ON THE TYPES OF CONJUNCTION - Onyeji Nnaji





A conjunction is a part of speech that joins words, phrases and clauses together. Beyond the function of uniting words, phrases and clauses together, conjunctions can as well join paragraphs together. Examples of the roles of conjunctions are seen in the sentences below:

Uduak and Akpan are friends.
Andrew is fair in complexion while his son is dark.
Chike as well as the other boys have all left for the river.

Grammatically, the definition is correct, considering the sentences above. Without the help of conjunctions, the above sentences would be realised in fragments. From this role which is invariably unique from other parts of speech, we may define a conjunction as the invariable grammatical particle that conjuncts lexical properties and other materials relevant for language analysis. Conjunctions unify or create unity among lexical properties, particularly nouns and pronouns.

(9.1) TYPES OF CONJUNCTIONS:                               
Conjunctions are grouped into various types according to the manner of unity they bring about in sentences. Some conjunctions are specifically known for their roles according to the grammatical ranking of equality among the lexical properties they unify, while others are by constructions charged with the duty of bringing sentences and paragraphs together. The more recognized types of conjunctions are:

(9.1.1)  Coordinating conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunctions are those conjunctions that are used to unify words or groups of words of equal grammatical weight. Words or group of words can be said to have equal grammatical weight when such words or group of words can take the position of the other interchangeably without their content messages being tainted. For instance, two proper nouns have equal grammatical weight because each can stand in the position of the other and exhibit the role meant for the position satisfactorily. Again, the phrases, the man on the tree and the man on the bus can be explained to have equal grammatical ranking and weight because each of them balances in their different positions. Example:

Equal ranking (they are both phrases).
Equal grammatical ranking (they are both noun phrases).
Equal grammatical weight (they are, each, NP  → NP + PP).

Their structures are equal. Coordinating conjunctions can as well join two sentences of equal ranking. It joins two independent clauses to produce a compound sentence. The conjunctions used in these functions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
Here are some examples of coordinating conjunctions in English language and their roles in sentences:
- Ijeoma and I are relations. 
- Ijeoma likes garri but I prefer rice.
- Ekemini does not understand English nor does she know how to solve equations.
- Arts or sciences are optional for every student.
Coordinating conjunctions can further be considered in three ways according to the type of coordination roles they perform in sentences. It can be syndetic, asyndetic and polysyndetic.

(i) Syndetic Coordinators:
Syndetic coordinators are the type that joins two words. It also joins two items at the word level. Example:
            - Slow and steady he won the race. 
            - Strong willed and committed he came out the best graduating student.
            - Quickly and resolutely he strolled into the bank.

(ii) Asyndetic Coordinators:
This can be regarded as a non-coordinator. An asyndentic coordination does not involve the coordinates directly; instead it permits the suspension or exclusion of the coordinate through the use of punctuation at the end of the first coordinating item. A comma is used to indicate that there is a suspended coordinate at the end of the coordinated units. Example:

            - Slowly, steady he won the contest.
            - Quickly, resolutely he strolled into the meeting hall.

(iii) Polysyndetic Coordinator:
Two conditions differentiate this from the syndetic and asyndetic respectively. It involves the combination of the features involved in the former coordinates and exercises influence over them in the number of coordinating units it involves itself. Put in another way, polysyndetic coordination is simply the combination of syndetic and asyndetic coordination. Example:
- I need bread and cheese and eggs and milk.
- I prefer bread and butter, sardine, milk and fried eggs.
The fourth line of Nigerian national anthem expresses the evidence of polysyndetic coordination. It is sung thus:
            - With love and strength and faith…

(9.1.2) Quasi-Coordinators:
 Quasi-coordinators are those coordinators derived from complex prepositions which can be used as coordinating conjunctions. These include as well as, as much as, along with, more than etc.
            - She cuts as well as sews her dresses.
            - The man along with his wife was in the car.
            - Judith, more than anyone else lent her hands to the success of the job.

(9.1.3) Subordinating Conjunctions,
Subordinating conjunctions join independent clauses and dependent clauses. The most common subordinating conjunctions in the English language include:

After, although, as, as far as, as if, as long as, as soon as, as though, because, before, if, in order that, since, so, so that, than, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, and while

            - John was waiting for the bus so he could travel to Lagos.
            - The door was open only because the man was around.

Complementizers can be considered to be special subordinating conjunctions that introduce complement clauses: e.g.

            - I wonder whether he'll be late.
            - I hope that he'll be here on time.

Some subordinating conjunctions (such as until and while), when used to introduce a phrase instead of a full clause, become prepositions with identical meanings. In many verb-final languages, subordinate clauses must precede the main clause on which they depend. The equivalents to the subordinating conjunctions of non-verb-final languages such as English are either, neither etc.

(9.1.4) Correlative Conjunctions:
Correlative conjunctions are simply the conjunctions that concur in sentences. They are marked by their usual occurrence in pairs to join words and group of words of equal weight in a sentence. There are over six different pairs of correlative conjunctions: either...or, not only...but also, neither...nor, both...and, whether...or, just as...so, no sooner…than, though…yet, prefer…to etc. Examples:
            - The rebels desired no reconciliation but freedom.
            - His needs were not simple but complex.
            - My request is not mackerel but sardines.
- You either do your work or prepare to leave with nothing.
- Both the cross country team and the swimming team are doing well.
     - Whether you stay or you go, it's your decision.

Conditions for Correlations:

(i) Some correlatives are used when the two coordinating items are necessary or emphasized. Example include not only…but also

            - Constitutions require citizens to not only obey the law but also to abide by it.

            - A leader is expected to not only be accountable but also transparent.

(ii) Some correlations are used when there is an optional chance. The correlation used in this notion is either…or: 

            - Either Uche is guilty of the offence or Adaku.

            - Either Emma or Angel has eaten.   

            - Either the principal or the head teacher shall preside over the meeting.

(iii) When none of the options is needed.

            - Neither Emma nor Angel has eaten.

            - Neither the pastor nor the leader was in the church.



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