Conjunctions Starting With P: A Comprehensive Guide

Conjunctions are the unsung heroes of English grammar, seamlessly linking words, phrases, and clauses to create coherent and complex sentences. While common conjunctions like “and,” “but,” and “or” often take center stage, several valuable conjunctions beginning with the letter “P” deserve attention.

Understanding these “P” conjunctions – particularly “provided,” “providing,” “plus,” “presuming,” and “pending” – enhances your ability to express nuanced relationships between ideas, conditions, and events. This guide is designed for English language learners, students, and anyone seeking to refine their writing and speaking skills by expanding their knowledge of conjunctions and mastering their proper usage.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of conjunctions that start with “P,” detailing their definitions, structural functions, usage rules, and common pitfalls. Through numerous examples and practical exercises, you will gain the confidence to incorporate these conjunctions effectively into your communication.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to construct more precise, sophisticated, and grammatically sound sentences, enriching both your written and spoken English.

Contents

Definition of Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions serve as grammatical links, creating relationships of addition, contrast, cause, condition, or time between the elements they join.

They are essential for building complex sentences and expressing intricate ideas. Without conjunctions, our communication would be limited to short, simple sentences, lacking the nuance and flow necessary for effective expression.

Conjunctions can be classified into three main types: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or) connect elements of equal grammatical rank. Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, if) introduce subordinate clauses, linking them to a main clause. Correlative conjunctions (e.g., both…and, either…or, neither…nor) work in pairs to connect elements of equal grammatical rank.

The conjunctions starting with “P” that we will focus on in this article primarily function as subordinating conjunctions, introducing conditional clauses or indicating addition. Understanding their specific roles is crucial for using them correctly and effectively in your writing and speech.

Each “P” conjunction brings a unique flavor and level of formality to the sentence, affecting the overall tone and meaning.

Structural Breakdown

Conjunctions, regardless of their type, play a crucial role in sentence structure. They act as bridges, connecting different parts of a sentence to create a cohesive whole.

The structural impact of a conjunction depends on its type and the elements it connects.

Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal weight. For example, “I like tea and coffee” joins two nouns, while “She sings beautifully, but she dances poorly” connects two independent clauses. The elements connected by a coordinating conjunction are grammatically similar and contribute equally to the sentence’s meaning.

Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, introduce dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone as complete sentences. These clauses rely on the main clause for their meaning. The subordinating conjunction indicates the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses, such as cause (because), condition (if), or time (when). For instance, in the sentence “Because it was raining, I stayed inside,” “because” introduces the dependent clause explaining the reason for staying inside.

The “P” conjunctions we are exploring in this article typically function as subordinating conjunctions. They often introduce conditional clauses, setting a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true or valid.

Understanding this structural relationship is key to mastering their usage and avoiding grammatical errors.

Types of Conjunctions Starting with P

While not as numerous as conjunctions starting with other letters, several useful conjunctions begin with “P.” These conjunctions each have unique nuances and specific contexts in which they are most appropriately used.

Provided That

“Provided that” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a condition. It means “on the condition that” or “if and only if.” The clause it introduces expresses a necessary requirement for the main clause to be true or to occur.

Providing That

“Providing that” is very similar in meaning to “provided that” and also functions as a subordinating conjunction. It also introduces a condition, meaning “on the condition that.” The difference between “provided that” and “providing that” is subtle, with “providing that” sometimes perceived as slightly less formal.

Plus

“Plus” functions as a coordinating conjunction, primarily in informal contexts. It indicates addition, similar to “and.” However, its use as a conjunction is often discouraged in formal writing, where “and” is preferred.

In mathematical contexts, “plus” retains its standard function as a preposition indicating addition.

Presuming That

“Presuming that” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces an assumption or supposition. It implies that something is believed to be true, and the main clause is based on this assumption.

It indicates a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

Pending

“Pending” can function as a preposition, adjective, or adverb, but rarely as a conjunction on its own. When used in conjunction with other words (such as “pending the outcome of”), it can introduce a condition related to a future event or decision.

It indicates that something will happen or be determined based on the result of something else.

Examples of Conjunctions Starting with P

To fully grasp the usage of these “P” conjunctions, let’s explore a variety of examples that illustrate their different functions and contexts.

