CONJUNCTION

CONJUNCTION. A PART OF SPEECH or word class used to connect words or constructions. The two classes of conjunctions are coordinating conjunction or coordinator and subordinating conjunction or subordinator: (1) Coordinating conjunctions (chiefly and, but, or) connect units of equal status and function: the two equal clauses They called me Ishmael, I didn't mind in They called me Ishmael, but I didn't mind; the three equal adjectives long, narrow, crooked in The street was long, narrow, and crooked. (2) Subordinating conjunctions such as because, if, although connect a subordinate clause to its superordinate clause: We did it because he told us to; Take it if you wish; Although it was late, they kept on working.

Two or more subordinate clauses can be connected with a coordinator: Take it if you wish and if no one else wants it. The repeated subordinator may be omitted, if there is no danger of misinterpretation: I know that she wants it and he doesn't. The process of linking units by means of coordinators is known as conjunction, conjoining, and traditionally and most commonly coordination. The linked units that result are said to be coordinated or coordinate: for example, a coordinate clause. More recently, the units have been called conjoins or in generative grammar conjuncts. The process of linking units by means of subordinators is usually termed subordination or embedding. Both coordinators and subordinators may be reinforced by being combined with correlatives, a term used both for the reinforcing item and for that item and the conjunction it accompanies. The principal correlative coordinators are both … and (Both Michael and Vivien were at my birthday party), either … or (You can discuss it either with me or with the manager), neither … nor (Neither Jack nor Ava had the time to help me). Correlative subordinators include as … as (Derek is as fond of the grandchildren as Natalie is), whether … or (I'm not sure whether Ian or Carmel told me), the … the (The older I get, the less I worry), and if … then (If you tell Estelle, then she will tell Philip). Although subordinators may consist of one word, as above, there are many complex subordinators of two or more words, such as in order that, such that, as far as (as in as far as I know), and as if.