Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

CONJUNCTIONS

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Conjunctions express a variety of logical relations between phrases, clauses and

sentences. Conjunctions can be divided into coordinating conjunctions and

subordinating conjunctions. 

Coordinating

A coordinating conjunction is used to link elements of equal grammatical status.

A coordinating conjunction can link elements of any size, from morphemes (e.g.

prefixes) to sentences. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, but:

He collects 

pre- 

and post-

war cameras.

(linking prefixes)

There are 

two 

or three

houses nearby.

(linking words)

The wind was 

really cold 

and absolutely biting

. 

(linking phrases)

You can join now 

or

you may prefer to wait 

and

discuss things with your

partner. 

(linking clauses)

If she had been in London she would have walked out and taken a taxi home.

But

she was on Richard’s territory now and she couldn’t do that. 

(linking sentences) 

Correlative conjunctions consist of two items, each of which is attached to an

element to be coordinated. The most common correlatives are either … or …,

neither … nor …

, both … and …:

The class can meet | 

either on Friday at 9

| 

or on Thursday afternoon at 4.30

|.

| 

Neither I

| 

nor my family

| feel that an interview is appropriate at this time.

She | 

neither eats meat

| 

nor drinks coffee

|. What a dreary existence.