Role of Conjunction in a Sentence | 10 Examples + Complete Guide

Clarity in words always adds value to your communication and writing. It makes it clear what a person is saying and how it is being interpreted.

Although, conveying your thoughts interestingly is a bit hard. Right? Or incorrect connections of words may confuse the thoughts? It’s impossible that any problem hasn't any solution.

Conjunctions are little words that are the best connector between words to flow our thoughts naturally. They may seem small, but their impact on sentence structure is surprising!

According to a general survey, articles that use a variety of conjunctions see up to 15% higher engagement due to better sentence structure and readability.

In this article, I’ll tell you all about:

• What is a conjunction?
• Types of conjunctions?
• Use of conjunctions in different types of sentences.
• How conjunctions help you to write better. 

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction takes an important role in parts of speech that are used to connect clauses, phrases or words within a sentence. Some of the frequently used conjunctions are "and," "but," "or," "because," and "although."

Without conjunctions, our sentences will be choppy, disjointed and a bit confusing. They act like binding elements to collect different sentences together to form collective thoughts. But where do conjunctions fit in different sentence structures? 

Let’s move forward to find out the answer to this query!

Types of Conjunctions

Following are some main types of conjunctions that are used specifically according to the type and sentence structure. Whether you’re working with a simple sentence or a compound-complex sentence, the use of conjunctions dictates how ideas flow together. Without them, our writing would feel abrupt and disconnected.

The three most common types of conjunctions are:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Ever think about how you join two or more elements? Coordinating conjunctions works well in building connections between adjectives and pronouns in sentences to make them more meaningful.

They are used to join two or more elements of equal importance within a sentence whether those elements are words, phrases or independent clauses. 

The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:

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

Examples:

• And: "I like to walk and paint." (joins two verbs)
• But: "She is tired, but she keeps working." (joins two independent clauses)
• Or: "Would you like juice or coffee?" (gives a choice between two options)

Coordinating conjunctions are perfect for linking equal ideas, creating balance within your sentences.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause. Ever tried to make complex sentences? Like the use of adverbs, adjectives and verbs in the same sentence? How does it work? Let’s know!

These conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences, where one part of the sentence (the dependent clause) provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

A general study found that using subordinating conjunctions like "because" and "although" increases the perceived strength of an argument by around 20%, making it easier for readers to follow complex ideas.

Common subordinating conjunctions include:

• Because
• Although
• Since
• While
• If
• Unless 

Some examples are:

• Because: "I stayed happy because it was my birthday." 

(The dependent clause "because it was my birthday" adds a reason to the independent clause "I stayed happy.")

• Although: "She smiled although she was tired." 

(The dependent clause "although she was tired" contrasts with the independent clause.)

• Since: "I've been writing daily since I started my blog." 

(The dependent clause "since I started my blog" adds a time frame.)

Subordinating conjunctions are perfect for adding complexity and depth to your writing by explaining reasons, contrasts or conditions.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link balanced or related elements within a sentence. These conjunctions stated the relationship between the connected elements by showing that they are of equal importance.

The paired structure of correlative conjunctions provides symmetry to the sentence. Some common correlative conjunctions include:

• Either/or
• Neither/nor
• Both/and
• Not only/but also
• Whether/or

Some examples are:

• Either/or: "You can either stay home or come with me."
• Neither/nor: "She likes neither juice nor tea."
• Not only/but also: "He is not only talented but also oversmart."

Correlative conjunctions emphasize the connection between the choices or ideas they join, often making the rhythmic sentence.

Use of conjunction in different type of sentences 

Now that we’ve covered conjunctions in various sentence forms, let’s discuss the main types of sentences to clarify your concepts. 

1. Conjunctions in simple sentences

A simple sentence contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. But wait, does that mean there’s no room for a conjunction? Not exactly. 

While a simple sentence is concise, conjunctions still make an appearance, especially to connect words or phrases.

For example:

"I love to play and sleep."

Notice how "and" connects two verbs? It keeps the sentence short but allows us to express more than one idea.