Examples of “Provided That”

The following table showcases examples of “provided that” in various sentences, highlighting its role in introducing conditional clauses. Notice how the main clause’s validity depends on the condition set by the “provided that” clause.

Sentence	Explanation
You can borrow my car, provided that you return it by tomorrow.	Borrowing the car is conditional on returning it by tomorrow.
We will invest in the company, provided that they show significant growth in the next quarter.	Investment depends on the company’s growth.
The contract is valid, provided that all parties sign it.	The contract’s validity hinges on all signatures being present.
She will succeed, provided that she works hard.	Success is conditional on hard work.
He can join the team, provided that he passes the tryouts.	Joining the team depends on passing the tryouts.
You are welcome to stay here, provided that you keep the noise down.	Staying is conditional on keeping the noise level low.
They will release the funds, provided that all the paperwork is in order.	Releasing the funds depends on the paperwork being complete.
The school will remain open, provided that enough students enroll.	The school staying open depends on sufficient enrollment.
I will help you, provided that you ask nicely.	Helping is conditional on a polite request.
He can attend the conference, provided that he gets approval from his manager.	Attending the conference depends on managerial approval.
You can play outside, provided that you finish your homework first.	Playing outside is conditional on homework completion.
We will proceed with the project, provided that the budget is approved.	Project continuation depends on budget approval.
She will accept the job, provided that the salary meets her expectations.	Job acceptance depends on the salary offer.
The event will be successful, provided that the weather cooperates.	Success depends on favorable weather.
The flowers will grow, provided that they get enough sunlight.	Growth is conditional on sufficient sunlight.
You can use my notes, provided that you don’t copy them verbatim.	Using the notes is conditional on not plagiarizing.
The company will thrive, provided that it adapts to market changes.	Thriving depends on adapting to market changes.
He will be forgiven, provided that he sincerely apologizes.	Forgiveness is conditional on a sincere apology.
You can have dessert, provided that you eat your vegetables.	Having dessert is conditional on eating vegetables.
The experiment will work, provided that all the variables are controlled.	The experiment’s success depends on controlling all variables.

Examples of “Providing That”

The following table illustrates the use of “providing that,” which, similar to “provided that,” introduces a condition that must be met. While the distinction is subtle, “providing that” can sometimes be seen as less formal.

Sentence	Explanation
I will lend you the money, providing that you pay me back next month.	Lending money is conditional on repayment next month.
The team will win the championship, providing that they maintain their current performance.	Winning the championship depends on maintaining performance.
You can use my computer, providing that you don’t download any unauthorized software.	Using the computer is conditional on not downloading unauthorized software.
She will go to the party, providing that she finishes her work.	Going to the party is conditional on finishing work.
He can stay at my place, providing that he respects my rules.	Staying is conditional on respecting the rules.
They will support the project, providing that it aligns with their goals.	Supporting the project depends on alignment with goals.
You are allowed to enter, providing that you have a valid ticket.	Entry is conditional on having a valid ticket.
We will launch the product, providing that the testing phase is successful.	Launching the product depends on a successful testing phase.
She will sing at the concert, providing that her voice is in good condition.	Singing at the concert depends on the condition of her voice.
He can participate in the competition, providing that he meets the eligibility requirements.	Participation depends on meeting the requirements.
You can have a pet, providing that you take care of it.	Having a pet is conditional on taking care of it.
The company will expand, providing that it secures additional funding.	Expansion depends on securing funding.
She will publish the book, providing that she finds a publisher.	Publishing the book depends on finding a publisher.
The garden will flourish, providing that it receives regular watering.	Flourishing depends on regular watering.
The experiment will be valid, providing that the data is accurate.	Validity depends on accurate data.
You can borrow my dress, providing that you return it clean.	Borrowing the dress is conditional on returning it clean.
The plan will succeed, providing that everyone cooperates.	Success depends on everyone’s cooperation.
He will get the job, providing that he performs well in the interview.	Getting the job depends on interview performance.
You can use my notes, providing that you credit me.	Using the notes is conditional on giving credit.
The investment will pay off, providing that the market remains stable.	Paying off depends on market stability.

Examples of “Plus”

The following table demonstrates the use of “plus” as a coordinating conjunction. Note that while grammatically acceptable, “plus” is generally less formal than “and.”

