What Are Conjunctions?
In linguistics, conjunctions are words that connect clauses, sentences, or words. They link together various elements of a sentence, ensuring the coherence and flow of ideas.
There are several types of conjunctions, classified in different ways depending on several factors. However, I like to keep it simple by classifying them in two main groups:
- Coordinating conjunctions: they connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. The most common coordinating conjunctions in Italian are per (for), e (and), o/oppure (or), ma (but)… For example:
Prendo un caffè e un cornetto.
I’ll have a coffee and a croissant.
- Subordinating conjunctions: they connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Common Italian subordinating conjunctions are perché (because), dato che/visto che (since), se (if), nonostante (although), mentre (while)… For example:
Se finisce di piovere, esco.
If it stops raining, I will go out.
Common Italian Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Here are some of the most common coordinating conjunctions in Italian, along with bilingual examples:
- e (and):
Mi piace leggere e scrivere.
I like reading and writing.
- o/oppure (or):
Vuoi un tè o un caffè?
Do you want tea or coffee?
- ma/però (but/however):
Voglio andare al parco, ma piove.
I want to go to the park, but it’s raining.
- per (for):
Ho comprato gli ingredienti per fare la zuppa.
I bought the ingredients to make soup.
- né (neither/nor):
Non mi piace né il tè né il caffè.
I like neither tea nor coffee.
- anche (also):
Lei parla inglese e anche spagnolo.
She speaks English and also Spanish.
- invece (instead):
Volevo andare al mare, invece sono andato in montagna.
I wanted to go to the sea, instead I went to the mountains.
- dunque/quindi /perciò (therefore):
Non ha studiato, quindi ha fallito l’esame.
He didn’t study, therefore he failed the exam.
- poi (then):
Prima andiamo al supermercato, poi torniamo a casa.
First we go to the supermarket, then we return home.
- anzi (rather):
Non volevo tornare a casa cosi tardi, anzi, volevo stare a casa.
I did not want to get home so late, rather I wanted to stay home.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Here are some of the most common subordinating conjunctions in Italian, along with bilingual examples:
- perché (because):
Non posso uscire perché devo lavorare.
I can’t go out because I have to work.
- se (if):
Se finisce di piovere, esco.
If it stops raining, I will go out.
- dato che/visto che/poiché (since):
Dato che è tardi, andiamo a casa.
Since it’s late, let’s go home.
- nonostante/sebbene (although):
Nonostante la pioggia, siamo andati al parco.
Although it rained, we went to the park.
- mentre (while):
Lei leggeva un libro mentre lui cucinava.
She was reading a book while he was cooking.
- quando (when):
Quando arrivo a casa, ti chiamo.
When I arrive home, I will call you.
- affinché (so that):
Studio affinché possa superare l’esame.
I study so that I can pass the exam.
- purché (provided that):
Puoi venire, purché tu porti qualcosa da mangiare.
You can come, provided that you bring something to eat.
- appena (as soon as):
Ti chiamerò appena arrivo.
I will call you as soon as I arrive.
- finché (until):
Rimango qui finché non torni.
I will stay here until you return.
- prima che (before):
Finisci i compiti prima che arrivi tua madre.
Finish your homework before your mother arrives.
Notice that when you use some of these conjunctions you might need specific verb tenses!
Correlative Conjunction: Bonus
I know, before I said that I like to divide them into two groups, but for clarity let me show you a further classification. Correlative conjunctions are a special type of coordinating conjunctions that are used to establish a correspondence between two elements of the sentence, creating a parallelism.
Here are some examples of correlative conjunctions in use:
- O…o (either…or)
O prendiamo il treno o andiamo in macchina
Either we take the train or we go by car.
- Sia…sia (both…and)
Mi piacciono sia le pesche che le albicocche.
I like both peaches and apricots.
- Non solo…ma anche (not only…but also)
Non solo ho lavorato, ma sono anche andata in palestra.
Not only did I work, but I also went to the gym.
- Né…né (neither…nor)
Né lei né io abbiamo fame.
Neither she nor I are hungry.
For Smoother Conversations
When learning Italian, mastering conjunctions is essential. These small but powerful words help connect thoughts, making our speech and writing more fluid and coherent.
By integrating them into your daily Italian practice, you’ll start to notice how smoother your conversations will be. So next time you’re constructing sentences in Italian, think about these conjunctions.
They are the glue that holds your thoughts together, allowing you to communicate more effectively and naturally. Remember, the key to mastering them is consistent use and practice.
Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)
