Conjunction

 THE CONJUNCTION:

 

Definition: A Conjunction is a word which merely joins together sentences, and sometimes words.

Conjunctions join together sentences and often make them more compact; thus, 'Balu and Vithal, are good bowlers’ is a short way of saying:

'Balu is a good bowler and Vithal is a good bowler’. So, the man is poor but honest is a contracted way of saying.

'The man is poor but he is honest.

Sometimes, however, the conjunction and joins words only as, Two and two make four. Hari and Rama are brothers. Hari and Rama came home together. Such sentences can’t be resolved in two sentences.

 

Example:

1. God made the country and manmade the town.

2. Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great

3. She must weep, or she will die.

4. Two and two make four.

Description: In 1, 2 and 3, the Conjunctions join together two sentences.

In4, the Conjunction joins together two words only.

 

Conjunctions must be carefully distinguished from Relative pronouns, Relative Adverbs and Prepositions, which are also connecting words.

1. This is the house that Jack built. (Relative Adverb)

2. This is the place where he was murdered (Relative Adverb)

3. Take this and give that. (Conjunction)

Description: In sentence 1, the Relative program that refers to the noun house and also joins the two parts of sentences.

In sentence 2, the Relative Adverb where modifies the verb was murdered and also joins the two parts of the sentence.

In sentence 3, the Conjunction And simply joins the two parts of the sentences; it does no other work.

It will thus be seen that Relative Pronouns & Relative Adverb also join but they do more.

Conjunctions merely join: They do no other work.

Observe that a Preposition also joins two words but it does more; it governs a noun or pronoun; as,

He sat beside Rama.

He stood behind me.

Some Conjunctions are used in pairs; as, Either-or Example: Either take it or leave it.

Neither-nor Example: It is neither useful nor ornamental.

Both-and Example: We both love and honor him

Though-yet (rare in current English) Example: Though he is suffering much pain, yet he does not complain.

Whether-or Example: I do not care whether you go or stay.

Not only-But also Example: Not only he is foolish, but also obstinate.

Conjunctions which are thus used in pairs are called Correlative Conjunctions or merely Correlatives.

When Conjunctions are used as Correlatives, each of the correlated words should be placed immediately before the words to be connected; as,

He visited not only Agra, but also Delhi. (Not) -- He not only visited Agra, but also Delhi.

We use many compound expressions as Conjunctions; these are called Compound Conjunctions.

In order that -- The notice was published in order that all might know the facts.

On condition that -- I will forgive you on condition that you do not repeat the offence.

Even if -- Such an act would not be kind even if it were just.

So that -- He saved some bread so that he should not go hungry on the morrow.

Provided that -- You can borrow the book provided that you return it soon.

As through -- He walks as though he is slightly lame.

Inasmuch as -- I must refuse your request, inasmuch as I believe it unreasonable.

As well as -- Rama as well as Govind was present there.

As soon as -- He took off his coat as soon as he entered the house.

As if -- He looks as if he were weary.

Classes of Conjunctions

 As we shall see Conjunctions are divided into two classes: Co-ordinating and Subordinating.

 

Co-ordinating Conjunction

 

Read the sentence:

Birds fly and fish swim.

The sentence contains two Independent statements or two statements of equal rank or importance. Hence the Conjunction joining together these two statements or clauses of equal rank is called a Coordinating Conjunction ['Co-ordinating' means of equal rank.]

 

Definition: A Co-ordinating Conjunction joins together clauses of equal rank.

 

The chief Co-ordinating Conjunctions are:

And, but, for, or, nor, also, either-or, neither-nor.

 

 

Coordinating Conjunctions are of four kinds:

 

(1) Cumulative or Copulative which merely add one statement to another; as,

We carved not a line, and we raised hot a stone.

(2) Adversative which express opposition or contrast between two statements; as,

He is slow, but he is sure.

I was annoyed, still, I kept quiet.

I would come; only that I am engaged.

He was all right; only he was fatigued.

(3) Disjunctive or Alternative which express a choice between two alternatives; as,

She must weep, or she will die.

Either he is mad, or she will die.

Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.

They toil not, neither do they spin.

Walk quickly, else you will not overtake him.

(4) Illative which express an inference; as,

Something certainly fell in: for I heard a splash.

All precautions must have been neglected, for the plague spread rapidly.

 

Any of the Co-ordinating Conjunctions, with the exception of or, nor, may be omitted and its place taken by a comma, semicolon, or colon; as, Rama went out to play; Hari stayed into work.

Subordinating Conjunction

 

Read the sentence: I read the paper because it interests me.

The sentence contains two statements or clauses one of which, 'because it interests me', is dependent on the other. Hence the Conjunction introducing the dependent or subordinate clause is called a Subordinating Conjunction.

Definition: A Subordinating Conjunction joins a clause to another on, which it depends for its full meaning.

The chief Subordinating Conjunctions are:

After, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless, as, when, where, while.

 

Following are the examples of the above mentioned conjuntions:

After the shower was over the sun shone out again.

A book's a book, although there is nothing in it.

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

He ran away because he was afraid.

Answer the first question before you proceed further.

Take heed ere it be too late.

Except ye repent, you shall all likewise perish.

You will pass if you work hard.

Sentinels were posted test the camp should be taken by surprise.

Since you say so, I must believe it. Tell them that I will come.

He finished first though he began late.

Will you wait till I return?

He will not pay unless he is compelled.

I waited for my friend until he came.

When I was younger, I thought so.

I do not know whence he comes.

He found his watch where he had left it.

 I do not understand how it all happened.

Make hay while the sun shines.

I shall go whither fancy leads me.

I know not why he left us.

 

The word than is also a Subordinating Conjunction: (As shown in examples below)

 

He is taller than I (am tall).

I like you better than he (likes you).

I like you better than (I like) him.

Hari is more stupid than Dhondu (is stupid).

His bark is worse than his bite (is bad).

 

Subordinating Conjunctions may be classified according to their meaning, as follows:

(1)                        Time. I would die before I lied.

No nation can be perfectly well governed till it is competent to govern itself.

Many things have happened since I saw you.

I returned home after he had gone. Ere he blew three notes, there was a rusting.

(2) Cause or Reason. My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.

Since you wish it, it shall be done.

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

He may enter, as he is a friend.

(3) Purpose. We eat so that we may live.

He held my hand lest I should fall.

(4) Result or Consequence. He was so tired that he could scarcely stand

(5) Condition. Rama will go if Hari goes.

Grievances cannot be redressed unless they are known.

(6) Concession. I will not see him, though he comes.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

A book's a book, although there's nothing in it.

(7) Comparison. He is stronger than Rustum [is].

Preposition	Conjunction
Stay till Monday	We shall stay here till you return.
I have not met him since Monday	We shall go since you you desire it.
He died for this country	I must stay here, for such is my duty.
The dog ran after the cat	We came after they had left.
Everybody but Govind was present	He tried but did not succeed.
He stood before the painting	Look before you leap.