How does Two parts conjunctions relate to one part Conjunctions?

Question

So I know there are two type of single part conjunction, subordinating and coordinating. Seeing guide on the internet gives me an impression that two part conjunctions are replacements for coordinating conjunction, so would it be correct to think that they both equivalent for conveying literal meaning?

Answer 1

This Herr Antrim video gives a variety of two-part conjunctions. I think the issue is more complex than you're making it, since many two-part conjunctions have their own quirks and subtleties that make generalizations difficult. In most cases, two-part conjunctions are coordinating with a single part alternative, but some are not. For example with "je ... desto", the clause following "je" is verb final, so it appears to be a subordinating conjunction. On the other hand, you can also change the clause order with a subordinating conjunction, but you can't put "desto" before "je", making it more like a coordinating conjunction. It appears then that this lies in some middle category. Also, "je ... desto" does not have any single part alternative, literal or otherwise.