Rules for Conjunctions- Types, Rules, Uses

Conjunctions are words that join two or more words, phrases or sentences. We use conjunction in sentences to convey more than one thing in a single sentence. Conjunction makes it easy to express complex phrases in a simple sentence because, and, between, until, or, but, yet are some examples of conjunction words. Understand the rules of conjunctions and ways of applying them to improve your conversation skills and your scores in any competitive exams.

Types and Rules of Conjunctions:

1. Coordinating conjunctions:-

Coordinating conjunctions join words or phrases of equal importance or grammatical rank.

Rule of conjunction– When a coordinating conjunction is used to join two independent phrases, a ‘comma’ is used to make the sentence clearer. 

For, but, and, or, yet, so, nor are examples of coordinating conjunctions. 

Let us understand the rules of conjunction with the help of the examples given below:

• We were in a hurry, so we took the shortcut to the station.
• I didn’t have enough money, so I decided to buy a small gift.
• I like to play football, yet I cannot play because of a leg injury.
• You can wear a white dress to the party, but it should be stylish.
• You should have a good diet, for you are very weak.
• Megha loves both orange and pineapple.
• Either do exercise or do yoga for fitness.

2. Correlative conjunctions: 

These are pairs of conjunction words that work together. 

Rule of conjunction: The correlative conjunctions are used in two places in a sentence.

Either or, neither nor, not only, but also, both and, whether or, are examples of correlative conjunctions. 

Let us understand this rule of conjunction with the help of examples:

• Not only she is a liar, but also a clever girl. 
• Ram is not only a good dancer but also a good actor.
• I have finished eating both pasta and noodles.
• Both Maths and Science are his strong subjects.
• You can neither enter the main gate nor stand near it.
• Ravi neither attends his class nor submits his homework.
• You can either choose to play cricket or play football.
• Either give me a red or a black pen.
• Shweta is confused, whether she should buy a cycle or a video game.
• Whether you agree with me or not, I will do it.

3. Subordinate conjunctions:  

These conjunctions are used to join an independent clause and a dependant clause.

Rule of conjunction – Subordinate conjunction is used as a part of the dependent phrase and if the dependent phrase comes first, use a comma after it and then write the independent phrase. 

Although, though, while, whereas, unless, until, provided that, whenever, etc., are some examples of subordinate conjunctions.

Let us understand the rule of conjunction with the help of examples: 

• You can attend the cricket match, provided that you book your tickets in advance.
• Provided that there is no traffic, you can reach in five minutes.
• Do not go in crowded places unless you are fully vaccinated.
• Unless I know the correct answer, I will not attempt it.
•  I will not let you play until you finish your homework.
• Rita won’t dance until Rani sings a song.
•  Although he’s a small kid, he plays chess very well.
• Though she tried her best, she could not win the game.
•  Whenever I do not take an umbrella with me, it rains heavily.
• You should wash your hands whenever you come from outside.

4. Compound conjunctions:  

These are groups of words used together as conjunctions to join two phrases and make a meaningful sentence.

Rule of conjunction– The compound conjunctions are normally used in the middle of the sentences.

 As well as, as soon as, as long as, in order to, as much as, are some examples of compound conjunctions.

 Let us understand the rules of conjunctions in sentences with the help of examples:

• You can work at a low salary as long as you do not get your desired job.
• Keep the windows shut as long as it’s raining.
• Reena is excited as well as nervous about her interview.
• She is beautiful as well as intelligent.
• Please submit the report as soon as the directors approve it.
• As soon as I get the details, I will inform you.
•  You can take the alternate route in order to avoid the traffic.
• In order to become an expert in anything, you have to do regular practice.
• He likes to watch cricket as much as he likes to play cricket.
• I have given all information as much as I know.

Some other conjunction words and the rules of conjunctions are given below:

• The gift will belong to whoever finds it first.

 Here, whoever is subordinate conjunction used to join the dependent clause ‘the gift will belong to (whom)’ and the independent clause ‘finds it first’. 

• No less than half the students miss the class.

 Here, no less than is compound conjunction used to emphasise ‘at least’ or that most students miss the class.

• The thief will fall into the trap, however clever he may be.

Here, ‘however’ is a conjunctive adverb used to connect two independent clauses. 

• Submit correct details otherwise, your form will be rejected.

Here, ‘otherwise, is coordinating conjunction used to join two independent phrases and a comma is used to make the sentence clearer.

• I would rather visit the zoo than go shopping on holiday.

Here, ‘rather than’ is a correlative conjunction used to join two clauses to clarify the speaker’s intention.

Use of conjunctions:

1. To avoid the use of many short sentences.
2. To make sentences more clear.
3. For comparison in two things.
4. To emphasise an important thing or condition in a sentence.
5. To make complex sentences easy and clear.

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