Conjunction

A conjunction is a word that connects dependent clauses or sentences: compare with prepositions, which put phrases and nouns in relation to each other. Conjunctions tend to be simple, easy words that you’ll instantly recognise: and; or; but; if. The mediocre lawyer’s job is to convert these into more complicated words or, where possible, phrases.

The classic example is “if”. You can convert this into the pompous expression “in the event that”. “And” you might re-render as “together with” or “in addition to”. “But” you can effortlessly translate into “however”, “nevertheless”, “in spite of” or — for a real flourish — “notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing”.

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions
• Correlative conjunctions

See also

• And
• Or
• And/or

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