CONJUNCTIONS

The conjunction is the part of speech used as a "joiner" for words, phrases or clauses in a particular sentence. Make sure that the phrases joined by conjunctions are parallel (share the same structure)

INCORRECT: I work quickly and careful.
CORRECT: I work quickly and carefully.

A conjunction “joins two sentences into one”.
The idea of sentence-joining is not very helpful if a student writer is unsure what a sentence is in the first place. Besides, this idea is not sufficient to distinguish conjunctions from other “sentence-joining” words, such as relative pronouns and participles.

Words which connect words, phrases, clauses or sentences are called conjunctions (see "to conjoin" = join, unite). The most common ones are 'and', 'or' and 'but'. These words all have different nuances and connotations but they all help to build up meaningful relationships within a sentence.

MEANING.
However vs nevertheless / nonetheless
He's friendly and rich; However, he's a little dim.
... ; nevertheless, I had a great night.

Conjunctions

Cohesive Devices

A variety of useful English Conjunctions exists, which complete this list of the most used Cohesive Devices. Together, they can help to express a cohesive view and easy understandable and readable texts.
There are three basic types of conjunctions:

Definition

A. Coordinating conjunctions: used to connect two independent clauses
B. Subordinating conjunctions: used to establish the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence
C. Correlative conjunctions: used to join various sentence elements which are grammatically equal

A. Coordinating Conjunctions

Location of a coordinating conjunction

1. Don't use a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) at the beginning of a sentence. These conjunctions can be used to join two independent clauses, so they come in the middle of a sentence rather than the beginning.

What Makes Something a Coordinating Conjunction.

One of the two main properties of coordinating conjunctions, or cordinators for short is that: 1. they can connect words or phrases of the same category to create a larger phrase of that same category. 2.The other is that the coordinator has to come between the words or phrases it connects.

Other uses of "and"

1. Repeating for emphasis:

She walked miles and miles, years and years, on and on ...

The weather just keeps getting hotter and hotter.

2. As a result.

Try harder and you will succeed. Study hard and you will pass the exam.

3. Then

I got dressed and went downstairs.

Other uses of "but".

1. As a preposition (followed by a noun):
The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation. Oscar Wilde

2. But + a reason (If it were not for / were it not for)
But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. (were it not for)
Many people would be more truthful were it not for their uncontrollable desire to talk. (but for, if it were not for)

But for imagination, life would be a dull and monotonous affair.
If it were not for the government, we should have nothing to laugh at in France.
If it were not for the presents, an elopement would be preferable. (running away to get married)

I asked not for a salad but for soup. He's not a violinist but a cellist (on the contrary)
I cannot but agree with what you say (otherwise than, sino)
Who could have done it but him?
It never rains but it pours! (conditional: it rains only if it pours)
They couldn't do anything but stand there and stare. He's nothing but trouble, that boy. (except)

"But" used as a intensifier.

There was nothing good on TV, but nothing! (used as intensifier)

3. As a noun: an objection.
You're going to bed now, and I don't want to hear any buts!

How to use the conjunction "Nor"

1. What Makes Something a Coordinating Conjunction

One of the two main properties of coordinating conjunctions, or coordinators for short, is that: 1. they can connect words or phrases of the same category to create a larger phrase of that same category. 2.The other is that the coordinator has to come between the words or phrases it connects.

2. "Nor" Is a Coordinating Conjunction that Has Limits

"Nor" has those two properties, so it’s definitely a coordinator, but it is severely limited in the kinds of words or phrases it can connect. It’s a lot like for and so, which in American English, can join only clauses. Even then, a condition has to be satisfied: The first clause has to be a negative clause.

She doesn’t like to do his homework. Nor does he check his answers when he does do it.

The verb in the first clause is negative: doesn’t like. Let’s change our example to

“”

Now the verb in the first clause is positive: turned in his math worksheet two days late. Even so,

**3. The First Clause Must Be Negative for You to Use "Nor" Later**

If you try to use "nor" to join two clauses when there’s nothing negative about the first one at all, it sounds bad and doesn't make sense. The negation can also be implied.

I turned in my math worksheet two days late. Nor did I check his answers before turning it in. (there’s an implied negation: “not on time".)

***4. "Nor*" Makes You Reverse the Verb Order**

We have to reverse the order of the subject and the auxiliary verb in the second clause.

Binomials in English (with coordinating conjunctions)

Music is like making love: either all or nothing.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=%22all+or+nothing%22

I'm an all-or-nothing person.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=%22all+or+nothing%22

I'm all or nothing. Tiger Woods
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?q=%22all+or+nothing%2

All or nothing. no compromise / agreement. Without making concessions.

Black and white. fig. clear, defined.

Body and soul. fig. completely, entirely, totally, utterly, fully, thoroughly, wholeheartedly, unconditionally, to mean every part of you, including your mind and your emotions. (en cuerpo y alma)

Bread and butter. inf. figurative. livelihood (financial support, living).

By and by. 1. in a while, eventually. 2 sooner or later

By and large. on the whole, In general, usually.

Cut and dried. easily decided, usual. (situation, affair)

Dos and don'ts. rules.

Down and out inf. person: destitute.

Fair and square. win: without cheating, honestly, con todas las de la ley.

Give and take.

High and dry. figurative (person: abandoned, tirado)

Highs and lows. the successful or happy times, and the unsuccessful or bad times.

High and low. everywhere.

Ifs or buts. something that you say to a child to stop them arguing with you when you want them to do something. I want no ifs or buts - just get on and tidy your room now.

Ins and outs. the detailed or complicated facts of something. C2.

Kiss and make up informal, figurative (be reconciled).

Life and death. involving the possibility that someone will die; very important and serious. We were now in a life-and-death situation; a life-and-death matter.

Likes and dislikes.

Live and learn. gain knowledge and experience.

