conjunction

Everyday

1. A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases or clauses together in a sentence, like and, but, or, because, when, if and although. tree →
2. A conjunction is a time when things come together or happen at the same time: «in conjunction with» means together with. tree →
3. (space) A conjunction is when two planets or a planet and the Moon look very close together in the sky. tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar lessons and SATs pupils learn two kinds: coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that join equal parts, and subordinating conjunctions (because, when, if, although, while, since, until) that start a subordinate clause. Using conjunctions makes longer, richer sentences. In science, a conjunction of planets is a sight to look out for. Phrases: in conjunction with, coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction.

Examples

• «And» and «but» are conjunctions. tree →
• Join the two sentences with a conjunction. tree →
• «Because» is a subordinating conjunction. tree →
• I wanted to play out, but it was raining. tree →
• Underline the conjunction in this sentence. tree →
• The school works in conjunction with the local library. tree →
• Last night there was a conjunction of Jupiter and Venus. tree →
• Try not to start every sentence with the same conjunction. tree →
• Eteocles, in conjunction with Creon, had made due preparations to repel the invaders, and had stationed troops, under the command of trusty leaders, to guard each of the gates. tree →

Note

Countable: one conjunction, conjunctions. It is a word class (part of speech) like noun or verb. Trap: some words can be a conjunction or a preposition: «after» is a conjunction in «after we ate» (a clause follows) but a preposition in «after lunch». Many teachers say not to start a sentence with «and» or «but», but good writers sometimes do for effect. Mnemonic FANBOYS lists the coordinating ones.