1. Basic Conjunctions:
* Coordinating Conjunctions (7): These join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank. They are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
* Subordinating Conjunctions (many): These introduce dependent clauses that modify an independent clause. Examples include: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever, while.
2. Expanding the List:
* Correlative Conjunctions: These work in pairs to connect elements. Examples: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also.
* Conjunctive Adverbs: These act as conjunctions but also modify the clause they introduce. Examples: however, therefore, nevertheless, moreover, consequently, besides, also, furthermore, otherwise.
* Prepositions as Conjunctions: Certain prepositions can act as conjunctions, such as despite, except, including, like, regarding, according to.
3. The Challenge of Counting:
* New Conjunctions: Language is dynamic, so new expressions can arise and function as conjunctions.
* Multiple Functions: Some words can function as both conjunctions and other parts of speech.
* Context: The specific role of a word as a conjunction depends on its context in a sentence.
Therefore, while there's a core set of basic conjunctions, the overall number is flexible and expanding.