What is a conjunction?

A conjunction is indeed a word that connects words or groups of words, playing a crucial role in the structure of sentences. It facilitates the joining of various elements, such as linking two independent clauses, combining words in a list, or connecting phrases to enhance the flow and coherence of ideas. This function is essential for building complex sentences and ensuring clarity in communication.

For instance, in the sentence "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain," the word "but" serves as a conjunction that connects two contrasting thoughts. By using conjunctions, we can express more sophisticated relationships between ideas and provide readers with a clearer understanding of how those ideas are related.

The other options represent different parts of speech or grammatical concepts that do not align with the definition of a conjunction. For example, a complete thought is characteristic of a sentence, nouns refer to people, places, or things, and modifiers relate to words that describe or limit other words in the sentence. Thus, the role of a conjunction stands distinct in its specific task of connection.