Long and short. the long and (the) short of it. (brief and only the most important)

Loud and clear. clear.

Make or break. inf. cause success, failure.

Mover and shaker. a powerful person who initiates events and influences people.

Now and forever. for eternity.

Now and then. sometimes.

Nuts and bolts. figurative. practical details.

On and on. continue / talk for a long time, continuously and tediously.

On and off. intermittently, stopping and starting.

Part and parcel. fig. integral part of whole.

Peace and quiet.

Pros and cons.

Rain or shine. whatever the weather, fig. 2. come rain or shine (whatever happens)

Rock and roll. Inf. v. Showing eagerness to do, or start something. Let's R&R!

Touch and go. inf, n. a dangerous, unpredictable, unstable or shaky situation.

Thick and thin. figurative (all manner of difficulties). 2 Through thick and thin.

This and that. several different things.

Heads or tails. tossing a coin. make head or tails of sth. Understand.

Ups and downs. Alternating periods of things going well and things going badly.

Show and tell. school: class speaking exercise; presentation, speech or demonstration.

Strange but true.

Give or take. approximately.

More or less. approximately.

Now and again. occasionally.

Now or never. final chance.

Sooner or later.

Win or lose. whether one succeeds or fails. Win or lose, we'll give it our best effort.

dead or alive, ham and eggs, knife and fork, leaps and bounds, l, lost and found, milk and honey, null and void, old and gray, open and shut, pins and needles, rise and fall, rise and shine, rough and ready, safe and sound, saints and sinners, short but sweet, spic and span, tooth and nail, toss and turn, wash and wear, tit for tat ...

Trinomials in English (with coordinating conjunctions)

Hook, line and sinker. figurative, informal (completely). I can’t believe I fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

Ifs, ands, or buts. excuses or doubts: I want no ifs, ands, or buts – give Sam his game back right now. I want no ifs, ands or buts - just get on and tidy your room now.

This, that and the other (inf. several different things). We started talking about this (and) that and the other, and before we knew it, it had gotten late.

Mind, body and soul.

Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/swami_sivananda_390760

Commas with coordinating conjunctions

2. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it is being used to join two independent clauses.

I wrote for ten hours, but I didn't finish my composition.

I wrote for ten hours, yet I didn't finish my composition.

I couldn't decide if I should continue writing, or if I should go to bed.

I was tired, so I went to bed.

I went to bed, for I was tired.

I continued thinking about my composition, and I couldn't fall asleep.

I didn't finish my composition, nor did I get any sleep.

The coordinating conjunctions and and or can be used to join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. In these cases, don't use a comma before the conjunction.

I couldn't decide if I should continue writing or go to bed.

I felt nervous and worried.

I was thinking about my composition and other homework all night.

B. Subordinating Conjunctions

Location of a subordinating conjunction in a sentence

A subordinating conjunction is used to join an independent clause and a dependent clause. They can come at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle when they begin another clause.

Subordinating conjunctions connect two groups of words by making one into a subordinating clause. The subordinating clause acts as one huge adverb, answering the questions “when" or “why" about the main clause, or imposing conditions or opposition on it.

Subordinate conjunctions connect two unequal parts, e.g., dependent and independent clauses. The most common subordinating conjunctions in the English language include: after, although, as, as if, as though, as long as, as much as, as soon as, assuming that (supposing, suponiendo que), because, before, but that, by the time, even if, even though, how, if, if only, if so, if not, in order that (so that), in order to (for the purpose of), in as much as, in case (that), in the event that, lest, no matter, once, only if, now that, provided (that), providing (that), rather than, since, so as (not) to, so that, supposing, than, that, though (intelligent ...), till, unless, until, what, whatever, when, whenever, where, wherever, wereas, whether, which, whichever, while, who, whoever, whom, whomever, whose, why, even though.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

You'll notice that when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, there's a comma between the two, indicating the beginning of the independent clause. However, when the independent clause comes first, there's usually no need to separate the two clauses with a comma.

In English, there are a lot of subordinating conjunctions. Let's take a look at the most common ones, along with a few examples from some classic songs:

After - "Your heart will break like mine, and you'll want only me after you've gone" (Ella Fitzgerald)
Although - "Although I've been here before, he's just too hard to ignore" (Amy Winehouse)
As - "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there's nothing left" (Coolio)
As long as - "I don't care who you are, where you're from or what you did as long as you love me" (Backstreet Boys)
Because - "I'm everything I am because you loved me" (Celine Dion)
Before - "Just call me angel of the morning, angel. Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby" (Juice Newton)
Even if - "Even if the sky is falling down, you'll be my only" (Jay Sean)
If - "If you leave me now, you'll take away the biggest part of me" (Chicago)
Once - "Once in a blue moon, something good comes along." (Van Morrison)
Now that - "Baby, now that I've found you, I won't let you go" (Tony Macaulay/John MacLeod)
Since - "I guess I'll never be the same since I fell for you" (B.B. King)
Though - "Walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown" (Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Unless - "We're never going to survive unless we get a little crazy" (Seal)
Until - "I'll keep on dreaming until my dreams come true." (Charlie Louvin)
When - "When I see you smile, I can face the world" (Bad English)
Where - "There's a light burning bright, showing me the way, but I know where I've been" (Scott Wittman)
While - "I look at the world, and I notice it's turning while my guitar gently weeps" (The Beatles)

More subordinating conjunctions

"BE" After conjunctions (ellision)

Start when ready
When ordering, please ...
Though intelligent, he was very poorly educated.
Phone me if (it is) necessary.

Starting a Sentence with a Conjunction

Many of us were taught in school that it is an error to begin a sentence with a conjunction, but that rule is a myth. As mentioned above, a subordinating conjunction can begin a sentence if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. It’s also correct to begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction. Often, it’s a good way to add emphasis. Beginning too many sentences with conjunctions will cause the device to lose its force, however, so use this technique sparingly.

