Study carefully; otherwise, you may fail.
- Meanwhile – I cooked dinner; meanwhile, he set the table.
Tip: Conjunctive adverbs are usually followed by a comma when joining clauses.
Summary Table for Class 8 Students
| Type | Examples | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating | for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so | Join equal words, phrases, or clauses |
| Subordinating | because, although, if, unless, while, since, as, before, after, when, until | Join main clause with dependent clause |
| Correlative | either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or, as…as | Work in pairs to join balanced parts |
| Conjunctive Adverbs | however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, otherwise, meanwhile | Connect independent clauses showing relation |
Tips
- Always identify the two parts you are connecting.
- Coordinating = equal importance.
- Subordinating = dependent + independent clause.
- Correlative = always in pairs.
- Conjunctive adverbs = can start a sentence or join clauses.