A Conjunction is a word or phrase that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Cohesive Devices (also called transitional words, discourse markers, or linking words) establish logical relations across whole sentences and paragraphs to create smooth textual flow.
1. Types of Conjunctions
A. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
Join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.
- For (Reason/Cause): He stayed home, for he felt unwell.
- And (Addition): She bought apples and oranges.
- Nor (Negative Choice): He neither called nor texted.
- But (Contrast): Small but strong.
- Or (Option): Coffee or tea?
- Yet (Surprising Contrast): It was cold, yet he wore a t-shirt.
- So (Result): It rained, so we postponed the match.
B. Subordinating Conjunctions
Connect a dependent clause to an independent main clause, establishing relationships such as time, cause, contrast, condition, or purpose.
| Category | Common Conjunctions | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Cause & Effect | because, since, as, in order that | We stayed home because it was storming. |
| Time | when, while, before, after, until, as soon as | Call me as soon as you arrive. |
| Concession / Contrast | although, even though, whereas, while | Although he was tired, he kept running. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | You will fail unless you revise daily. |
C. Correlative Conjunctions
Pairs of words that work together to join grammatically equal elements.
- Both... and: Both the teacher and students were present.
- Either... or: Either complete the assignment or face penalty.
- Neither... nor: Neither the driver nor the passengers were hurt.
- Not only... but also: She is not only smart but also diligent.
- Hardly/Scarcely... when / No sooner... than: No sooner had I left than it started raining.
2. Cohesive Devices (Conjunctive Adverbs & Transitions)
Cohesive devices operate at the sentence-level or paragraph-level to link entire thoughts logically.
| Cohesive Function | Key Linking Expressions | Example Application |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | Furthermore, moreover, in addition, besides | The plan is risky. Furthermore, it is expensive. |
| Adversative / Contrast | However, nevertheless, on the other hand, nonethless | Sales fell. However, profits remained stable. |
| Causal / Consequence | Consequently, therefore, as a result, hence | He missed training; consequently, he was dropped. |
| Exemplification | For instance, for example, namely, specifically | Pack winter clothes; for instance, a heavy jacket. |
| Sequential / Summary | Firstly, subsequently, finally, in conclusion | In conclusion, the experiment succeeded. |
Interactive Quiz: Conjunctions & Cohesive Devices
Select a worksheet set below to test your mastery. Each set contains 10 interactive questions.
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