• What are distributive conjunctions?
• Examples of distributive conjunctions
• Other coordinating conjunctions

We explain what distributive conjunctions are, how they are used and examples in sentences. Also, other coordinating conjunctions.

Distributive conjunctions present the elements as possible options.

What are distributive conjunctions?

In grammar, is called distributive conjunctions or distributive links to a specific type of coordinating conjunctions, that is, those that link in a non-hierarchical (and therefore interchangeable) way two or more phrases, words or prayers. This specific type of coordinating conjunctions is characterized by generating a relationship of alternation of meaning (time, place or logic) between the linked elements.

To do this, distributive conjunctions are placed before each element, repeatedly, presenting them as possible options in the specific context of the sentence, and thus distribute among them the meaning of what was said (hence their name). In general, these conjunctions are limited and in Spanish they tend to be: well well, now ... now, Ora Ora, or be ... be. One of them can also be considered the expression as much as.

Examples of distributive conjunctions

Here are some examples of sentences with the presence of this type of conjunctions:

• I'll be back home soon, either by boat or by plane.
• That couple is always fighting, pray for jealousy, pray for money.
• It may well be cold, it may well not.
• Now you ask for something, now you ask for something else.
• Soldiers will go to war, whether they like it or not.
• His interests were very diverse: now chemistry, now physics, and the arts.
• The shoes may well be blue, they may well be red.
• I like chocolate, both the one that is pure and the one with milk.

Other coordinating conjunctions

In addition to distributive conjunctions, there are the following types of coordinating conjunctions:

• Copulative conjunctions, that link two or more terms from an addition or accumulation relationship. For example: "We bought melons and watermelons for the salad" or "Haven't you seen Pedro, or Jesus, or Rachel?"
• Disjunctive conjunctions, which introduce a mutually exclusive relationship between linked elements. For example: "I don't know whether to travel to China or better to India."
• Adverse conjunctions, which introduce a relationship of opposition or contradiction between the linked terms. For example: "We have a large team, although very united."
• Explanatory conjunctions, that link elements that have the same meaning but different form, to insist on what was said or explain it better. For example: "Over time the continents drift, that is, they change position."