Have a safe trip. And don’t forget to call when you get home.

John flung open the door. But there was no one on the other side.

Considerations

As with any grammatical device, using subordinating conjunctions too often becomes repetitive and boring. Of course, certain types of writing require a bare-bones style without much flavor. Still, subordinating conjunctions should only be used sparingly. Constantly using the same device not only sounds rote, but also sounds like the work of an inexperienced writer. Experienced writers know that subordinating conjunctions, and other tools, should only be used when warranted.

Types of subordinate conjunctions:

Cause/consequence: because, since, so that,
Comparison: as, than, rather than, whether, as much as, whereas,
Condition: as/so long as, assuming (that), if, if so, if not, if/when/where (it is) necessary/ possible, if (you are) in doubt, if it weren't for, if it hadn't been for, but for, lest, only if, suppose/supposing, even if, in case (that), unless, only if, providing / provided (that), on condition that, supposing, what if, whether
Concession/contrast: although, even if, even though, however, rather than, though, whereas, notwithstanding, in spite of, on the contrary
Manner: as if, as though, how.
Opposition / contrast: although, though,
Place: where, wherever.
Reason / Purpose: as, because, since, so, so that, that (liter), so as, in order that, why
Relative adjectives: that, whatever, which, whichever.
Relative pronouns: who, whoever, whom, whomever, whose
Time: after, before, as soon as, as long as, by the time, now that, once, since, still, till, until, when, whenever, while

Conditional conjunctions

After - After he gets the promotion, he will get a new office.
As a consequence of - As a consequence of studying hard, you will pass the exam.
As a result of - As a result of seismic testing, oil was discovered on Henry's land.
As long as - As long as I am capable, I will ride my bike to work.
As soon as - The parade will start as soon as the mayor arrives.
Assuming - You can get a red dress, assuming one is on sale.
Because - Because it's raining, we will take our umbrellas.
Before - She will finish the report before the meeting.
But for - We would have been lost, but for the map.
Even if - Even if she loses her job, she will still have a job in education.
If - If you brush and floss every day, you probably won't get cavities.
If only - If only I'd practiced longer, I would have made the shot.
Once - Once the chores are done, we will go to the park.
Only if - We will perform a few songs, only if the profits go to charity.
On the condition that - You will get the job, on the condition that you will work every other Saturday.
Provided - I will go to the prom with you, provided you apologize.
Providing - We will give you the money, providing you can pay it back within six months.
Since - Since it is autumn, there are many leaves on the ground.
Therefore - The mortgage wasn't paid, therefore the bank foreclosed.
Unless - Unless you've purchased tickets, you won't be able to attend the show.
Until - They don't talk to me until I talk to them.
When - When I get hungry, I will go to a restaurant.
Whenever - Whenever I eat spicy food, I get hives.
Wherever - Wherever there are flowers, bees will come to pollinate.
Whether - He spent all his paycheck on clothes, whether that was smart or not.
Yet - The picnic was interrupted by rain, yet we all had a fabulous time.

The main clause is only possible if the conditional clause applies.
''If'' may be the most widely used conditional conjunction, but it's not the only one. Check out these sentences:

Whenever I can, I like to read before bed
As long as I'm in Italy, I will eat pasta
Because I'm lonely, I will buy a cat
In order to understand this lesson, you will have to read it

All of these sentences contain a conditional clause and a main clause. Even without the word ''if'', we understand that something is only possible because of something else.

Commas with subordinating conjunctions

When you begin the sentence with the subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause (before the second/independent clause).

Although I wrote for ten hours, I didn't finish my composition.

Because I was tired, I went to bed.

3. When you use the subordinating conjunction in the middle of the sentence and the dependent clause at the end, don't use a comma after the first (independent) clause.

I didn't finish my composition although I wrote for ten hours.

I went to bed because I was tired.

Examples of binomials in English (with subordinating conjunctions)

time after time,

C. Correlative conjunctions (aka Double conjunctions)
C.C. are used to join various sentence elements which are grammatically equal

Correlative conjunctions are sort of like tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs, and you have to use both of them in different places in a sentence to make them work, and thus make the joining tighter and more emphatic. When joining singular and plural subjects, the subject closest to the verb determines whether the verb is singular or plural. . They get their name from the fact that they work together (co-) and relate one sentence element to another. Correlative conjunctions include pairs such as "both/and," "either/or," "neither/nor," "not/but" and "not only/but also." For example:

either/or - I want either the cheesecake or the chocolate cake.
both/and - We'll have both the cheesecake and the chocolate cake.
whether/or - I didn't know whether you'd want the cheesecake or the chocolate cake, so I got both.
neither/nor - Oh, you want neither the cheesecake nor the chocolate cake? No problem.
not only/but also - I'll eat them both - not only the cheesecake but also the chocolate cake.
not/but - I see you're in the mood not for desserts but appetizers. I'll help you with those, too.

Here are some more useful pairs of correlative conjunctions:

as/as - Bowling isn't as fun as skeet shooting.
such/that - Such was the nature of their volatile relationship that they never would have made it even if they'd wanted to.
scarcely/when - I had scarcely walked in the door when I got an urgent call and had to run right back out again.
as many/as - There are as many curtains as there are windows.
no sooner/than - I'd no sooner lie to you than strangle a puppy.
rather/than - She'd rather play the drums than sing.

More correlative conjunctions

just as . . . so; hardly . . . when; if . . . then ; not . . . but ; what with . . . and ; so ... that; so ... as; so ... as to (think/say) ...

what with ... and. (considering, given that); used to introduce the part of a sentence that indicates the cause of something: What with school and sports, she's always busy.

RELATIVE ADJECTIVES

What, whatever, which, whichever

When these words are used to modify nouns and introduce subordinate clauses, they're relative adjectives.