Sentence	Explanation
He is intelligent, plus he is very hardworking.	Indicates two positive qualities.
The house is beautiful, plus it has a large garden.	Adds another positive feature to the house.
She is a talented singer, plus she can play the piano.	Indicates two talents.
The movie was exciting, plus it had a great soundtrack.	Adds another positive aspect to the movie.
The food was delicious, plus the service was excellent.	Indicates two positive aspects of the dining experience.
He is a good leader, plus he is respected by his team.	Indicates two positive qualities of the leader.
She is a skilled artist, plus she is a great teacher.	Indicates two skills.
The book is informative, plus it is very engaging.	Indicates two positive qualities of the book.
The car is reliable, plus it is fuel-efficient.	Indicates two positive features of the car.
The city is vibrant, plus it has a rich history.	Indicates two positive aspects of the city.
The course is challenging, plus it is very rewarding.	Indicates two aspects of the course.
The project is innovative, plus it is sustainable.	Indicates two positive qualities of the project.
The software is user-friendly, plus it is very powerful.	Indicates two positive features of the software.
The team is dedicated, plus it is very skilled.	Indicates two positive qualities of the team.
The event was well-organized, plus it was a lot of fun.	Indicates two positive aspects of the event.
The product is durable, plus it is aesthetically pleasing.	Indicates two positive qualities of the product.
The solution is effective, plus it is cost-efficient.	Indicates two positive aspects of the solution.
The approach is innovative, plus it is very practical.	Indicates two positive qualities of the approach.
The design is elegant, plus it is highly functional.	Indicates two positive features of the design.
The strategy is comprehensive, plus it is well-executed.	Indicates two positive aspects of the strategy.

Examples of “Presuming That”

The following table showcases examples of sentences using “presuming that.” This conjunction introduces an assumption on which the main clause is based.

Sentence	Explanation
Presuming that the weather is good, we will go for a picnic.	The picnic is planned based on the assumption of good weather.
Presuming that the train is on time, we should arrive by noon.	Arrival time is based on the assumption of the train being punctual.
Presuming that he agrees to the terms, we can finalize the contract.	Finalizing the contract depends on his agreement.
Presuming that she knows the answer, she will help us.	Helping is based on the assumption of her knowledge.
Presuming that they have enough resources, they will complete the project.	Project completion depends on sufficient resources.
Presuming that you have all the necessary qualifications, you will be considered for the job.	Consideration for the job depends on having the qualifications.
Presuming that the information is accurate, we can make a decision.	Decision-making depends on the accuracy of the information.
Presuming that the meeting is successful, we will move forward with the plan.	Moving forward depends on a successful meeting.
Presuming that the market conditions remain favorable, the investment will yield high returns.	High returns depend on favorable market conditions.
Presuming that the technology works as expected, the product will be revolutionary.	The product being revolutionary depends on the technology working.
Presuming that the research is valid, the findings will be significant.	Significant findings depend on valid research.
Presuming that the demand is high, the company will increase production.	Increasing production depends on high demand.
Presuming that the law is passed, the regulations will change.	Changing regulations depends on the law being passed.
Presuming that the evidence is strong, the case will be successful.	A successful case depends on strong evidence.
Presuming that the economy improves, the business will thrive.	The business thriving depends on the economy improving.
Presuming that the team works well together, they will achieve their goals.	Achieving goals depends on teamwork.
Presuming that the infrastructure is reliable, the system will function smoothly.	Smooth functioning depends on reliable infrastructure.
Presuming that the analysis is correct, the strategy will be effective.	An effective strategy depends on correct analysis.
Presuming that the experiment is conducted properly, the results will be accurate.	Accurate results depend on proper experiment conduct.
Presuming that the data is complete, the report will be comprehensive.	A comprehensive report depends on complete data.

Examples of “Pending”

The following table demonstrates the use of “pending,” typically in the phrase “pending the outcome of,” to introduce a condition related to a future event or decision.

Sentence	Explanation
We will make a decision, pending the outcome of the investigation.	The decision depends on the result of the investigation.
The project is on hold, pending the approval of the budget.	The project’s continuation is awaiting budget approval.
His application is under review, pending the receipt of his transcripts.	The review is awaiting the transcripts.
The offer is valid, pending the completion of the background check.	Validity depends on the background check.
The release of the report is pending the final edits.	The release is awaiting final edits.
The implementation of the policy is pending the results of the survey.	Implementation depends on the survey results.
The scheduling of the meeting is pending the availability of the participants.	Scheduling depends on participant availability.
The next phase of the project is pending the completion of the current phase.	The next phase depends on the current phase being completed.
The hiring decision is pending the final interview.	The decision depends on the final interview.
The approval of the loan is pending the appraisal of the property.	Approval depends on the property appraisal.

