Point out in the following examples conjunctions that connect sentences or parts of a sentence of equal rank, and those that connect sentences that are not of equal rank:—
| 1. | Men may come and men may go. | |
| 2. | I have a pen and a book. | |
| 3. | Henry remained but we went home. | |
| 4. | My father knew that I did it. |
A conjunction that connects sentences or parts of a sentence of equal rank, is called a co-ordinating conjunction; as, The night is cold and clear. It was sold, but I did not want it. I know he came home, and took it away.
A conjunction that connects a dependent or subordinate clause to a principal clause, is called a subordinating conjunction; as, James said that he was sick. I cannot go unless he come.
Note.—Conjunctions used in pairs are called correlatives; as, both—and, either—or, neither—nor.
Model.—The teacher gave me a book, and I read it.
And, a co-ordinating conjunction, connecting the two principal clauses, The teacher gave me a book, and I read it.
Model.—The boy is strong but lazy.
But, a co-ordinating conjunction, connecting the adjectives strong and lazy.