Whose, what and which
Whose is the possessive relative adjective, as noted above.

What and which can also be used as relative adjectives, at the start of a relative clause:

Do you know what languages he speaks ?.
The President knows which people he wants to talk to.

Whichever and whatever

Whichever and whatever - but NOT whoever - can also be used as relative adjectives, standing before a noun.

Whichever team wins, he'll be a happy man.!
Meaning : The team that wins can be one or the other, and he'll..
We'll have to stay in whatever hotel we can find.
Meaning : We'll have to stay in any hotel which we can find
My Dad's promised to buy me whatever laptop I want if I pass my exam.

RELATIVE PRONOUNS

In their most common usage, relative pronouns introduce a relative clause - either as a subject (who, which, that) , or as a direct object (whom, which, that), or in the context of a prepositional phrase (to whom, with which, in which, by which, to which, etc). They are called "relative" because in a declarative sentence, they relate to a noun that has normally just been mentioned.
The most common and most recognised relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which and that.

The conjunction that introduces a "that-clause" which is a subordinate clause. A subor-dinate clause cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence.

It is quite likely that we will be late for the firework display. (The main clause is It is quite likely.)

When(ever), why, where(ver) and how(ever)

Many students are surprised to learn that when, why, where and how, and also the longer forms whenever, wherever and however, also function as nominal relative pronouns. As relative pronouns, they are used to replace a longer phrase that would include a standard relative pronoun such as whom or which.

We don't know when he's coming
Meaning : We don't know the time at which he's coming.
Can you explain why you did that?.
Meaning : Can you explain for what reason you did that ?
I can't remember where I left my car.
Meaning : I can't remember the place in which I left my car.
I hope you know how to mend it !.
Meaning : I hope you know the way in which to mend it?
Whenever his son comes to stay, they go out to a good restaurant.
Meaning : Each time that his son comes....
Wherever he goes, he leaves a trail of damage behind him.
Meaning : He leaves a trail of damage in every place to which he goes
However I try, I can't get the right answer.
Meaning : I spite of all the ways in which I have tried, I can't get...

RELATIVE ADVERB

The relative adverbs where, when & why can be used to join sentences or clauses. They replace the more formal structure of preposition + which used to introduce a relative clause.

I remember the day when we first met. (I remember the day on which we first met)

That's the restaurant where we met for the first time. (That's the restaurant in which we met for the first time).

Tell me (the reason) why you came home late (Tell me the reason for which you came home late).

However can also be used as a relative adverb, qualifying an adjective or adverb.

However hard I try, I can't manage to find the right answer!
Meaning : I can't find the answer even if I try in ways which are very hard.
We'll have plenty of food however many people actually come.
Meaning : The number of people who come is not important, we'll have...

Compound conjunctions

Multi-word Subordinating Conjunctions

The phrases which are used as conjunctions are called compound conjunctions. Examples are: so that, provided that, as if, as well as, as soon as, as long as, such that, in order (that) and for all (that)
A compound conjunction may have two or three parts and they always go together. They are different from correlatives which are conjunctions used only in pairs. Examples of correlatives are: either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also.
She has got a car as well as a bike. (She has got not only a bike but also a car.)
Note the information structure: as well as introduces information already known to the listener; the rest of the sentence gives new information.
Note that after as well as, we use a noun or an –ing form. To-infinitives are possible, if the main clause also has them.
As well as breaking his back, he hurt his neck.
As if and as though
As if and as though have similar meanings.
He talks as if he is mad. (Perhaps he is mad.)
He talks as if he were/was mad. (He isn’t mad.)
Note that a past tense after as if/though indicates that a comparison is unreal.
The cat jumped in as soon as he opened the window.
He will pass the test provided that he works hard.
We eat so that we may live.
She is working hard so that she will pass the test.
You can share my room as long as you pay for your expenses.
After as long as, we use a present tense to refer to the future.
They held the function on a Sunday in order that everybody would be able to attend.
So that and in order that have similar meanings. So that is more common in an informal style.

Conjunctive locutions / phrases
for all that

Emphasizing a Conjunction (emphatic conjunctions)

This can be done by placing a connector immediately after, e.g. also or additionally after and in (a). Other common combinations are but still, but nevertheless, but even so, and yet, and then, and consequently, and so, and thus, and that, and or in other words. For the difference between conjunctions and connectors,

Emphatic conjunctions (two together)
and so, and that, and then, and thus, and yet, but still (even so), but nevertheless, but even so, but then (on the other hand)

and additionally / also / so / that / therefore / thus / yet.
but even so / nevertheless / still (even so) / then (on the other hand)

******** NOTES ON CONJUNCTIONS *******

MEANINGS OF CONJUNCTIONS AND CONNECTORS

The mental link, or meaning, of the conjunctions and the connector is the same: the surprising nature of the statement made with the second verb. This meaning is one of very many that different conjunctions and connectors express.

(e) CONJUNCTION: After evening falls, mosquitoes become active.
(f) CONNECTOR: Evening falls. Then/Afterwards mosquitoes become active.

The mental link here is that the event expressed by the second verb has a later time than the event expressed by the first verb.

(g) CONJUNCTION: If it rains, the visit will be cancelled.

If it rains …

(h) CONNECTOR: It might rain. In that case the visit will be cancelled.

In each of these, the first verb helps to show a hypothetical future event and the second one indicates a consequence of that.

Two points can be made about the variety of meanings that are possible with conjunctions and connectors. Firstly, most conjunctions seem to have many connectors of similar meaning. Here are some more examples:

Lists of Connectors Corresponding to Individual Conjunctions

AND

additionally, also, as well as, as well (not first word), besides this, furthermore, in addition, moreover, too (not first word); afterwards, next, subsequently, then, thereafter; as a result. For more on some of these, see 122. Signpost Words in Multi-Sentence Lists and 167. Ways of Arguing 1.

