What is the difference between prepositions and subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to an independent clause. They have two main functions — to provide a smooth transition between ideas to indicate a relationship with time, place, cause, result, etc. Although prepositions and conjunctions have different functions, some words can act as both conjunctions and prepositions. You can differentiate the function of the word by looking at the meaning and context of the relevant sentence.

Observe how the same word functions as both a preposition and conjunction in the following sentences. Preposition: in, at, of, over, by, on, with, at, behind, over, for, etc.

Conjunction: and, but, since, for, or, because, though, whenever, etc. She is currently reading for a Masters degree in English. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Difference between conjunctions and prepositions Ask Question. Asked 8 years, 2 months ago. Active 6 years, 8 months ago. Viewed 81k times. Is there a definition that clearly excludes the other group without naming specific words?

I want a definition that leads to those 2 groups. Improve this question. TrevorD Emanuel Emanuel 1, 6 6 gold badges 22 22 silver badges 37 37 bronze badges. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. The coordinator class is defined purely in terms of syntactic function: 'Coordinating conjunctions, also called coordinators, are conjunctions that join, or coordinate, two or more items such as words, main clauses, or sentences of equal syntactic importance. Improve this answer.

Edwin Ashworth Edwin Ashworth As far as subordinating conjunctions are concerned it is pretty clear to me. We use on to show position on a horizontal or vertical surface. There is a lot snow on the roof. The dog is sitting on the chair. We also use on to show a position on streets, roads, etc. I used to live on Palace Road. There is a petrol station on the corner of the street.

We use in to show that something is enclosed or surrounded. She is in a taxi. The cat is in the garden. I used to live in Nottingham. I live in America. More prepositions of place They ran after the thief.

I found my handbag among my luggage. The student was sitting at her table. My flat is behind the supermarket. The plates are in the cupboard. My car is parked in front of the supermarket. The picture is hanging on the wall. The notice is above the door. I put the tablecloth over the table. The temperature was below zero degrees. The boy was sitting under a tree. Prepositions of time Prepositions can be used to show when something happens.

I go to work at 8. Conjunctions and prepositions. Questions and auxiliary verbs. We have tickets for the symphony and the opera. The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday, but the chorus rehearses on Wednesday. Have you seen or heard the opera by Scott Joplin? I wanted to sit in front row, so I ordered my tickets early.