Conjunctions:

Coordinating, Co-relative
and Subordinating
Conjunctions are essential linguistic tools that connect words,
phrases, and clauses to form cohesive and meaningful sentences.
This presentation explores the three main types of conjunctions -
coordinating, co-relative, and subordinating - and their usage in
the English language.

by Koshika Raura
What are Conjunctions?
Connective Words Joining Ideas Essential for
Communication
Conjunctions are words Conjunctions enable
that connect or join other writers to combine, Effective use of
words, phrases, clauses, contrast, or qualify conjunctions is crucial for
or sentences together. different ideas, making clear and concise
They help create logical the text more fluid and communication, as they
relationships and coherent for the reader. help establish the
transitions within a piece structure and flow of
of writing. language.
Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions Co-relative Conjunctions Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect two These conjunctions work in pairs These conjunctions introduce a
independent clauses or equal to link two related ideas, such as dependent clause and show the
grammatical structures, such as both-and, either-or, neither-nor, relationship between the main and
and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. not only-but also. subordinate clauses, such as
because, since, if, unless, until,
while.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two independent
clauses or equal grammatical structures within a sentence. They
help establish relationships between ideas and ensure logical flow.
Meaning and Examples of Coordinating
Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are words that join two independent clauses or equal grammatical structures within a
sentence. They indicate the relationship between the connected elements, such as addition, contrast, or choice.

Some common coordinating conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," and "yet". For example,
consider the sentence "I wanted to go to the store, but it started raining." In this sentence, the coordinating
conjunction "but" joins the two independent clauses together to establish a contrast between the speaker's desire to
go to the store and the fact that it started raining.
Co-relative Conjunctions
Co-relative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work
together to connect two clauses or parts of a sentence. They
create a relationship between the connected elements, expressing
ideas like comparison, condition, or cause and effect.
Meaning and Examples of Co-
relative Conjunctions
Co-relative Meaning Examples
conjunctions

Both...and Indicates that two Both Riya and Anya

things are equally went to the party.
true or valid

Not only...but also Emphasizes that two The dress was not
things are equally only stylish, but also
true or valid comfortable.

Either...or Presents two options, You can either pay

of which only one can now or pay later.
be true

Neither...nor Indicates that neither Neither Rohan nor

of the two options is Anjali attended the
true wedding.
Subordinating
Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent
clause to an independent clause, establishing a specific
relationship between the two.
Meaning and Examples of
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions establish a dependent relationship between
clauses, indicating conditions, causes, concessions, and time. They
signal how the subordinate clause relates to the main clause, providing
context and clarity.

Here are some common examples of subordinating conjunctions:

• Because
• Although
• Even though
• Unless
• While

These conjunctions are used to show the relationship between the

dependent clause and the main clause in a sentence.
Common Coordinating
Conjunctions

And Or
Used to connect two equal Used to present an alternative
ideas or items. or choice between two ideas.

But So
Used to contrast or introduce an Used to indicate a result or
exception to an idea. consequence of the preceding
idea.
Common Co-relative Conjunctions

Both...And Either...Or Neither...Nor

Connects two equal parts of a Presents two options, where only Connects two negative ideas,
sentence, indicating that both items one can be true - the choice is indicating that neither one is true.
or ideas are true. between the two.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Because Since
Indicates a reason or cause for an action or situation. Denotes a reason or cause, similar to 'because'.

As When
Expresses a reason or cause, often used to explain Indicates a specific time or point at which an action
a situation. or event occurs.

Whenever While
Refers to any time that a particular action or event Expresses the idea of something happening
takes place. concurrently with something else.
Rules for using Coordinating Conjunctions
Follow the FANBOYS
1
Use the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Connect Independent Clauses

2
Place the conjunction between two complete sentences

Maintain Parallel Structure

3
Ensure the two connected clauses have the same grammatical form

Avoid Comma Splices

4
Don't overuse commas - use a conjunction instead

Following these guidelines will help you effectively use coordinating conjunctions to link independent clauses in a clear and
grammatically correct manner.
Rules for using Co-relative
Conjunctions
1 Identify the Co-relative Pairs
Co-relative conjunctions always come in pairs, such as
"either...or", "neither...nor", "both...and".

2 Match the Conjunctions

The two conjunctions in the pair must match in type and
placement, such as "either X or Y" or "not only X but also
Y".

3 Maintain Parallel Structure

The elements connected by the co-relative conjunctions
should have the same grammatical structure, such as two
nouns or two verbs.
Rules for using Subordinating Conjunctions

Clarity
1 Use subordinating conjunctions to establish clear relationships between ideas.

Proper Placement
2 Position subordinating conjunctions at the beginning of the
dependent clause.

Varied Usage
3 Employ a range of subordinating conjunctions to express
different relationships.

Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for creating complex, well-structured sentences. Follow these guidelines to use them
effectively: maintain clarity by indicating the relationship between independent and dependent clauses, position them
correctly at the start of the dependent clause, and vary your usage to express diverse connections between ideas.