Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.

Conjunctions or linking words

Conjunctions are words which link two clauses in one sentence. Below is a list of conjunctions, grouped according to the function they perform in a sentence. Look through them, looking up and noting any that are new to you.

*Inversion – verb and subject are inverted after these words. For example:-

We had hardly taken our coats off when it was time to go.

Hardly had we taken our coats off when it was time to go.

She is not only intelligent; she is also beautiful.

Not only is she intelligent, but also beautiful.

Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

Some conjunctions are used simply to join or coordinate clauses, for example, and, but, or, so. Look at the following example sentences:-

We are going to the cinema and spending an evening at the opera.

The lending library closes at 7pm, but the reading rooms stay open until 9pm.

Other conjunctions, however, are used to subordinate one clause (the subclause ) to the other (the main clause).

The following pairs of sentences illustrate the different between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions:-

We are going to the cinema and spending an evening at the opera. Coordinating conjunction

After going to the cinema, we are spending an evening at the opera. Subordinating conjunction

The lending library closes at 7pm, but the reading rooms stay open until 9pm. Coordinating conjunction

Whereas the lending library closes at 7pm, the reading rooms stay open until 9pm. Subordinating conjunction

The following are common subordinating conjunctions:-

Time: after, before, when, while, since, until,

Contrast, Concession, Alternatives: although, though, even if, despite, in spite of, whereas, while

Reason: because, due to, in view of the fact that, since

Purpose: in case, in order that

Conditional: as long as, (even) if, provided (that), unless