Conjunction Rules in English Grammar PDF

Conjunction is a word or a group of words which connects two or more than two words, phrases, clauses, sentences etc.

Types of Conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction joins together clauses of the same parts of the speech i.e. adverb-adverb, noun-noun, adjective-adjective. E.g. He came to meet me, but I was not at home.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A Subordinating conjunction joins a clause to another on which it depends for its full meaning. E.g. Since I was busy, I could not call you up. 

Conjunction Rules:

Rule 1

The conjunction both is followed by and

E.g.  He is both intelligent and hard working.

Rule 2

The conjunction so....as / as....as is used to make comparison between two persons and things.
so as is used in negative sentences.

E.g.  He is not so good as you.

But as....as is used in both affirmative and negative sentences

E.g.  He is as good as you.
         He is not as good as you.

Rule 3 

Although/ Though is followed by yet or a comma(,)

E.g.  Though he worked hard, he failed.

        Although these books are costly yet the students buy them because these are useful.

Rule 4 

Always use the correct pair
No sooner........than

Hardly.... when or before
Scarcely.... when or before
Barely.... when or before

E.g.  No sooner had he solved the riddle than he was applauded.

        Hardly had I come out of the room 

        before I saw him dying.
        Scarcely had he asked the question
        when Agnes slapped him.
        Barely had he bought the car before it was stolen.

Hardly, scarcely, and barely are negative words. Do not use not, no, never with the clause containing these words.If a sentences starts with a negative word, use inversion form i.e. helping verb before the subject.

Rule 5 

Lest is followed by should or first from of verb. Lest is a negative word. Do not use not, never, no with lest.

E.g.  Walk carefully lest he should fall.
         Walk carefully lest he fall.

Rule 6 

Until is time oriented and unless is action oriented. Until and unless are negative words.

Do not use not, never , no, with the clause containing these words.

E.g.  Wait here until I return.
        Unless you work hard, you will not pass.

Rule 7 

In affirmative sentences doubt and doubtful are followed by if/ whether. In negative or interrogative sentences doubt and doubtful are followed by that.

E.g.  I doubt if he will come.
         I do not doubt that he will come.

Rule 8 

Always use the correct pair not only....but also.

E.g.  He cheated not only his friends but also his parents.

Rule 9 

Between is followed by and from is followed by to.

E.g.  You will have to choose between good and bad.
         She keeps singing from morning to evening.

Rule 10 

Neither of means none of the two. when more than two person or things are present none of is used.

Either of means one of the two. when more than two person or things are present one of is used.

E.g.  None of his friends helped him.
        One of the students of your class is responsible for this loss.

Rule 11 

Do not use seldom or ever in place of seldom or never.

E.g.  The national network seldom or never telecasts good programmers.

Rule 12 

After rather /other, the subordinating conjunction than should be used.

E.g.  He has no other object than to get a handsome job.
         I would rather buy a scooter than a cycle.

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