English Grammar/Basic Parts of Speech/Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word or words used to show the relationship between one notion and another notion. There are two main types of conjunction: the coordinative conjunction, which joins phrases of equal importance and rank, and the subordinative conjunction, which joins a phrase with another phrase that is dependent on it.

Coordinative Conjunctions

A coordinative conjunction joins two sentences together that do not rely on each other for meaning. We can split the coordinative conjunctions into four smaller groups: the cumulative, the alternative, the adversative, and the illative.

Cumulative

A cumulative conjunction is used to add one thought to another. Examples of cumulative conjunctions include

and
both...and
not only
but also
as well as

Alternative

Used to indicate a choice between one notion and another. For example:

or
either...or
else
otherwise
neither...nor

Adversative

Used to contrast one notion and another.

but
yet
however
nonetheless
despite
still

Illative

These show that one notion is implied, inferred or proved by another.

then
thus
therefore
so
for

Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions express relationships of time, manner, cause or reason, comparison, condition, or purpose. They are used to introduce subordinate clauses that are not complete