Grammatical conjunction

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In grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that connects two words, phrases, or clauses together. This definition may overlap with that of other parts of speech, so what constitutes a "conjunction" should be defined for each language. In general, a conjunction is an invariable grammatical particle, and it may or may not stand between the items it conjoins.

The definition can also be extended to idiomatic phrases that behave as a unit with the same function as a single-word conjunction (as well as, provided that, etc.).

Types of conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions, also called coordinators, are conjunctions that join two items of equal syntactic importance. Examples in English include for (formal writing only; usually a preposition), and, nor, but, or, yet, so. These form the mnemonic "FANBOYS". When used to join two independent clauses, a comma may be placed before the conjunction.

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions which work together to coordinate two items. English examples include both … and, either … or, not (only) … but (… also).

Subordinating conjunctions, also called subordinators, are conjunctions that introduce a dependent clause; English examples include after, although, if, unless, and because.

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