Conjunction

THE CONJUNCTION

      Read the following sentences:-

God made the country and man made the town.

Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great

She must weep, or she will die.

Two and two make four.

In 1, 2 and 3, the Conjunctions join together two sentences. In4, the Conjunction joins together two words only

Def:- A Conjunction is a word which merely joins together sentences, and sometimes words.

Conjunctions join together sentences and often make them more compact; thus,

'Balu and Vithal, are good bowlers’ is a short way of saying

'Balu is a good bowler and Vithal is a good bowler’. So the man is poor but honest is a contracted way of saying.

'The man is poor but he is honest.

Sometimes, however the conjunction and joins words only as,

Two and two make four.

Hari and Rama are brothers.

Hari and Rama came home together.

Such sentences can not be resolved in two sentences.

Conjunctions must be carefully distinguished from Relative pronouns, Relative Adverbs and Prepositions, which are also connecting words.

This is the house that Jack built. (Relative Adverb)

This is the place where he was murdered (Relative Adverb)

Take this and give that. (Conjunction)

In sentence 1, the Relative program that refers to the noun house and also joins the two parts of sentences.

In sentence 2, the Relative Adverb where modifies the verb was murdered and also joins the two parts of the sentence.

In sentence 3, the Conjunction And simply joins the two parts of the sentences; it does no other work.

It will thus be seen that-

Relative Pronouns & Relative Adverb also join but they do more.

Conjunctions merely join: They do no other work.

Observe that a Preposition also joins two words but it does more; it governs a noun or pronoun; as,

He sat beside Rama. He stood behind me.

Some Conjunction are used in pairs; as, Either-or -- Either take it or leave it. Neither-nor -- It is neither useful nor ornamental. Both-and -- We both love and honour him

Though-yet (rare in current English) -- Though he is suffering much pain, yet he does not complain.

Whether-or -- I do not care whether you go or stay.

Not only-But also -- Not only he is foolish, but also obstinate.

Conjunctions which are thus used in pairs are called Correlative Conjunctions or merely Correlatives.

When Conjunctions are used as Correlatives, each of the correlated words should be placed immediately before the words to be connected; as,

He visited not only Agra, but also Delhi.

(Not) -- He not only visited Agra, but also Delhi.

We use many compound expressions as Conjunctions; these are called Compound Conjunctions.

In order that -- The notice was published in order that all might know the facts.

On condition that -- I will forgive you on condition that you do not repeat the offence.

Even if -- Such an act would not be kind even if it were just.

So that -- He saved some bread so that he should not go hungry on the morrow.

Provided that -- You can borrow the book provided that you return it soon.

As through -- He walks as though he is slightly lame.

Inasmuch as -- I must refuse your request, inasmuch as I believe it unreasonable.

As well as -- Rama as well as Govind was present there.

As soon as -- He took off his coat as soon as he entered the house.

As if -- He looks as if he were weary.

Classes of Conjunctions

As we shall see Conjunctions are divided into two classes: Co-ordinating and Subordinating.

Read the sentence: Birds fly and fish swim.

The sentence contains two Independent statements or two statements of equal rank or importance. Hence the Conjunction joining together these two statements or clauses of equal rank is called a Coordinating Conjunction ['Co-ordinating' means of equal rank.]

Def:- A Co-ordinating Conjunction joins together clauses of equal rank.

The chief Co-ordinating Conjunctions are:-And, but, for, or, nor, also, either-or, neither-nor.

Co-ordinating Conjunctions are of four kinds:

Cumulative or Copulative which merely add one statement to another; as, We carved not a line, and we raised hot a stone.

Adversative which express opposition or contrast between two statements; as, He is slow, but he is sure. I was annoyed, still I kept quiet. I would come ; only that I am engaged. He was all right; only he was fatigued.

Disjunctive or Alternative which express a choice between two alternatives; as, She must weep, or she will die.

Either he is mad, or she will die.

Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.

They toil not, neither do they spin.

Walk quickly, else you will not overtake him.

Illative which express an inference; as, Something certainly fell in: for I heard a splash.

All precautions must have been neglected, for the plague spread rapidly.

Any of the Co-ordinating Conjunctions, with the exception of or, nor, may be omitted and its place taken by a comma, semicolon, or colon; as,

Rama went out to play; Hari stayed in to work.

Read the sentence:

I read the paper because it interests me.

The sentence contains two statements or clauses one of which, 'because it interests me', is dependent on the other. Hence the Conjunction introducing the dependent or subordinate clause is called a Subordinating Conjunction.

Def:- A Subordinating Conjunction joins a clause to another on, which it depends for its full meaning.

   The chief Subordinating Conjunctions are:-

After, because, if, that, though, although, till, before, unless, as, when, where, while.

After the shower was over the sun shone out again.

A book's a book, although there is nothing in it.

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

He ran away because he was afraid.

Answer the first question before you proceed further.

Take heed ere it be too late.

