English Grammar Lesson: Conjunctions and Clauses

1. What are Conjunctions?

Definition: Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help to build complex sentences and show the relationship between different parts of a sentence.

2. Types of Conjunctions

Here are the main types of conjunctions:

2.1 Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

Examples:

  • She wanted to go to the park, but it was raining.
  • He likes coffee and tea.
  • You can have ice cream or cake.

2.2 Subordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Common subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, unless, while, and if.

Examples:

  • She stayed home because it was raining.
  • I will go to the store if I have enough time.
  • He left early although he was tired.

2.3 Correlative Conjunctions

Definition: Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect words or phrases. Common pairs include: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, and whether…or.

Examples:

  • Both the manager and the assistant attended the meeting.
  • You can have either the chocolate or the vanilla.
  • He is neither a doctor nor a nurse.

3. What are Clauses?

Definition: Clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a predicate. They can be independent (main) clauses or dependent (subordinate) clauses.

4. Types of Clauses

Here are the main types of clauses:

4.1 Independent Clauses

Definition: Independent clauses express a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples:

  • She went to the store.
  • I am reading a book.

4.2 Dependent Clauses

Definition: Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as sentences and need an independent clause to form a complete sentence. They begin with subordinating conjunctions.

Examples:

  • Although it was raining, she went for a walk.
  • If I finish my homework, I will watch a movie.

4.3 Relative Clauses

Definition: Relative clauses modify nouns and usually start with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, and that.

Examples:

  • The book that I borrowed was interesting.
  • The person who called you is waiting.

5. Common Errors with Conjunctions and Clauses

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Incorrect: I went to the store, and bought some milk.
  • Correct: I went to the store and bought some milk.
  • Incorrect: Because she was tired, she went to bed early she read a book.
  • Correct: Because she was tired, she went to bed early and read a book.