What is Conjunction? Definition, Types, Rules & Examples in English Grammar

Introduction – What is Conjunction?

English grammar me ek bohot important sawal hota hai – What is Conjunction?
Conjunction ek aisa word hota hai jo do ya do se zyada words, phrases, clauses, ya sentences ko jodne ka kaam karta hai. Ye ek joining word hai jo language ko fluent, smooth aur meaningful banata hai.

👉 Simple shabdon me:
A conjunction is a word that connects words, groups of words, or sentences together.

Examples:

• She likes tea and coffee.
• I will go out if it does not rain.
• He is poor but honest.

---

Why are Conjunctions Important?

Importance	Explanation	Example
Sentence Flow	Do sentences ko smoothly jodta hai	I wanted to go, but I was tired.
Avoid Repetition	Ek hi word/idea repeat hone se bachata hai	She is smart and kind.
Show Relationships	Sentences me logic aur meaning dikhata hai	He failed because he was careless.
Make Complex Ideas Simple	Long sentences ko clear banata hai	I know that he is right.

---

Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Ye do ya do se zyada independent clauses ko jodte hain.

Conjunction	Use	Example
And	Addition	She bought apples and bananas.
But	Contrast	He is poor but honest.
Or	Choice	Do you want tea or coffee?
Nor	Negative choice	He didn’t eat, nor did he drink.
For	Reason	I stayed home, for it was raining.
Yet	Contrast	It was raining, yet they went out.
So	Result	She was ill, so she stayed home.

---

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Ye ek dependent clause ko independent clause se jodte hain.

Conjunction	Use	Example
Because	Reason	He left early because he was tired.
Although	Contrast	Although it was late, she continued working.
Since	Time/Reason	I have been here since morning.
If	Condition	You can join us if you want.
Unless	Negative condition	Don’t leave unless I say.
While	Contrast/Time	She cooked while he cleaned.
After	Time	We went home after the party.
Before	Time	Wash your hands before eating.

---

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Ye pairs me aate hain aur sentence ko balance karte hain.

Conjunction Pair	Use	Example
Either…or	Choice	You can have either tea or coffee.
Neither…nor	Negative choice	He is neither tall nor strong.
Both…and	Addition	She is both intelligent and hardworking.
Not only…but also	Emphasis	He is not only rich but also generous.
Whether…or	Alternatives	I don’t know whether he is honest or not.

---

4. Conjunctive Adverbs

Ye adverbs hote hain jo conjunction ki tarah kaam karte hain.

Conjunctive Adverb	Use	Example
However	Contrast	I wanted to go; however, it was raining.
Therefore	Result	She was ill; therefore, she stayed home.
Moreover	Addition	He is smart; moreover, he is kind.
Hence	Result	It rained; hence, the match was cancelled.
Thus	Conclusion	He worked hard; thus, he succeeded.

---

Rules of Using Conjunctions

Rule	Explanation	Example
Parallel Structure	Coordinating conjunction ke dono sides me same form hona chahiye	She likes singing and dancing.
Avoid Double Conjunctions	Ek sentence me unnecessary conjunctions na use kare	❌ Although he was tired but he worked. ✅ Although he was tired, he worked.
Punctuation with Conjunctive Adverbs	Semi-colon + comma ka use hota hai	I wanted to go; however, it was late.
Proper Pairing	Correlative conjunctions hamesha pair me aate hain	❌ Either tea or coffee both. ✅ Either tea or coffee.

---

Difference Between Types of Conjunctions

Type	Function	Example
Coordinating	Do independent clauses ko jodta hai	She is tired, but she will work.
Subordinating	Dependent clause ko main clause se jodta hai	He left because it was late.
Correlative	Pairs me use hota hai	She is both kind and smart.
Conjunctive Adverb	Transition aur relationship show karta hai	He was ill; therefore, he stayed home.

---

Common Errors in Using Conjunctions

❌ Wrong Usage	✅ Correct Usage
He is poor, and but honest.	He is poor but honest.
She is both beautiful as well as intelligent.	She is both beautiful and intelligent.
I will go unless if it rains.	I will go unless it rains.
He is rich, so but he is unhappy.	He is rich, yet unhappy.

---

Conjunctions in Idioms & Phrases

Expression	Meaning	Example
Now and then	Sometimes	He visits us now and then.
Bread and butter	Livelihood	Teaching is his bread and butter.
Pros and cons	Advantages and disadvantages	Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the idea.
Safe and sound	Safe	He reached home safe and sound.

---

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions:

1. She is rich ___ unhappy.
2. I will wait here ___ you come back.
3. You must work hard ___ you will fail.
4. He can have ___ tea ___ coffee.
5. I wanted to go out, ___ it was raining.

Answers: but, until, or, either…or, but

---

FAQs on Conjunctions

Q1: What is a conjunction in English grammar?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.

Q2: What are the 3 main types of conjunctions?
The three main types are: Coordinating, Subordinating, and Correlative conjunctions.

Q3: What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions join equal clauses, while subordinating conjunctions join a dependent clause with an independent clause.

Q4: Can conjunctions start a sentence?
Yes, but it should be used carefully. Example: But I don’t agree with him.

Q5: What are 10 examples of conjunctions?
And, But, Or, Nor, For, So, Yet, Because, Although, If.

👉 In English grammar, the eight Parts of Speech are Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection — each playing a unique role in building sentences. To understand them better, explore our detailed guides on every Part of Speech.

---

Conclusion

Conjunctions English grammar ka ek essential tool hain jo sentence ko logical, meaningful aur smooth banate hain. Inke bina language robotic lagti hai. Agar aap conjunctions ke types, rules aur examples ko dhyan se practice karte ho, toh aapki writing aur speaking skills next level par chali jaayengi.

👉 Remember:

• Conjunctions sentences ke “glue” hote hain.
• Correct use se communication zyada clear hoti hai.
• Practice hi perfection laati hai.