Types of Conjunctions

There are four types of conjunctions: coordinate conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, subordinate conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs.

Coordinate conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses. For you to easily recall the different coordinate conjunctions, simply remember the acronym “FANBOYS” which stands for: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Example:

1. Hunting songs are considered special purpose poems, for they are closely connected specifically with hunting.
2. Hunters are expected to undergo special training, so they are formed into organized associations with their own rules, initiation, and hierarchy.

Correlative conjunctions are used to correlate or link words, phrases, and clauses with equal importance. These conjunctions are always used in pairs. They are the following: either... or, neither... nor, not only... but also, both... and, whether... or, and as... as.

Example:

1. In both Yoruba and Akan people, the professional association of hunters uses hunting songs to assert their pride and dominance over political authorities.
2. Whether the hunting songs are still relevant or they have lost their appeal, these are valuable oral literature.

Subordinate conjunctions connect two unequal clauses—a dependent clause and an independent clause. The sentence that results from this connection is a complex sentence.

There are two functions of subordinate conjunctions. First, they show or illustrate the importance of the independent clause and second, they provide a transition between two ideas in the same sentence. Subordinate conjunctions also introduce or signal adverbial clauses.

Example:

1. Hunters often celebrate their victory after they have made a successful hunt.
2. Before Ambo hunters go for a hunt, they enjoy a night of festivities.
3. A special “hunting feast” may also be prepared by a hunter who has killed, say, four animals.

Here is a list of subordinate conjunctions:

after	no matter	when
although	since	whenever
as	so that	where
because	supporting	whereas
before	than	wherever
but that	that	whether
even though	though	which
how	till	while
if	unless	who
in order that	until	why
lest	what