Except ye repent, you shall all likewise perish.

You will pass if you work hard.

Sentinels were posted test the camp should be taken by surprise.

Since you say so, I must believe it.

Tell them that I will come.

He finished first though he began late.

Will you wait till I return?

He will not pay unless he is compelled.

I waited for my friend until he came.

When I was younger, I thought so.

I do not know whence he comes.

He found his watch where he had left it.

I do not understand how it all happened.

Make hay while the sun shines.

I shall go whither fancy leads me.

I know not why he left us.

The word than is also a Subordinating Conjunction:-He is taller than I (am tall).

I like you better than he (likes you). I like you better than (I like) him.

Hari is more stupid than Dhondu (is stupid). His bark is worse than his bite (is bad).

Subordinating Conjunctions may be classified according to their meaning, as follows:-

(1) Time.

I would die before I lied.

No nation can be perfectly well governed till it is competent to govern itself.

Many things have happened since I saw you.

I returned home after he had gone.

Ere he blew three notes, there was a rusting.

(2) Cause or Reason.

My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.

Since you wish it, it shall be done.

As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

He may enter, as he is a friend.

(3) Purpose.

We eat so that we may live.

He held my hand lest I should fall.

(4) Result or Consequence.

He was so tired that he could scarcely stand

(5) Condition.

Rama will go if Hari goes.

Grievances cannot be redressed unless they are known.

(6) Concession.

I will not see him, though he comes.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

A book's a book, although there's nothing in it.

(7) Comparison.

He is stronger than Rustum [is]

Certain words are used both as Prepositions and Conjunctions. Preposition -- Conjunction

Stay till Monday -- We shall stay here till you return.

I have not met him since Monday -- We shall go since you you desire it. He died for this country -- I must stay here, for such is my duty.

The dog ran after the cat -- We came after they had left. Everybody but Govind was present -- He tired, but did not succeed. He stood before the painting -- Look before you leap.

Exercise in Grammar

Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentences, and state whether they are Co-ordinating or Subordinating:-

You will not succeed unless you work harder.

We arrived after you had gone.

I waited till the train arrived.

Bread and milk is wholesome food.

You will get the prize if you deserve it-

When you are called, you must come in at

Do not go before I come.

I cannot give you any money, for I have n

Since you say so, I must believe it.

He fled lest he should be killed.

I shall be vexed if you do that.

We got into the port before the storm came on.

He was sorry after he had done it. ;

I did not come because you did not call me.

He is richer than I am.

My grandfather died before I was born.

I will stay until you return.

Catch me if you can.

Tom runs faster than Harry.

Is that story true or false?

You will be late unless you hurry.

He asked whether he might have a holiday.

Give me to drink, else I shall die of thirst.

If 1 feel any doubt, I ask.

He deserved to succeed, for he worked hard.

He will be sure to come if you invite him.

We can travel by land or water.

The earth is larger than the moon.

Either you are mistaken, or I am.

I shall go, whether you come or not.

Unless you tell me the truth, I shall punish you.

I hear that your brother is in London.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Exercise in Composition

Use these Conjunctions in complex sentences:-

But, either-or, neither-nor, whether-or.

That, before, how, as, unless, until, though, when , while, where, if, than.

Exercise in Composition

Fill the blanks with appropriate Conjunctions:-

Be just --- fear not.

I ran fast, --- I missed the train.

He fled, --- he was afraid.

Make haste, --- you will be late.

--- you try, you will not succeed.

I am sure --- he said so.

Wait --- I return.

Do not go --- I come.

He finished first --- he began late.

          Take care --- you fall.

     Take a lamp, --- the night is dark.

---he was ambitious I slew him.

Open rebuke is better --- secret love.

--- you eat too much you will be ill.

I shall not go --- I am invited.

He has succeeded better --- he hoped.

I do it --- I choose to.

--- duty calls us we must obey.

Live well --- you may die well.

Think nought a trifle, --- it small appear.

The purse has been lost --- stolen.

Rustum is slow --- sure.

He remained at home --- he was ill.

--- he was industrious, 1 encouraged him.

Exercise in Composition

Fill each blank in the following sentences with an appropriate Conjunction:-

Three --- three make six.

Is his name Sen --- Gupta ?

He will not come --- it rains.

--- you run, you will not overtake him.

He is very rich --- he is not happy.

--- I return, stay where you are.

He was punished, --- he was guilty.

He behaved --- a brave man should do.

There is no doubt --- the earth is round.

I wonder --- he will come.

He is witty --- vulgar.

Will you kindly wait --- I return?

Karim is tall, --- Abdul is taller.

He lost his balance --- fell off the bicycle.

He tried hard --- did not succeed.

Is this my book --- yours?

Water --- oil will not mix.

They left --- we returned.

The vase will break --- you drop it.

I shall not go out now --- it is raining very heavily.

Trains run from this station every few minutes --- we shall not have to wait.

Man proposes --- God disposes.

