Key Difference – Prepositions vs Conjunctions
The main difference between prepositions and conjunctions is that a preposition refers to a word that is used with a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method, while a conjunction refers to a word that creates a connection between words, clauses or phrases.
Key Takeaways
- Prepositions highlight the relationship between words and are placed in front of a noun, showing place, position, time, or method.
- Conjunctions create connections between words, clauses or phrases, and there are different types such as Coordinate, Correlative, and Subordinate conjunctions.
- Examples of prepositions include about, above, around, at, against, among, along, below, behind, before, beside, beneath by, being, between, during, down, except, from, for inside, into, in, near, off, of, on, to, towards, under, upon, until, with. Examples of conjunctions include and, but, either/or, neither/nor, not only, because, although, until, while, unless, since, or.
What are Prepositions?
A preposition refers to a word that is used with a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time, or method. The main function of a preposition is to highlight the relationship that a particular word has to some other word. A preposition is placed in front of a noun. Here are some examples that will highlight the positioning and the function of a preposition:
– The boy from Japan
– The book near the vase
– The house behind the playground
– People at the market square
– The letters to John
– The lake by the castle
In each example, notice how each preposition is placed in front of the nouns to show a connection to the first noun.
What are Conjunctions?
A conjunction refers to a word that creates a connection between words, clauses or phrases. Let us have a look at some examples:
– His response to the performance was honest but painful.
– I wanted to tell the truth because I hated lying to my parents.
– Unless you finish the work, I cannot let you leave.
– We will practice for the event until you arrive.
As you can observe, the main function of conjunctions is to connect two things. In the English language, there are many examples for conjunctions. Some are and, but, either/or, neither/nor, not only, because, although, until, while, unless, since, or. There are different types of conjunctions. They are:
– Coordinate conjunctions
– Correlative conjunctions
– Subordinate conjunctions
Coordinate conjunctions usually connect two nouns, adjectives or even adverbs. And, but are some of the common conjunctions that fall into this category. Correlative conjunctions are used to connect contrasting ideas or even ideas that weigh equally. This is why mostly conjunctions such as either/or, neither/nor are used. Subordinate conjunctions are used to connect subordinate clauses. Here conjunction such as because, as, unless, until can be used.
What is the difference between Prepositions and Conjunctions?
Definitions of Prepositions and Conjunctions:
– Prepositions: A preposition refers to a word that is used with a noun or pronoun to show place, position, time or method.
– Conjunctions: A conjunction refers to a word that creates a connection between words, clauses or phrases.
Main Function of Prepositions and Conjunctions:
– Prepositions: The main function is to highlight the place, position, time or method of two nouns.
– Conjunctions: The main function is to connect nouns, phrases or clauses.
Types:
– Prepositions: Prepositions can be categorized as prepositions of place, agent, position, time, direction, or method.
– Conjunctions: Conjunctions can be categorized as Coordinate conjunctions, Correlative conjunctions, and subordinate conjunctions.
