Conjunction vs Coordinating Conjunction vs Subordinating Conjunction
Conjunctions are an important part of speech as they are words that are used to join two phrases or sentences. They are in effect joiners. There are different types of conjunctions used to join grammatical structures. These are coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. Most people remain confused between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. This article takes a closer look at these two types of conjunctions to come up with their differences.
What are Coordinating Conjunctions?
These are short and simple joiners that connect phrases, clauses and sentences. There are 7 coordinating conjunctions in all and these are and, but, or, yet, for, nor, and so. An easy way to remember these conjunctions is to count the number of letters. All these conjunctions have less than four letters. One popular way to remember these conjunctions is to remember the acronym FANBOYS taken from the first letter of these conjunctions. Another thing to remember when using these coordinating conjunctions is to use a comma with them. However, it is not a rule, and sometimes comma is not used. Take a look at the following examples to understand the use of these coordinating conjunctions.
• The books are either on the table or in the bag
• I like shakes, but I do not like milk
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
There are many words that can be used as subordinating conjunctions to join phrases or sentences. Sometimes these conjunctions take on the shape of a phrase as they are a combination of words. The thing to remember with subordinating conjunctions is that they connect a subordinate clause with a main clause. Take a look at the following examples to understand their usage in English language.
• I will let you play with the dog if you complete your homework
• We are carrying umbrellas because it is the rainy season.
It becomes clear that subordinate conjunctions add a subordinate clause with the main clause to make a complete sentence.
What is the difference between Conjunction, Coordinating Conjunction and Subordinating Conjunction?
• A conjunction is a part of speech that allows one to join two sentences, clauses, or phrases.
• Coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs are different types of conjunctions that are used to join grammatical structures.
• Coordinating conjunctions are short and simple, and they connect two independent clauses in a sentence. Remembering acronym FANBOYs is the trick to remember all 7 coordinating conjunctions.
• Subordinate conjunctions are many in number and allow one to connect a subordinate clause with the main clause.
• Coordinating conjunctions join words or phrases that are similar in structure and importance.