Time --- tide wait for no man.

Virtue ennobles. --- vice degrades.

This --- that must suffice.

The train was derailed --- no one was hurt.

She writes slowly --- neatly.

I believe him --- he is truthful.

You will not get the prize --- you deserve it.

Send for me --- you want me.

Hari will do all right, --- he perseveres.

Catch me --- you can.

He told me --- you had arrived an hour ago.

You will never succeed --- you try.

--- I were you, I'd keep quiet.

Wait --- I come.

Be just --- fear not.

Tell me --- you understand.

We will come, --- it rains --- hot

Make hay --- the sun shines.

It is a long time --- we last saw him.

Please write --- I dictate.

It is hoped --- all will go well.

Give me --- poverty --- riches.

He is taller --- I (am).

--- I cannot get away, I will go next week.

--- you wish it, it shall be done.

Why is our food so sweet? --- we earn before we eat.

Take heed --- you fall.

He gazed so long --- both his eyes were dazzled.

--- there is life there is hope.

Walk on --- you come to the gate.

They say --- he is better.

I have been in such a pickle --- I saw you last.

His plans --- vast, were never visionary.

Some people live --- they may eat.

He went --- I came.

He will starve --- he will steal.

There were more people --- we had expected.

--- there is something to be done, the world knows how to get it done.

---I grant his honesty I suspect his memory.

--- I am poor, I am not dishonest.

No one knows --- he went.

Come --- you please.

Do --- you ate bidden.

He must have passed this way, --- there is no other road.

--- respected, he is not liked.

We all know --- sin and sorrow go together.

I don't know --- he will be here.

Grievances cannot be redressed --- they are known.

We shall fail --- we are industrious.

--- it was late we decided to set out.

I am well, --- I do not feel very strong.

--- he is there, I shall see him.

How can he buy it --- he has no money ?

--- you are not ready, we must go on.

The building has been razed --- I visited the city.

Love not sleep, --- thou come to poverty.

He bled so profusely --- the died.

I know you better --- he (does).

Exercise in Composition

Join each pair of the following sentences by means of a suitable Conjunction. Make such changes as are necessary:-

My brother is well. -- My sister is ill.

He sells mangoes. -- He sells oranges.

He did not succeed. -- He worked hard.

Rama played well. -- Hari played well.

I honour him. -- He is a brave man.

You may go. -- I will stay.

Rama reads for pleasure. -- Hari reads for profit.

We decided to set out. -- It was late.

He was poor. -- He was honest.

He is not a knave. -- He is not a fool.

We love Bahadur. -- He is a faithful dog.

Rustum made twelve runs. -- He was caught at the wicket.

He is rich. -- He is not happy.

The sheep are grazing. -- The oxen are grazing.

He is poor. -- He is contented.

This mango is large. -- This mango is sweet.

My brother was not there. -- My sister was not there.

The boy is here. -- The girl is here.

The piper played. -- The children danced.

You must be quiet. -- You must leave the room.

He sat down. -- He was tired.

Rama works hard. -- Hari is idle.

I lost the prize. -- I tried my best.

I like him. -- He is dangerous.

I went to the shop. -- I bought a slate.

He is slow. -- He is sure.

I know. -- He does not think so.

You are tall. -- My brother is taller.

Hari went to school. -- Sita stayed at home.

He must start at once. -- He will be late.

I shall sit still. -- I shall listen to the music.

Hari did not come. -- He did not send a letter.

I ran fast. -- I missed the train.

Karim works hard. -- Abdul works harder.

He must be tired. -- He has walked twelve miles

It is autumn. -- The leaves are falling.

I will come. -- I am not ill.

I will bring your umbrella. -- You wish it.

He remained cheerful. -- He has been wounded.

He went out. -- The train stopped.

He ran to the station. -- He missed the train.

I came. -- I was unwilling.

Men have fought for their country. -- Men have died for their country.

He was afraid of being late. -- He ran.

Hari does not write fast. -- He writes very well.

The boy is dangerously ill. -- The boy's head was hurt.

The old man fell down the steps. -- He broke his leg.

He tried to get up. -- He could not.

Mother is at home. -- Father is at home.

I have a cricket bat. -- I have a set of stumps.

We went early to the circus. -- We could not get a seat.

He must do as he is told. -- He will be punished.

The prisoner fell down on his knees. -- The prisoner begged for mercy.

Sita goes to school. -- Ganga goes to school.

Rama may be in the house. -- Rama may be in the garden.

Exercise in Grammar

Distinguish as Adverb, Preposition, or Conjunction, each of the italicized words in the following sentences:-

He came before me.

He came two hours before.

He came before I left.

Have you ever seen him since?

I have not seen him since Monday.

I have not seen him since he was a child.

Man wants but little here below.

He yearns for nothing but money.

We shall go, but you will remain.

He arrived after the meeting was adjourned.

He arrived after the meeting.

He arrived soon after.