CONJUCTIONS

Definition of Conjunction

A conjunction is a word (or group of words) which joins or connects words, sentences or parts of sentences

Why Conjunctions?Reason 1. They join two sentences together

andserve the purpose of making them morecompactFor example, instead of saying “ Sachin is agood batsman” and “ Laxman is a goodBatsman”, there is a shorter way of putting itas “Sachin and Laxman are good batsmen”

Why Conjunctions? ContinuedReason 2: They bring about the relationshipbetween the elements that are thus joined.

For example, since he is hardworking , he islikely to succeed.

2 Types of Conjunctions

1. Co-ordinate Conjunction which joins two clauses or sentences of equal rank , and

2. Subordinate Conjunction which joins two parts, one of which is subordinate or dependent on the other

First of the 4 types of Coordinating Conjunctions

Cumulative Conjunction : Adds one statement or

fact to another.Example: India batted well and bowled withintensity to win the series against Australia

Second of the 4 types of Coordinating Conjunctions

Adversative Conjunction : Expresses contrast

between the two parts. Examples:1. He is slow but sincere2. At the end of the exam season, I was

tired but happy3. He is alright; only a little fatigued

Third of the 4 types of Coordinating Conjunctions

Alternative Conjunction : Expresses a choice between 2 alternatives.Examples:1. You must either leave immediately or take

a taxi to reach the airport in time. 2. Either Joseph or Sharif will pick you up

from the railway station

Fourth of the 4 types of Coordinating Conjunctions

Illative Conjunction : Shows that a statement

or fact is inferred from another.Examples:1. He will reach the station on time since

he started on time.2. The pitch must have been bad for a

formidable batting side like SA collapsed

First of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on timeUsage:1. Nobody can leave the room till he gives

permission2. I returned after he had left3. Many things have happened since I last

saw you

Second of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on cause or reasonUsage:1. Since you wish, it shall be done2. He may come in for he is your friend3. As there were no train tickets available, I

rushed by air

Third of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on purposeUsage:1. We work hard so that we may succeed2. Please talk softly lest you should disturb

the neighbours

Fourth of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on consequence or resultUsage:1. He was so tired that he could barely stand2. He bowls so fast that he is virtually

unplayable

Fifth of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on conditionUsage:1. I will allow you to play if you agree to

come back in good time2. My parents will be happy if I succeed3. The doctor will not be able to cure us

unless we tell him what the problem is

Sixth of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on concessionUsage:1. Though she dislikes me, I simply love

her2. Although he is late, let us allow him in3. Though he is slow, he will certainly

succeed.

Seventh of the 7 types of Subordinating Conjunctions

Based on comparisonUsage:SA is stronger than Australia (is)

Usage of Subordinate Conjunctions1. After taking a shower , he left for office2. Although there was nothing in Ra.One ,

it did succeed3. As he was late in paying fees, he was

asked to pay the penalty4. He is worried because he is to take the

exam tomorrow5. Answer me first before you step inside6. You will reach on time if you leave early

enough

Usage of Subordinate Conjunctions- continued

7. Please walk carefully lest you should slip and fall

8. Since you say so, I must believe it9. He finished first though he began last10. Please do not leave till I return11. He will not leave unless he is compelled.12.We shall not leave until we complete the

handout

Usage of Subordinate Conjunctions14. When I was younger, I could easily run 15

km15. He found his wallet where he had left it16. I am still trying to figure out how it all

happened17. Make hay while the sun shines18. I do not know why the stock markets are

not doing well

Simple and Compound ConjunctionsSimple Conjunction: Words like but and

and are simple conjunctions. Compound Conjunction: Expressions like “

in order that”, “as soon as” and “even if” are compound conjunctions

Usage of Compound Conjunctions1. The notice was released in

order that all might know the facts

2. I will lend you this book on condition that you will return it tomorrow

3. Even if I were given a chance, I would never cheat

4. He started saving up right from the first month so that he could buy a house at the earliest

Usage of Compound Conjunctions- continued

5.You may leave for your friends house provided that you come back home before nightfall

6. He speaks as though ( or, as if ) he is inebriated

7. Kumar , as well as Sheikh, was present there

8. As soon as you reach Kolkata , please give me a call confirming that you have reached safe

Correlative ConjunctionsConjunctions that are used in pairs are calledcorrelative conjunctions.Examples:1. Either- or2. Neither – nor3. Both – and 4. Whether – or5. Not only-but also

Usage of Correlative Conjunctions1. Either the security was lax or the burglar

was an expert.2. Neither Paul nor Peter contributed to the

success of this project 3. Both Sachin and Dravid are great

batsmen4. It does not matter whether you go or stay5. He is not only foolish, but also obstinate

The same Conjunction “since” used differently

1. “Since” can mean “from and after the time”

Usage: Many things have happened since I left

School

2. “Since” can also mean “seeing that” Usage: Since you have given me a valid

reasonfor being late, I am allowing you in.

The same Conjunction “or” used differently

1. “Or” is used to introduce an alternative Usage: You can travel by bus or by car

2. “Or” can also be used to introduce asynonym Usage: Amitabh Bachchan or Big B is

regardedas the biggest Indian movie star ever .

The same Conjunction “or” used differently- continued

3. “Or” can also mean otherwiseUsage: We must leave now or we will be late

4. “Or” can even mean nearly equivalent to Usage: The troops were not lacking in

strengthor courage, but they were badly fed

The same Conjunction “if” used differently

1. “If” is used to mean on condition that Usage: If he is there, I shall see him.

2. “If” could mean admitting thatUsage: If Jayalalithaa is corrupt, at least she

isefficient

The same Conjunction “if” used differently- continued

3. “If” is nearly equivalent to “ whether”Usage: I asked him if it was okay if I am

late by 5 minutes

4. “If” could mean wheneverUsage: If I walk in rain, I catch a cold

5. “If” could also be used to express a wish or a wistful thought

Usage: If only I knew!

The same Conjunction “that” used differently

1. “That” is used to express a reason or causeUsage: He was annoyed that he was contradicted

2. “That” is also used to express a purposeUsage: We work hard that we may succeed

3. “That “ is used too to express a consequence oreffectUsage: He works so sincerely that he has no

difficulty insleeping well

The same Conjunction “while” used differently

1. “While” is used to mean during the time that

Usage: A. While he was sleeping , the thief crept in

B. While there is life, there is hope

2. “While” can also mean at the same time that

Usage: While I was studying, my brother was playing

3. “While” is also used to mean whereasUsage: While I do have the money, I do not

have leisure

Interesting usage of the Conjunction “only”

“Only” can mean except that.

Usage: 1. He does well, only he is nervous at the start2. I would love to go with you, only I have no

money