Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Conjunction

Definition: 

A conjunction is a word that:

  • syntactically links words or larger constituents, and
  • expresses a semantic relationship between them.

A conjunction is positionally fixed relative to one or more of the elements related by it, thus distinguishing it from constituents such as English conjunctive adverbs.

Examples: 

(English)

Coordinating conjunctions

  • and
  • or
  • but

Subordinating conjunctions

  • because
  • when
  • unless