A conjunction is a part of speech that joins two words, phrases or clauses together.
There are three types of conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions Correlative Conjunctions Common Subordinating Conjunctions
- not only...but also
- even though
- as much as
- as long as
- as soon as
- so that
- in order that
- even if
Coordinating conjunctions, also called coordinators, are conjunctions that connect two or more equal items.
- He plays tennis and soccer
- He works quickly but accurately
- You'd better do your homework, or you'll get a terrible grade.
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs.They work in pairs to coordinate two items. Examples of correlative conjunctions include both...and..., either...or, not only... but also...
- I didn't know that she can neither read nor write.
- You can either walk to school or take the bus.
- Both Sara and James are invited to the party.
- Whether you watch TV or do your homework is your decision.
- Not only are they noisy but they are also lazy.
Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that join a dependent (or subordinating) clause to an independent (or main) clause.
- He reads the newspapers after he finishes work.
- Even if you get the best grade in the writing test, you'll need to pass an oral test.
- Although he is very old, he goes jogging every morning.
- She didn't go to school because she was ill.
- They went to bed since it was late
- As soon as the teacher had arrived, they started work.
"So" is a small English word that can have different meanings. As mentioned in the table above, it is commonly used as a coordinator rather than as a subordinating conjunction. There are, however, instances when "so" may introduce purpose and in this case "so" is used as a subordinating conjunction.
- "I took my umbrella with me so I wouldn't get wet."
- " I stayed so I could see you."