English Grammar Conjuctions for class 5

Introduction

In English grammar, conjunction is the word used to connect phrases or parts of a speech or coordinate words in the same clause to construct meaningful sentences. When we write or speak something, we cannot always say or write it in very short sentences with just two or three words. We often need to link a few words and phrases to make sense and correlate the words, clauses, and phrases that refer to some incident or activity. Joining the words and phrases helps us better understand the incident or activity that is correlated and would often not make sense if not linked. Let us go in-depth with the concept of conjunctions in this article for class 5.

What Are Conjunctions?

As we have read above in the introduction, conjunctions are used to connect and link words, phrases, and clauses to correlate and make sense of the expressed incidents. Every conjunction is used for different purposes wherein the sentences formed by joining phrases and words express something different altogether.

As we grow and learn English grammar, we must learn to join words, phrases, and clauses to form complex sentences that can express more complex situations or incidents. However, there have been differences in opinions on the uses of conjunctions. Some believe that sentences should not start with conjunctions, while others do not see a problem. It is true that to express something in a precise manner, we need to use a conjunction to not only physically link the words and phrases but also to link the ideas and activities.

Words like and, because, but, although, etc., are some examples of conjunctions, but they have all been categorised based on their use and purpose. There are three types of conjunctions: subordinate conjunctions, Coordinating conjunctions, and Correlative conjunctions.

Subordinating Conjunctions – subordinating conjunction is used for joining dependent and independent clauses to make a sentence. The meaning of a dependent clause is that it does not make sense on its own and needs to be linked with an independent clause to make sense. The dependent clause is the subordinating conjunction and does not make sense on its own because of which it needs to be linked with another independent clause that makes sense on its own. Therefore, subordinate conjunction is necessary for a clause that would not be able to express anything without another clause that makes sense.

How to use Subordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is used to make both clauses equal and not less or more important than the other and to transit between two ideas. While the other types of conjunctions join two independent and equal clauses, subordinate conjunction gives meaning to both clauses or connects them to their main clauses. Some sentences as examples of subordinating conjunctions are given below.

Examples:

1. After the storm was over, the children played in the field.
2. Shreya did not come to school because she did not feel well.
3. The dog barks whenever the mailman arrives at our door.
4. As soon as the teacher arrived, Abhishek hid under the desk.
5. When my dog arrived home, I immediately prepared lunch for him.

For more examples of subordinating conjunctions and get our printable teaching guides of conjunctions, click here.

 

Coordinating Conjunctions – Coordinating conjunctions join two independent clauses that are elements of equal grammatical rank and have equal importance. It is used to give equal emphasis to a pair of phrases, words, or clauses to express a reason or an incident. When it comes to coordinating conjunctions, like the above-stated subordinating conjunctions, some instructors warn against using coordinating conjunction as they deem it incorrect. It is probably because they want to prevent us from writing fragments instead of complete and meaningful sentences. However, it is rather a matter of personal preference while using such conjunctions rather than intending to make fragments instead of complete sentences.

How to use Coordinating Conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two independent phrases and clauses that do not need to be linked with another independent clause or phrase. However, to express an idea or reason, it is important to do it in a precise manner. In sentences containing coordinating conjunctions, using a comma is a matter of choice rather than compulsion. Using commas in a sentence is recommended as it creates order, but some people do not use them. Here are some examples of sentences that contain coordinating conjunction.

Examples:

1. My horse loves running across the field but hates getting his shoes done.
2. You can eat this salad with a spoon or fork.
3. Shreya refuses to eat the pumpkin, nor will she touch beans.
4. I hate to waste a single piece of this curry, for I love the taste.
5. I am allergic to mushrooms, yet I have plenty in the fridge.

 

As the name suggests, Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to correlate or join phrases or words that have equal importance and complete one meaningful sentence. It correlates the two parts of a sentence and often connects two singular subjects with a singular verb or two plural subjects with two plural verbs to apply a relation. Correlative conjunctions work together to correlate between two subjects by involving one conjunction to connect the two parts of a sentence with another conjunction. Therefore, they work in pairs to join two parts of a sentence to provide clarity and meaning.

How to use Correlative conjunctions?

The correlating conjunctions can be confusing for some people as they tend to join two parts with unequal importance. It is easier to join two phrases that are meaningless on their own. We need to ensure that the verbs of the sentences are in agreement. The pronouns also need to agree and ensure a parallel structure, such as joining two singular subjects with a singular verb. Two plural verbs need to be used with two plural subjects so that the phrases and clauses go hand in hand. Here are some examples with correlative conjunctions.

Examples:

1. He is both handsome and smart
2. Rounak will either go for a walk or stay home and play video games.
3. Charlie is neither handsome nor kind.
4. She is not only funny but also very intelligent.
5. Should we rather go jogging or stay back home and sleep?

For more examples of Correlative Conjunctions and first-grade conjunctions teachings, click here.

 

Conclusion

We have studied the different conjunctions and their uses in English grammar in this article with examples. Conjunctions are used for adding meaning to the phrases and set of words that would otherwise not be able to express the meaning if not joined. To express the exact idea and activity, it is important to link the phrases to give meaning or reason to the sentence. Subordinating conjunctions join two phrases and words with unequal importance. Coordinating conjunctions join two phrases or clauses that are independent but joined to add reason to the nature of the sentence. Lastly, correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join the phrases and clauses to give clarity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between subordinating conjunction and coordinating conjunctions?

  Ans: Words linking ideas of equal importance and structure are called coordinating conjunctions. Both the phrases and clauses joined by coordinating conjunction are independent or have equal importance. Subordinating conjunctions join words and phrases that do not have the same importance; one might be dependent and the other independent. Subordinate conjunctions are often used at the start of a sentence, while coordinating conjunctions are often used in the middle of the sentence.

2. How many types of Coordinating conjunctions are there, and what are they?

  Ans: Seven coordinating conjunctions are used in English grammar – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS).

3. Point out the sentence with subordinate conjunctions from the following sentences:

1. After the event, we spent the night at my friend's house.
2. He is not only rude but also short-tempered.
3. Should we rather eat the meal here or at my place?

Ans: a) After the event was over, we spent the night at my friend’s house.

4. Point out the sentence with Coordinating conjunctions from the following sentences:

1. When my parents arrived, I immediately set out to get them.
2. Rahul is both Kind and intelligent.
3. I hate to leave the class soon, for I love painting.

Ans: c) I hate to leave the class soon, for I love painting.

5. Point out the sentence with correlative conjunctions from the following sentences:

1. Shekhar will eat here or go to his uncle's house for lunch.
2. I am tired, yet I will attend the meeting.
3. I did not go to school because I had to take my dog to the hospital.

Ans: a) Shekhar will eat here or go to his uncle’s house for lunch.

 

 

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