Conjunctions

Conjunctions are of the following main types. We'll discuss their sub-types later :

1. Coordinating Conjunctions : A Coordinating Conjunction is used to join two words or sentences of equal class, rank or order; for example : and, but, or, nor, for, yet, still, so, both...and, as well as, not only...but also etc.

The sun appeared bright and hot, but the climate was cold and windy.

Is it an insect or a reptile?

The elephant is a powerful but gentle animal.

This teddy is new but it is a little torn.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions : A Subordinating Conjunction is the one which introduces a subordinate clause and joins it to the principal clause in a sentence; for example : as, after, before, because, if, when, where, although, though, lest, how, that, till, until, unless, than, since, yet etc.

The little girl went to the post office after she wrote a letter to God.

I bought a loaf of bread because I was very hungry.

Although he is strong and tall, yet he cannot run quickly.

Since your teacher is on leave today, you all must study silently.

In the above examples, after, because, although...yet and since are Subordinating Conjunctions. The Principal Clauses in these examples have been italicised.