BUT

all the same, even so, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, yet (for a special use of these, see 51. Making Concessions with “May”); by contrast, in contrast, on the other hand; on the contrary (see 20. Problem Connectors).

SO, SO THAT (also BECAUSE/SINCE at the start)

as a result, consequently, for this reason, hence, that is why, therefore, thus (see 32. Expressing Consequences and 20. Problem Connectors).

SO (following “JUST AS …)

similarly, likewise, in a similar way, in the same way (see the very end of 149. Saying How Things are Similar).

OR

alternatively, if not, otherwise

BECAUSE/SINCE (between the linked verbs)

this is because, the reason is that

BEFORE (before the linked verbs)

beforehand, before this, first

BEFORE (between the linked verbs)

afterwards, next, subsequently, then, thereafter

WHILE

meanwhile, at this time, at the same time, at that moment, simultaneously.

WHY ARE THERE MORE CONNECTORS FOR EACH CONJUNCTION AND WHY DO
CONNECTORS EXPRESS MORE MEANINGS THAN CONJUNCTIONS?

The reason why there are many connectors for each conjunction is probably that conjunctions have many different meanings (like most small words – see 3. Multi-Use Words), while connectors tend to have just one. For example, but can express either “contrast” or “concession” (see 20. Problem Connectors, #3); and can express not only addition but also result (see 32. Expressing Consequences); and if can show different types of condition (see 179. Deeper Meanings of “if”).
The second point to be made about the meaning variety of conjunctions and connectors is that overall connectors express more meanings than conjunctions. This is indicated by the existence of connectors with no corresponding conjunction at all, such as for example, for instance, in particular, in fact, indeed, instead, similarly, in short, at least and at last.
The first two of these also have a preposition-like use (with a comma before them rather than after), but no conjunction one (see 33. Complex Example-Giving). For advice on using at last, see 20. Problem Connectors. Note also that, despite the variety of connectors, English seems to lack one for one particular inter-sentence meaning: see 117. Saying More Precisely What is Meant.

CHOOSING BETWEEN A CONJUNCTION AND A CONNECTOR

There seem to be a number of possible reasons for choosing between a conjunction and a connector. The first is to show whether or not the next words are the central information in the sentence. In sentence (e) above, evening falls placed at the start after the conjunction after suggests that it is a less central message than mosquitoes become active (see 37. Subordination). In (f), however, the connector afterwards gives equal importance to both messages. For more on message importance, see 156. Mentioning What the Reader Knows Already.
The second possible reason for choosing between a conjunction and a connector could be the degree of separateness that we might wish to give to the two joined verbs. Putting them into the same sentence with a conjunction suggests that they are somehow part of the same idea, while putting them into two different sentences suggests that they are two different points (this kind of choice is widespread in writing – see 59. Paragraph Length for an illustration of how the same applies in paragraph design). Compare these examples:

(i) Cars are dangerous and they pollute.
(j) Cars are dangerous. Moreover, they pollute.

Sentence (i) seems to be saying one thing by means of two points, that cars are bad; while (j) appears to be emphasising that there are two separate disadvantages.
A third possible reason for choosing to say something in a new sentence by means of a connector could be the fact that connectors tend to have a more precise meaning than conjunctions. Being precise is especially important in academic and professional writing, and that might explain why connectors are especially common in those fields. Note, though, that connectors are not the only means of paraphrasing a conjunction: verbs can be used too (see 131. Uses of “Action” Nouns, #1) and so can prepositions (see 84. Seven Things to Know About Prepositions, #4).

DEFINING FEATURES OF CONJUNCTIONS AND CONNECTORS

What distinguishes conjunctions and connectors from other linking expressions is that they show a meaning link between two verb-containing ideas. What separates conjunctions and connectors from each other is the grammatical status of the two linked ideas: conjunction ones are together in the same sentence, connector ones are separate:
(a) CONJUNCTION: Mount Kilimanjaro is on the Equator, but it has a covering of snow.
(b) CONNECTOR : Mount Kilimanjaro is on the Equator. Nevertheless, it has a covering of snow
In (a), the conjunction but is “linking” in two different ways. Firstly, it physically links the two verbs is and has into the same sentence – separate verbs must normally be in separate sentences (see 30. When to Write a Full Stop). Secondly but makes a mental link, suggesting that what follows is surprising after the statement before. Linguists would call physical linking “syntactic” and the mental kind “semantic”.
In sentence (b), on the other hand, the connector nevertheless does only one kind of linking: the mental/semantic kind (in this case the same mental link that is shown by but). There is no physical linking in (b): the connector is in a new sentence. This is hardly surprising: connectors are very similar to – or even a subtype of – adverbs, most of which are not linking in any way at all (see 121. Sentence-Spanning Adverbs). The fact that connectors show only a meaning link is probably the reason why some people call them “logical” connectors.
A slightly confusing complication is that sometimes we see a conjunction and a connector used together. For example, in (b) above it would be possible to say but nevertheless, with a comma instead of a full stop before. However, the essential difference between conjunctions and connectors remains the same: the conjunction (but) is doing the physical linking (making the comma possible), while the connector is adding its mental meaning to that of the conjunction – making it stronger. In other words, combinations like but nevertheless are emphatic conjunctions. They can only be made with a few conjunction-connector pairs: for other examples, see 125. Stress and Emphasis.

Conjunctions are best understood in terms of multiple characteristics rather than just one

THE CHALLENGE OF CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions, like prepositions and adverbs, can sometimes be difficult to conceptualise and identify. Although there is much information about them elsewhere within this blog, easily accessible by clicking on “conjunctions” in the CATEGORIES menu on the right of this page, bringing their general characteristics together in one place seems a useful thing to do to make their appreciation even more convenient.
Common conjunctions include after, although, and, as, because, before, but, if, or, since, than, that, until, when and so. Some are multi-word, often ending in that, such as so that, provided that and as if. One characteristic that comes to most people’s minds when they think of conjunctions is that they are “link” words. Unfortunately, although this is true, it is so vague as to be almost useless. There are various other features that can be more useful.