When I start writing, I get confused most of the time. The Grammar part was so tough for me and my sentences were mostly wrong. I want to recheck or rewrite my sentence for some other source to maintain its accuracy.

2. Conjunctions in compound sentences

What are compound sentences? It seems interesting to mix up two or more sentences. Right? If yes! Then, you definitely know conjunctions are the main ones in compound sentences.

In this type of sentences two independent clauses (each capable of standing alone as a sentence) are connected by a coordinating conjunction, usually "and," "but," or "or."

Let’s have an example:

• “I wanted to go for lunch but it started snowing.”

See how "but" connects two complete thoughts? Without the conjunction, we’d have two shorter, less engaging sentences. Using conjunctions in compound sentences makes your writing smoother and more engaging.

3. Conjunctions in compound-complex sentences

If you want to take your writing to the next level, you’ll use compound-complex sentences. These sentences combine elements of both compound and complex sentences by connecting at least two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses.

Let’s clear this confusion with an example:

• "I wanted to go out, but it started raining, so I decided to stay in because I had work to do."

Notice how "but," "so," and "because" all work together to create a more detailed and significant sentence? Conjunctions are crucial when constructing these longer, more complex sentences.

4. Conjunctions in imperative sentences

How does it feel to request someone in an engaging way? Imperative sentences give commands or requests. They often have an implied subject ("you") and may use conjunctions to link actions or instructions.

Let’s have an example of it: 

• "Clean your bag and do your homework."

Look, in this sentence "and" connects two actions that makes the sentence more direct and efficient.

5. Conjunctions in interrogative sentences

Is it complex to use conjunction in interrogative sentences? Have you tried it before? As you know, interrogative sentences are used to ask questions. Sometimes, they’ll use conjunctions to link two ideas within the question itself.

Let’s have an example:

• "Do you want a soft drink or coffee?"

The conjunction "or" provides a choice, making the sentence clear and concise.

6. Conjunctions in declarative sentences 

Finally, we have declarative sentences, which are used to state facts or opinions. Conjunctions in declarative sentences add clarity or expand on an idea.

What’s you think is the best way to add depth in the sentences? Let’s have an example to clear it:

• "The meeting was postponed because the manager was sick."

In this declarative sentence, "because" helps explain the reason behind any happening. 

7. Conjunctions in exclamatory sentences 

The most interesting sentences are exclamatory sentences. Is that same for you? If you are expressive and openly express your emotions then definitely you’re familiar with this. Are you?

An exclamatory sentence expresses strong emotion and may use conjunctions to heighten the impact.

Look in the example how well the emotions are expressed:

• "I’m so excited because we’re going on vacation!"

The word "because" connects the emotion (excitement) with the reason (vacation), making the sentence more meaningful and impactful.

How conjunction helps you to write better 

Does it happen to you that your sentences feel complex? Or unable to understand? Maybe it was too short, too simple or lacked flow. 

The use of conjunctions transform your writing and makes it smoother and more engaging.

If you’re struggling with sentence structure, give it a try by using a sentence rewriter tool to experiment with conjunctions. It can help you rewrite your sentences in more creative and varied ways that ensure your ideas are connected logically.

If you find your sentence too brief or repetitive, a sentence rewriter helps you to add variety by suggesting alternate ways to incorporate conjunctions while keeping your meaning the same.

Final words 

As we discussed, it seems that conjunction is one of the most important things in forming sentence structures. The use of conjunctions makes your writing flow and connect the ideas in an engaging way.

No matter what type of sentence is used, just be focused on using the correct type of conjunction to make correct sentences.

So, next time you're merging together your thoughts, remember the high position of conjunctions! Do you feel more confident about using conjunctions now? How will you use them in your writing? Start it now!

Frequently asked questions 

What are the 7 main conjunctions?

There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS.

What is the purpose of conjunctions?

Conjunctions are parts of speech that connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

 Why is it important to use conjunctions?

Conjunctions are important because they can help to add variety and interest to your writing. They can also make your writing more concise by helping you to avoid repeating yourself.

External resources

• Why Do Conjunctions Matter?
• Conjunctions – English Grammar Lessons