Chapter 9 Definition A conjunction is a word that is used for joining two words or groups of words. Examples
Explanation The word and in the first sentence joins two nouns Jaya and Radha. It is a joining word. But, in the second sentence joins two groups of words: He warned me, I did not heed. It is also a joining word. They are conjunctions. Note:
Examples
Explanation In the above sentences, the relative pronoun refers to the noun house and also joins the two parts of the sentence. The relative adverb modifies the verb was murdered and also joins the two parts of the sentence. The preposition governs the noun or the pronoun while also joining the two words. Whereas, the conjunction merely joins and does no other work.
Examples
Explanation Either-or, neither-nor, both-and etc are conjunctions that can be used in pairs and are called correlativeconjunctions or correlatives.
Wrong way : He not only visited Agra, but also Delhi. Correct way : He visited not only Agra, but also Delhi.
Examples
Kinds of conjunctions Conjunctions are of two kinds:
Co-ordinating conjunctions Definition A co-ordinating conjunction joins together words or groups of words of equal rank. Examples
Explanation The above sentences contain two independent statements of equal rank or importance. Hence the conjunction joining together these two statements of clauses of equal rank is called a co-ordinating conjunction. And, but, for, or, nor, also, either/or, neither/nor are all examples of co-ordinating conjunctions.
Cumulative or copulative conjunction Definition A cumulative conjunction joins two statements of facts. Examples
Explanation In the first sentence the conjunction and joins two statements. He came to me, (he) asked for alms. It is called cumulative conjunction. Similarly both and and in the second sentence, and as well as in the third sentence are cumulative conjunctions. Adversative conjunction Definition Adversative conjunction expresses opposition or contrast between two statements. Examples
Explanation In the first sentence the conjunction but shows contrast. It is an adversative conjunction. Similarly in the second sentence only is an adversative conjunction. Disjunctive or alternative conjunction Definition Disjunctive or alternative conjunction expresses a choice between two alternatives. Examples
Explanation Or, either…or, neither….nor are alternative conjunctions because they indicate alternative or choice between two things. Illative conjunction Definition Illative conjunction expresses an inference. Examples
Explanation For and so indicate inference or conclusion; so they are illative conjunctions. Note: Any of the co-ordinating conjunctions, with the exception of or, nor, may be omitted and its place taken by a comma, semi-colon, or colon. Example Rama went out to play: Hari stayed in to work. Subordinating conjunctions Definition A subordinating conjunction joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning. Examples
Explanation In the first sentence the conjunction if joins the principal clause and the subordinate clause. It joins two groups of words of unequal rank where one group of words depends on another group of words for its complete meaning. So it is called a subordinating conjunction. Similarly in the second sentence because is a subordinating conjunction. After, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless, as, when, where, while etc are all subordinating conjunctions. Kinds of subordinating conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions are of eight types depending on their meaning.
Subordinating conjunction of time Examples
Explanation In the examples above after and before illustrate time. Subordinating conjunction of place Examples
Explanation In the examples above wherever and where illustrate place. Subordinating conjunction of reason Examples
Explanation In the examples above because and as illustrate reason. Subordinating conjunction of purpose Examples
Explanation In the examples above that and so that illustrate purpose. Subordinating conjunction of result or consequence Examples
Explanation In the examples above that illustrates result or consequence. Subordinating conjunction of condition Examples
Explanation In the examples above whether and if illustrate condition. Subordinating conjunction of comparison Examples
Explanation In the examples above as and than illustrate comparison. Subordinating conjunction of concession Examples
Explanation In the examples above though and although illustrate concession. Parsing of conjunctions Parsing model The boy and his friend are here. |
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