LIST OF GENERAL CONJUNCTION CHARACTERISTICS

1. Need to be in a Multi-Verb Sentence

This property is perhaps the most characteristic one of conjunctions, though some other kinds of word also have it, and one exceptional conjunction use – listing with and or or – often lacks it (see 25. Conjunction Positioning).
Usually, the two verbs necessitated by a conjunction will be separated by a comma (see 50. Right and Wrong Comma Places), and they will both have a subject and a particular tense form. In other words neither will be an infinitive (with to) or a gerund or a participle. In traditional terms, the two verbs must be “finite”.
Once again, though, there appears to be an exception, illustrated by this sentence from the Guinlist post 36. Words Left Out to Avoid Repetition:
(a) Most snakes, UNLESS attacked, will not bite.
The conjunction here is unless and its two verbs are underlined. The one with it appears to be the non-finite “past” participle attacked (passive without BE). However, I do not consider this to be a true exception. It means the same as the finite they are attacked, and can be considered merely an abbreviation of that. Abbreviation like this seems to be possible when the subject of both verbs is the same (most snakes above), and the conjunction verb includes BE (see 192. When BE can be Omitted).

2. Expression of an Inter-Verb Meaning

Conjunctions do not just enable their partner verb to be in the same sentence as another one; they also show how both verb meanings are related. For example, in sentence (a), unless shows that snakes being attacked causes an exception to the behaviour expressed by the other verb, the tendency not to bite. In the same way, because and since make their verb express a cause of what the other represents (see 61. “Since” versus “Because”), so (that) makes it express a consequence (see 32. Expressing Consequences), and after makes it express an earlier event (see 171. Aspects of the Past Perfect Tense).
This kind of meaning relation is also seen in those adverb-like words that many grammarians call (logical) connectors. What is special about conjunctions, however, is that they usually require the two related verbs to be in the same sentence – connectors need separate sentences (see 40. Conjunctions versus Connectors).

3. Grammatical Variation

Conjunctions do not all follow the same grammar rules. The majority, often called “subordinating”, can be used either before both of their accompanying verbs or between them, like this:
(b) ALTHOUGH whales live in the sea, they are mammals.
(c) Whales are mammals(,) ALTHOUGH they live in the sea.
By contrast, a few conjunctions – and, but, for, nor, or, so, than, yet – can only go between the two verbs. For example, but could replace although in (c) but not in (b). Conjunctions of this kind are usually called “coordinating”. They are more likely to have a comma before them than subordinating ones in the same position. Indeed, sometimes they even have a full stop instead of a comma, making them more like connectors than conjunctions. For details, see 25. Conjunction Positioning.
Another difference between the two types of conjunction is that only coordinating ones allow a pronoun subject of their verb to be dropped: you could say but live without they in (c) but not *although live (see 36. Words Left Out to Avoid Repetition).
Grammatical variability is not unique to conjunctions; most other word classes show it. Nouns can be “proper”, “countable” or “uncountable”, verbs can be “transitive” or “intransitive” and adverbs can be verb-linked or sentence-linked.

4. Influence on Sentence Focus

It often happens that some parts of a sentence are not what the sentence is really “about”: they are mentioned only to help the reader to appreciate the main message, or focus. A full description of this tendency can be read in 156. Mentioning What the Reader Knows Already.
The words after a conjunction are often not the focus of their sentence. This particularly happens with subordinating conjunctions at the start of a sentence, as in (b). The focus there is on what whales are, not where they live, which the reader is assumed to know already. For more, see 37. Subordination.

5. Occasional Use with a Second Conjunction

Sometimes two verbs are fitted into the same sentence not with a single conjunction but by means of a conjunction with each. Conjunction pairs that enable this include both…and, either…or, if…then, not only…but also, no sooner…than and just as…so. A fuller list with examples is in the post 64. Double Conjunctions. See also 99. When to Use “whether…or…”.

6. Facilitation of Word-Dropping (Ellipsis)

Two examples of ellipsis accompanying a conjunction have already been given above: the dropping of they are after unless in (a) and of they when but replaces although in (c). Ellipsis does not always involve a conjunction, but it often does.
Two particularly common conjunctions in ellipsis constructions are and and as. For various examples involving the former, see 36. Words Left Out to Avoid Repetition, 64. Double Conjunctions, 68. How Computers Get Grammar Wrong 1 and 192. When BE can be Omitted.
Ellipsis with as is of various kinds. Here is a particularly interesting one from 159. Exotic Grammar Structures 2, #1:
(d) The Rocky Mountains have been formed recently, as have The Himalayas.
As have here means “and … have been formed recently too”. Other posts featuring as ellipsis include 53. “As”, “Like” and “Such As” and 104. Naming Data Sources with “As”.
Less common, but also worth mentioning are albeit (see 191. Exotic Grammar Structures 3, #1) and than, as in this example:
(e) Children are often keener to play with their parents than (they are to play with) their friends.
If the verb after than is different from the earlier one (e.g. …to watch TV), ellipsis of to is still possible (see 148. Infinitive Verbs without “to”).