Usage Rules

Each conjunction has specific rules governing its proper use. Understanding these rules is crucial for avoiding grammatical errors and ensuring clear communication.

“Provided That” Rules

“Provided that” always introduces a conditional clause.
The condition must be a necessary requirement for the main clause to be true or to occur.
The order of the clauses can be reversed, but when “provided that” clause comes first, a comma is typically used.
- Correct: You can go to the party, provided that you finish your homework.
- Correct: Provided that you finish your homework, you can go to the party.

“Providing That” Rules

“Providing that” functions similarly to “provided that” and also introduces a conditional clause.
The condition must be a requirement for the main clause.
The order of the clauses can be reversed, with a comma used when the “providing that” clause comes first.
- Correct: I will lend you the book, providing that you return it next week.
- Correct: Providing that you return the book next week, I will lend it to you.

“Plus” Rules

“Plus” is generally used in informal contexts to indicate addition.
In formal writing, “and” is typically preferred.
“Plus” should connect elements of similar grammatical type.
- Less Formal: He is smart, plus he is funny.
- More Formal: He is smart, and he is funny.

“Presuming That” Rules

“Presuming that” introduces an assumption or supposition.
The main clause is based on this assumption.
The order of the clauses can be reversed, and a comma is used if the “presuming that” clause comes first.
- Correct: Presuming that she is available, we will invite her to the meeting.
- Correct: We will invite her to the meeting, presuming that she is available.

“Pending” Rules

“Pending” is usually used as a preposition (“pending the outcome”) to indicate something is awaiting a future event or decision.
It should not be used as a standalone conjunction.
- Correct: The project is on hold, pending the approval of the budget.
- Incorrect: Pending the approval of the budget, the project is on hold. (While understandable, it’s less grammatically conventional.)

Common Mistakes

Even with a solid understanding of the rules, it’s easy to make mistakes when using these conjunctions. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Using “plus” in formal writing: While “plus” is acceptable in informal contexts, it’s best to use “and” in formal writing.
- Incorrect (Formal): The report is comprehensive, plus it is well-written.
- Correct (Formal): The report is comprehensive, and it is well-written.
Misunderstanding the conditional nature of “provided that” and “providing that”: Ensure that the clause introduced by these conjunctions is a genuine condition for the main clause.
- Incorrect: I like ice cream, provided that the sky is blue. (There is no logical connection)
- Correct: I will buy you ice cream, provided that you finish your dinner. (Finishing dinner is a condition for buying ice cream.)
Incorrectly structuring sentences with “pending”: Ensure “pending” is used as a preposition followed by the event or decision that is awaited.
- Incorrect: Pending the decision, we will wait.
- Correct: We will wait, pending the decision.
- Correct: We will wait, pending the outcome of the decision.
Using “Presuming that” without a valid assumption: “Presuming that” should only be used when there is a reasonable basis for the assumption being made.
- Incorrect: Presuming that pigs can fly, we will travel by air. (The assumption is illogical)
- Correct: Presuming that the traffic is light, we will arrive on time. (The assumption is based on common experience.)

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of these conjunctions, complete the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction: provided that, providing that, plus, presuming that, or pending.

Question	Answer
1. You can use my notes, _______ you return them tomorrow.	provided that/providing that
2. The food was delicious, _______ the service was excellent.	plus
3. _______ the weather is good, we will go for a walk.	Presuming that
4. We will make a decision, _______ the outcome of the meeting.	pending
5. She will go to the concert, _______ she can find a ride.	provided that/providing that
6. The project will be successful, _______ we all work together.	provided that/providing that
7. He is a talented musician, _______ he is a great composer.	plus
8. _______ the economy improves, the company will grow.	Presuming that
9. The release of the film is _______ the completion of the editing process.	pending
10. You can borrow my car, _______ you drive carefully.	provided that/providing that

Exercise 2: Sentence Combining

Combine the following pairs of sentences using the appropriate conjunction: provided that, providing that, plus, presuming that, or pending.

