GCSE
English Language
1.1.8 Conjunctions
In this lesson, we will explore what a conjunction is, the different types of conjunctions there are, and some examples of each. Conjunctions are words that are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help ideas flow more smoothly and show how different parts of a sentence relate to one another. Some conjunctions are very common and important to use correctly, while others are less frequent but still useful to know. In this lesson, we will look at the main types of conjunctions and briefly mention some of the less common ones.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that join sentences together by identifying a similarity or difference (e.g. Me and my brother could defeat the world, but Father was in the way!).
A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. Conjunctions help make writing smoother and more coherent by linking related ideas. They are essential for combining simple sentences into more complex ones.
I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining. “But” is a coordinating conjunction connecting two independent clauses.Example
A common mistake is using a comma instead of a conjunction between two independent clauses. Also, avoid using multiple conjunctions unnecessarily. Common Mistake
There are three main types of conjunctions:
- Coordinating Conjunctions: These connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
- Subordinating Conjunctions: These connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
- Correlative Conjunctions: These work in pairs to join equal elements.
and, but, or, nor, for, so, yetExample
although, because, since, unless, while, if, even thoughExample
either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…andExample
Conjunctions
- A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence.
- Helps writing flow smoothly and links related ideas.
- Essential for combining simple sentences into more complex ones.
- Three main types:
- Coordinating conjunctions → connect elements of equal importance (e.g. and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).
- Subordinating conjunctions → connect a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g. although, because, since, unless, while, if, even though).
- Correlative conjunctions → work in pairs to join equal elements (e.g. either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and).