7. Creation of Different Clause Types

Two statements joined by a coordinating conjunction like and are usually considered to be equal, neither a part of the other. Subordinating conjunctions, however, make their partner verb and its associated words a subdivision of the statement centred on the other verb.
Most subordinating conjunctions create adverbials (adverb-like expressions) in the other verb’s statement. This is the case, for example, with although in (b) and (c). Sometimes, however, other kinds of expression are created. Particularly interesting is the conjunction that. Consider this:
(f) Doctors believe THAT exercise is vital.
Once again the two conjoined verbs are underlined. That and its partner words are here the object of the “main” verb believe, not an adverbial (believe needs an object, and no other words are meeting that need). Objects are like nouns, not adverbs. That can enable a verb to occupy other noun positions too, like subject and complement. For some examples, see 153. Conjunction Uses of “that”.
In addition, the conjunction that can introduce adjective-like expressions – adding to the meaning of a preceding noun. Many are a form of indirect speech, as in a statement that…, but there are other possibilities too, such as the arrangement that X does Y.
Seemingly similar to that are question words in indirect questions, such as how, when, where, whether and why, e.g.:
(g) Many scholars wonder WHETHER Homer was a real person.
Most grammarians, however, consider such words to be adverbs rather than conjunctions.

8. Similarity to Prepositions

Conjunctions resemble prepositions in the way they often add information to a sentence, in the kinds of meaning that they have, and sometimes even in their spellings (see 84. Seven Things to Know about Prepositions, #4). The similar way of adding information is by making it adverb-like, as in these examples:
(h) (CONJUNCTION) The war ended WHEN the government collapsed.
(i) (PREPOSITION) The war ended WITH the collapse of the government.
Both of the underlined phrases add time information about the verb ended – a typical function of adverbs. The main difference is that the conjunction needs a finite verb (collapsed) to do so whereas the preposition expresses the same meaning with an “action” noun (collapse – for more on this use of nouns, see 131. Uses of “Action” Nouns, #5).
Many conjunctions seem able to be paired with a preposition of similar meaning in the way shown above. Other examples are although/despite, and/besides, because/because of, if/in the event of, in case/in case of, like/just as and while/during.
The fact that some spellings are able to act as either a conjunction or a preposition seems a particularly strong indication of the closeness of these two kinds of word. The main spellings of this kind are after, as, before, since and until. Compare the following uses of until:
(j) (CONJUNCTION) Uganda WAS a British colony until it ACHIEVED independence in the 1960s.
(k) (PREPOSITION) Uganda WAS a British colony until its independence in the 1960s.
One major benefit of the similarity between prepositions and conjunctions is that it can help paraphrasing (see 205. Paraphrasable Prepositions).

************ EXAMPLES *****************

A. EXAMPLES OF COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS

AND

Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering... and it's all over much too soon.

Marriage is give and take. You'd better give it to her or she'll take it anyway.

Life is about trusting your feelings and taking chances, losing and finding happiness, appreciating the memories, learning from the past, and realizing people / everything change(s).

The mind is so powerful and your thoughts create outcomes.

Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.

I do Karate and yoga and try to eat healthy. I started doing karate when I was 11 (years old).

I started doing karate when I was 11.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/ian_brown_891206

BUT

(It's) funny how I'm (so) good at giving advice to others (other people), but when it comes to (helping) myself, I don't know what to do.

FOR

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.

NOR

I'm obviously not a politician, nor do I have the desire to be one, but I'm a conscious citizen.

I'm not married, nor do I want to be. I'm the loving kind but not the marrying kind, though I am romantic.

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. (esteem too highly, overvalue, overestimate)

The beauty is, I'm not a multimillionaire, nor do I particularly care to be, to be honest. (1. outstanding thing: That horse is a beauty; 2. figurative (certain advantage): The beauty of the job is the short working hours.

OR

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind. Buddha
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You gotta / You should / Always go to other people's / your friends' funerals, or they won't come / go to yours.

Truth or happiness. Never both.

The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation. Oscar Wilde
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SO

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, so it's worth mastering your mind.

My greatest fear is flying. And I do a lot of flying, so that's a bummer. (a drag, an unpleasant or disappointing experience)

B. EXAMPLES OF SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS

B.1. One word conjunctions

ALTHOUGH

I don't believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear.

BECAUSE

Football is popular because stupidity is popular.

Be yourself (/ who you are and say what you want / feel) because those who matter don't mind and those who mind dont matter.

* In the preposition phrase "because of" (followed by a noun): The game was cancelled because of the snow; We do what we do, because of who we are.

Most beautiful dumb girls think they are smart and get away with it, because other people, on the whole, aren't much smarter.

We do what we do, because of who we are. If we did otherwise, we would not be ourselves.

HOWEVER

Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.

Other uses of "however"

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.

No human being, however great, or powerful, was ever so free as a fish.

SINCE

Since I am not able to govern events, I govern myself. Not being able to govern events, I govern myself. Michele de Montaigne

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself.
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THAN

It is easier to fight for your beliefs than live up to them. (inf. be as good as)

Marriage is lonelier than solitude.

Well done is better than well said.
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Well done is better than well said.

UNLESS

Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese.

B.2. Multi-word conjunctions

AS / SO LONG AS (provided that, providing that or on condition that). "So long as" is a little more informal.

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.

As long as you have mystery you have health.

A man can be himself only as long as he is alone.

AS MUCH AS

I probably shouldn't curse as much as I do.

I love reading almost as much as I love writing.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/karin_slaughter_833980

I love reading almost as much as I love writing.

I work out, (drive, stay outdoorsand try to be outdoors) as much as I can.

AS WELL AS (AND)

Poverty makes you sad as well as wise.

There is creative reading as well as creative writing

There is creative reading as well as creative writing.
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IN ORDER (NOT) TO

We all need stress in order to achieve and do our best work.

We read (in order) to know we are not alone.

SO AS (NOT) TO

Tell the truth so as to puzzle and confound your adversaries.

You try to hide your emotions, so as not to show weaknesses to others. I believe it's the same for every sportsman.

SO THAT

The king must die so that the country can live. Maximilien Robespierre

Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.

I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets.

C. EXAMPLES OF CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS

AS ... AS ...

A man's as old as he's feeling. A woman as old as she looks. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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A man's as old as he's feeling. A woman as old as she looks. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Doing as much as you can for as long as you can - that's the motto.

Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess. (dated, female cleaner). Samuel Johnson

I try to challenge myself as much as possible, as often as possible.

Crime does not pay as well as politics.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/alfred_newman_212365

Crime does not pay as well as politics. fig, be beneficial, make up for, compensate, see pay off.

I can't paint as well as Vermeer.
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I can't paint as well as Vermeer. And I am no Picasso either...

Christmas is neither a time nor a season, but a state of mind.

EITHER ... OR ...

Either you love me or you don't!

Music is like making love: either all or nothing.

I say what I want to say and do what I want to do. People will either love you for it or hate you for it. Eminem

Other uses of either-or
1. Adj. informal (with two choices): una de dos.
Either/Or: A Fragment of Life. Soren Kierkegaard.

This issue often is presented as an either/or proposition: either you eagerly accept all technology, or you are behind the times.

NEITHER ... NOR ...

Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory. 1. State of limbo. 2. figurative, state of suffering.

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget.

Christmas is neither a time nor a season; but it's a state of mind that makes us do something good for us and for others too.

NOT ... BUT (NOT BECAUSE / FOR / A LACK OF ... BUT BECAUSE / FOR ...)

not for (the sake of + -ing ...), but for the fact that

We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.

It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.

Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.

Happiness is not about getting all you want. It is / , but about enjoying all you have.

It is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is / (but) gratitude that makes us joyful.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not a place, but a state of mind. mental condition, mood. (estado de animo, estado mental). "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel.

The most beautiful words are not “I love you”, but “it’s benign”.

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace, mercy and goodwill is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.

Happiness doesn't depend on anybody but ourselves.

One is not what one is for that which one writes, but for that which one has read.

RATHER ... THAN ...

I'd rather annoy with the truth than please with adulation.

I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail / Yes, I would / If I could / I surely would. I'd rather be a hammer than a nail / Yes, I would / If I only could / I surely would. El condor pasa (S & Garf.)

Saddly, most people, especially the young, holidaymakers (tourist, person on vacation), those over 40 and partygoers, would rather be talking than listening (to music)
SO ... AS TO ...

I took two fiction-writing courses in college and majored in literature. I felt that I had a knack though I wouldn't go so far as to call it a talent.
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I took two fiction-writing courses in college and majored in literature. I felt that I had a knack though I wouldn't go so far as to call it a talent.

I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a linguist / fan / bird expert.

SO ... THAT ...

People understand me so poorly that they don't even understand my complaint about them not understanding me. Søren Kierkegaard

THE ... THE ...

The more unintelligent a man is, the less mysterious existence seems to him.

RELATIVE PRONOUNS & ADJECTIVES. EXAMPLES

It's understandable and almost touching that we should expect our partners to understand us without us (even) having explained what's up (without you even having to say so / to think about it / to ask ...)

The key to happiness is to realize that you are in complete control of how happy you are.

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

It's the people who try to be clever who never are; the people who are clever never think of trying to be.

The madman is the man who has lost everything but / except his reason.

The stupid always find someone more stupid who admires him.

RELATIVE ADVERBS

WHEN

Happiness is found when you stop comparing yourself to other People.

EXAMPLES OF EMPHATIC CONJUNCTIONS

Movie stars have careers - actors work, and then they don't work, and then they work again

Fine artists reflect, and then they act. Fashion photographers - we act, and then we reflect.

Any subject can be made interesting, and therefore any subject can be made boring. Hilaire Belloc
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Even bad books are books and therefore sacred.

Any subject can be made interesting, and therefore any subject can be made boring.

EXAMPLES OF BINOMIALS

I'm all or nothing. I'm an all-or-nothing person; I'm kind of an all-or-nothing kind of guy.

Life isn't always black and white. You're not always sure you're right. At least I'm not.

Everything is very black and white for me. I don't really like playing mind games.

By and large, woman can bear pain better than men.

People, by and large, would rather be talking than listening.

By and large, I've been healthy all my life.

I'm a people person. That's my bread and butter and my inherent passion.

I'm trying to treat it as a hobby. Making bread and butter as an actor is tough.

I get to actually say I am a Stanford man. There's no if, ands, or buts about it.

I know how to use computers, but I don't really understand the ins and outs of how they work.

Whatever it is you do, study it, learn the ins and outs of it, and really work on building your craft.

I'm endlessly fascinated by parenting, my wife and the ins and outs of marriage.

Nothing is a matter of life and death except life and death.

Life and death. At some point we're gonna leave this world. Do I know when? Absolutely not.

Life and death matters, yes. And the question of how to behave in this world, how to go in the face of everything.

The movers and shakers have always been obsessive nuts.

EXAMPLES OF TRINOMIALS

Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.

I pride myself in taking care of my mind, body and soul, and not just through exercise.

Life's short. Anything could happen, and it usually does, so there is no point in sitting around thinking about all the ifs, ands and buts. Amy Winehouse

Life's short. Anything could happen, and it usually does, so there is no point in sitting around thinking about all the ifs, ands and buts. Amy Winehouse
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LINKING WITHOUT NEITHER CONJUNCTION NOR CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS

I'm a shocker. I like to create controversy. It's my trademark. slang ([sth] horrifying, acojonante, terrible. 2. ([sth] of very poor quality), bazofia, basura. 3. an annoying surprise, 4. rascal, scoundrel, scamp, sinvergüenza.

Synonyms: faker, phoney (falso, farsante), prretender (farsante y aspirante)

ADJUNCTS

Adjuncts are one of the five major elements of clause structure. The other four are subject (s), verb (v), object (o) and complement (c). Adjuncts (a) are some times called adverbials. An adjunct is a phrase which is not necessary to the structure of the clause, but which adds some extra meaning to it.

Páginas

"NOT ONLY" CONJUNCTIONS ...