Definition: Conjunctions join different parts of a sentence together. The very word conjunction comes from Latin words for 'join together'. There are three types of conjunctions. The most basic conjunction is the coordinating conjunction which is seen in such English words as 'and', 'but', and 'or'. These join items, ideas, or parts of the sentence that are equal, e.g., '"Bob and Ted" or "Carol and Alice" but not "Tom, Dick, or Harry"'.
Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs and also usually match up evenly matched parts of the sentence. Common correlative conjunctions in English are 'both ... and', 'either ... or', and 'neither ... nor'.
Subordinating conjunctions apportion prominence to one part of the sentence over another. Common subordinating conjunctions are 'after', 'before', 'while', 'since', 'because', and 'until'.
