English Grammar/Basic Parts of Speech/Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word or words used to show the relationship between one notion and another notion. There are two main types of conjunction: the coordinative conjunction, which joins phrases of equal importance and rank, and the subordinative conjunction, which joins a phrase with another phrase that is dependent on it.

Coordinative Conjunctions
A coordinative conjunction joins two sentences together that do not rely on each other for meaning. We can split the coordinative conjunctions into four smaller groups: the cumulative, the alternative, the adversative, and the illative.

Cumulative
A cumulative conjunction is used to add one thought to another. Examples of cumulative conjunctions include
 * and
 * both...and
 * not only
 * but also
 * as well as

Alternative
Used to indicate a choice between one notion and another. For example:
 * or
 * either...or
 * else
 * otherwise
 * neither...nor

Adversative
Used to contrast one notion and another.
 * but
 * yet
 * however
 * nonetheless
 * despite
 * still

Illative
These show that one notion is implied, inferred or proved by another.
 * then
 * thus
 * therefore
 * so
 * for

Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions express relationships of time, manner, cause or reason, comparison, condition, or purpose. They are used to introduce subordinate clauses that are not complete