Conjunction: Definition, Types, Examples, and Practice Questions

Pengertian Conjunction

Conjunctions are words used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. They play an important role in forming complex sentences and providing a logical flow between ideas in writing or conversation.

Conjunctions can be divided into three main types: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Each type of conjunction has a specific function in sentence construction.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more elements that have the same role or structure, such as two independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone), two adjectives, two nouns, or two phrases. There are seven coordinating conjunctions known by the acronym FANBOYS:

  • For
  • And
  • Nor
  • But
  • Or
  • Yet
  • So

Examples:

  • For: I didn’t go to the party, for I was too tired.
  • And: She loves reading and writing.
  • Nor: He doesn’t drink coffee, nor does he like tea.
  • But: I wanted to go, but I was busy.
  • Or: Would you like tea or coffee?
  • Yet: He is poor, yet he is happy.
  • So: It was raining, so we stayed indoors.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause (main sentence) with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone). The dependent clause requires the independent clause to complete the sentence. Subordinating conjunctions indicate relationships such as time, cause-effect, condition, or purpose.

Common subordinating conjunctions:

  • after
  • although
  • because
  • before
  • if
  • since
  • though
  • unless
  • until
  • when
  • while

Examples:

  • After: She went home after the meeting ended.
  • Although: Although it was raining, they went hiking.
  • Because: I stayed home because I was sick.
  • If: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
  • Since: We’ve been friends since childhood.
  • Until: Wait here until I come back.
  • While: She was reading while he was cooking.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to connect elements that are structurally equivalent in a sentence. These words appear in fixed pairs and help create balance between the clauses or elements they connect.

Common correlative conjunctions:

  • both… and
  • either… or
  • neither… nor
  • not only… but also
  • whether… or

Examples:

  • Both… and: She is both intelligent and hardworking.
  • Either… or: You can either stay here or go home.
  • Neither… nor: He is neither a teacher nor a student.
  • Not only… but also: She is not only smart but also kind.
  • Whether… or: I don’t know whether he will come or not.

4. Conjunctive Adverbs (Kata Keterangan Penghubung)

Conjunctive adverbs serve as connectors between sentences or independent clauses and provide logical relationships such as cause-effect, comparison, or addition. They are usually followed by a comma and require a semicolon when linking two independent clauses.

Common conjunctive adverbs:

  • however
  • therefore
  • moreover
  • nevertheless
  • consequently
  • otherwise
  • thus

Examples:

  • However: It was raining; however, we decided to go out.
  • Therefore: She missed the bus; therefore, she was late.
  • Moreover: He is a talented musician; moreover, he writes his own songs.
  • Nevertheless: It was a difficult task; nevertheless, we completed it on time.

5. Using Conjunctions in Sentences

Coordinating Clauses: Connecting two clauses that are equally important.
Example: He wanted to play soccer, but it started to rain.

Subordinating Clauses: A subordinating clause cannot stand alone and requires a main clause.
Example: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

Correlative Conjunctions in Sentences:
Example: Either you come with me or you stay here.

Conjunction Practices

  1. ______ being one of the smartest students, he never shows off.
    • a. Despite
    • b. Instead
    • c. Otherwise
    • d. Other than
  2. Lisa is feeling sick, ______ she will still attend the meeting.
    • a. But
    • b. However
    • c. Since
    • d. Because
  3. We didn’t skip the dessert ______ we were already full from lunch.
    • a. Moreover
    • b. Finally
    • c. Although
    • d. Already
  4. ______ having all the necessary qualifications, he didn’t get the job.
    • a. Otherwise
    • b. However
    • c. Inspite of
    • d. Instead
  5. ______ it’s snowing, we shouldn’t drive out.
    • a. Because
    • b. Because of
    • c. For
    • d. But
  6. David ______ his sister visited the museum yesterday.
    • a. Or
    • b. And
    • c. But
    • d. For
  7. My partner misled me about the project, ______ she avoided the issue later.
    • a. Although
    • b. In order to
    • c. Moreover
    • d. Provided
  8. Arrive on time, ______ we might miss the presentation.
    • a. So
    • b. But
    • c. Therefore
    • d. Otherwise
  9. To stay fit, you should reduce sugar intake ______ stay active.
    • a. In order to
    • b. Finally
    • c. Consequently
    • d. Provided
  10. I will lend him my book ______ he returns it by next week.
  • a. Although
  • b. Provided
  • c. As
  • d. Because
  1. Emma finished her work ______ her roommate was sleeping.
  • a. But
  • b. Unless
  • c. As
  • d. Besides
  1. They apologized ______ arriving late to the event.
  • a. Since
  • b. As
  • c. Because
  • d. For
  1. John was grateful ______ he didn’t win the prize.
  • a. But
  • b. Yet
  • c. Still
  • d. As
  1. ______ his sister, Tom is very organized.
  • a. Likely
  • b. Unlike
  • c. Similar
  • d. Differently
  1. They canceled the picnic ______ it was raining heavily.
  • a. Since
  • b. Due to
  • c. Yet
  • d. Because of
  1. After months of practice, Sarah ______ won the regional tennis tournament.
  • a. Consequently
  • b. Therefore
  • c. Initially
  • d. Finally
  1. He is fluent in Spanish, ______, he was chosen to represent the school abroad.
  • a. Therefore
  • b. Moreover
  • c. Otherwise
  • d. Provided
  1. She worked hard for years and was ______ promoted to manager.
  • a. Yet
  • b. Consequently
  • c. Although
  • d. Besides
  1. ______ his coworkers, he also invited his boss to the party.
  • a. Despite
  • b. Aside
  • c. Besides
  • d. In spite of
  1. Either Sarah ______ Jake will present the proposal at the meeting.
  • a. For
  • b. But
  • c. Nor
  • d. Or

Answers

  1. a. Despite
  2. b. However
  3. c. Although
  4. c. Inspite of
  5. a. Because
  6. b. And
  7. c. Moreover
  8. d. Otherwise
  9. a. In order to
  10. b. Provided
  11. c. As
  12. d. For
  13. b. Yet
  14. b. Unlike
  15. d. Because of
  16. d. Finally
  17. a. Therefore
  18. b. Consequently
  19. c. Besides
  20. d. Or

Conclusion

Conjunctions are essential elements in grammar that connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, helping to create logical relationships between ideas. By understanding the different types of conjunctions such as coordinating, subordinating, and correlative, you can construct more complex and coherent sentences.

Follow other English tutorials as well: What are Nouns and their TypesUnderstanding Regular and Irregular VerbsUnderstanding AdjectivesUnderstanding AdverbsUnderstanding InterjectionsDefinition and Use of Subject, Predicate, ObjectSimple SentencesComplex SentencesCompound SentencesSimple Present TenseSimple Past TenseUnderstanding Pronouns, Understanding Prepositions

Lisna Ibrahim

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