as a conjunction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a conjunction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the grammatical function of a word or phrase that connects clauses or sentences. Example: "In the sentence, 'I will go to the store if it stops raining,' the word 'if' functions as a conjunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We wanted "as," a conjunction, to introduce a full clause.

The New York Times

Another approach was to say that this is a pseudo-problem, since the conjunctive use of "or" in the context of a permission word can be expressed as a conjunction of permitting conjuncts, PEp & PEq (Føllesdal and Hilpinen 1971).

SEP

In 27, F is regarded as a conjunction that takes two conjuncts, XP and YP.

Lingua Sinica

The general idea is to be able to express a problem's formulation as a set of clauses or, equivalently, as a formula in conjunctive normal form (CNF), that is, as a conjunction of clauses.

SEP

Avoid using "like" as a conjunction, introducing a full clause.

The New York Times

Avoid this use of "like" as a conjunction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But as can be a conjunction, so its use in that sentence would be proper.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not so much fashion in the sense of the sewn frock, as fashionability, a conjunction of perfomed glamour, conspicuous outrage, publicity and pizazz that Diaghilev exploited so well.

The Guardian

The answer is in the dictionary, where you'll see "than" listed as both a conjunction and a preposition.

Los Angeles Times

The word cum, for instance, can be read as either a conjunction or a preposition, the choice again depending on the reader's assessment of the context.

Plosone

Two semantic tasks were reported as showing a conjunction of activity in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG).

Brain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing grammatical rules, use "as a conjunction" to clearly identify a word's function in connecting clauses or phrases. This provides clarity in linguistic explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "like" as a conjunction in formal writing. Instead, use "as" or "the way" to maintain a more professional tone and adhere to standard grammatical conventions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a conjunction" functions primarily to identify the grammatical role of a word or phrase that connects clauses, phrases, or sentences. It serves to classify a word based on its connective function within a sentence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a conjunction" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the function of a word that connects clauses or phrases. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, including science, news, and academia, highlighting its widespread applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, it's important to avoid colloquial substitutes like 'like' in formal writing. Understanding and correctly using conjunctions is crucial for clear and effective communication. This analysis confirms that "as a conjunction" serves to classify words based on their connective role within a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as a conjunction

Focuses on the action or role the word is taking rather than its inherent state.

used as a conjunction

Emphasizes the application or employment of the word in a connective capacity.

acting as a conjunction

Implies a more active or dynamic process of connecting elements.

in its capacity as a conjunction

Highlights the formal role or function that the word serves within a sentence.

in the role of a conjunction

Similar to 'in its capacity', but with a slightly less formal tone.

serving as a connective

Shifts the focus from the grammatical term to the general function of connecting ideas.

as a connective element

Replaces 'conjunction' with a broader term, 'connective element', which might be useful in certain contexts.

considered a conjunction

Highlights the classification or categorization of the word as a conjunction.

working as a link

Uses a more metaphorical term ('link') to describe the connective function.

when used conjunctively

Refers to the specific instance of using a word as a connector.

FAQs

How can I use "as a conjunction" in a sentence?

You can use "as a conjunction" to describe the grammatical role of a word that connects clauses or phrases, for example: "The word 'and' functions "as a conjunction" to link two independent clauses."

What is the difference between "as a conjunction" and "as a preposition"?

"As a conjunction" connects clauses or sentences, while "as a preposition" relates a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. For example, 'because' is used "as a conjunction", while 'of' is used as a preposition.

Which words can be used "as a conjunction"?

Common words used "as a conjunction" include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'because', 'if', 'when', and 'although'. These words connect different parts of a sentence.

Is it always correct to use "like" "as a conjunction"?

While sometimes used colloquially, using "like" "as a conjunction" is generally discouraged in formal writing. It's better to use "as" or "as if" in such cases to maintain grammatical correctness.