Question	Answer
1. You finish your homework. You can watch TV.	You can watch TV, provided that/providing that you finish your homework.
2. She is intelligent. She is hardworking.	She is intelligent, plus she is hardworking.
3. The train is on time. We will arrive by noon.	Presuming that the train is on time, we will arrive by noon.
4. The investigation is complete. We will make a decision.	We will make a decision, pending the completion of the investigation.
5. He practices every day. He will improve his skills.	He will improve his skills, provided that/providing that he practices every day.
6. She is a great singer. She is a talented dancer.	She is a great singer, plus she is a talented dancer.
7. The weather is nice. We will have a picnic.	Presuming that the weather is nice, we will have a picnic.
8. The budget is approved. The project can start.	The project can start, pending the approval of the budget.
9. You follow the rules. You can stay here.	You can stay here, provided that/providing that you follow the rules.
10. She is kind. She is generous.	She is kind, plus she is generous.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Question	Answer
1. The food was tasty, providing it was expensive.	The food was tasty, plus it was expensive.
2. Provided the decision, we will proceed.	Pending the decision, we will proceed.
3. Presuming we work hard, we will succeed.	Providing that/Provided that we work hard, we will succeed. OR Presuming that we work hard, we will succeed.
4. She is smart and plus she is beautiful.	She is smart, plus she is beautiful. OR She is smart and beautiful.
5. Provided that the outcome of the investigation, we will take action.	Pending the outcome of the investigation, we will take action.
6. Pending you study hard, you will pass the exam.	Provided that/Providing that you study hard, you will pass the exam.
7. She is a good cook, provided that she is a good cleaner.	She is a good cook, plus she is a good cleaner.
8. Presuming the traffic, we will be late.	Presuming that there is traffic, we will be late.
9. We will go to the beach, pending the weather is nice.	We will go to the beach, provided that/providing that the weather is nice.
10. The book is interesting, plus it is long.	The book is interesting, but it is long.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of these conjunctions can further refine their understanding and usage. This includes understanding the subtle differences between “provided that” and “providing that,” the limitations of “plus” in formal writing, and the contextual appropriateness of “presuming that.”

Additionally, advanced learners can explore the use of these conjunctions in more complex sentence structures, such as those involving multiple clauses or embedded clauses. Analyzing how these conjunctions interact with other grammatical elements can lead to a deeper appreciation of their role in creating nuanced and sophisticated communication.

Finally, examining the historical evolution of these conjunctions and their usage in different dialects of English can provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of language and the subtle variations that exist within it. This can

enrich one’s understanding of how language adapts and changes over time.

FAQ

Is there a significant difference between “provided that” and “providing that”?

The difference is very subtle. “Provided that” is generally considered slightly more formal than “providing that,” but they are largely interchangeable in modern English.

Choose the one that sounds more natural in the context.

When should I avoid using “plus” as a conjunction?

Avoid using “plus” as a conjunction in formal writing, such as academic papers, business reports, and official correspondence. In these contexts, “and” is the preferred choice.

Can “pending” be used as a conjunction on its own?

No, “pending” is typically used as a preposition (e.g., “pending the outcome”), not as a standalone conjunction. While it might be understood in some contexts, it’s grammatically unconventional.

What if the condition introduced by “provided that” or “providing that” is not met?

If the condition is not met, the main clause is not valid or will not occur. The conditional nature of these conjunctions makes the outcome dependent on the fulfillment of the condition.

How can I improve my understanding of when to use “presuming that”?

Pay attention to the context and the level of certainty you want to convey. “Presuming that” is appropriate when you are making an assumption and basing your statement on that assumption, but it implies a degree of uncertainty.

If you are more certain, a different conjunction or phrasing might be more appropriate.

Conclusion

Mastering conjunctions starting with “P” – “provided that,” “providing that,” “plus,” “presuming that,” and “pending” – significantly enhances your ability to construct complex, nuanced, and grammatically sound sentences. By understanding their specific functions, usage rules, and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate these conjunctions into your writing and speech, enriching your communication and expressing your ideas with greater precision.

Continue to practice using these conjunctions in various contexts, paying attention to the subtle differences and nuances in their meanings. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll develop a strong command of these valuable grammatical tools, further refining your English language skills and achieving greater fluency and confidence in your communication.

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