Introduction
Conjunctions are words that function as a link between different clauses or elements in sentences.
We use conjuctions for: alternatives, comparisons, conditions, concessions, reasons and time.
Form
Conjunctions are words that function as a link between different clauses or elements in sentences.
They can be at the beginning of the sentence or between two sentences or elements:
Conjunction + sentence1 + sentence2;
Sentence1 + conjunction + sentence2.
Some other conjunctions are: after, although, as soon as, by the time, even though, if, in order to, since, than, though, unless, until, whether, while…
Example
- You will eat those vegetables whether you like it or not!
- My fish soup is better than yours.
- If you see him, tell him to empty the dishwasher.
You won’t get better unless you drink some vegetable soup. - Even though he was ill, he still went fishing.
- You have to be over 18 years old in order to buy a boat.
- He said he couldn’t come since he had to prepare breakfast for his kids.
- After I graduated, I got a job in a renowned firm.
I will clear the table as soon as I finish my dinner.
By the time I got there, he was gone.
I can hardly wait until tomorrow.
I was injured while I was dancing.
Use
We use some conjunctions for: alternatives, comparisons, conditions, concessions, reasons and time. The most commonly used are:
- alternatives: whether introduces two options;
- comparison: than introduces the second element in a comparison;
- condition:
- if introduces situations or conditions;
- unless means if…not or except if;
- concession: although/even though/though all three mean in spite of something;
- purpose: in order to means for the purpose of;
- reason: since means for the reason that;
- time:
- after means at a later time;
- as soon as means right after something happens;
- by the time means something happens at the time that something else has already happened;
- until means up to a certain time;
- while means at the same time that something else is happening.
Summary
Conjunctions are words that function as a link between two clauses in sentences, showing how the meaning of the clauses are related to each other.
Conjunctions can be used for different purposes: comparison, conditions, concession, time and reason.
Some other conjunctions are: after, although, as soon as, by the time, even though, if, in order to, since, than, though, unless, until, whether, while…
For example:
— “I couldn’t eat the stew since it was too salty.” = The reason why I didn’t eat the stew is that it was too salty.
— “Turn on the dishwasher after cleaning the table.” = You should clean the table first and then start the dishwasher.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.