What term refers to parts of speech that connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of the same type?

The term that refers to parts of speech that connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of the same type is "coordinate conjunctions." Coordinate conjunctions include words like "and," "but," and "or," which serve to link elements that are similar in structure, allowing for the formation of more complex sentences.

When using coordinate conjunctions, the connected elements, whether they are words, phrases, or independent clauses, maintain parallel structure, which enhances clarity and cohesion in writing. For example, in the sentence "I want to go for a run, but it is raining," the conjunction "but" connects two independent clauses that express contrasting ideas.

In contrast, subordinate conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and establish relationships such as time, cause, or condition, but they do not coordinate elements of the same type. Correlative conjunctions, while they do connect similar structures, are used in pairs (like "either...or" and "neither...nor"), rather than standing alone as coordinate conjunctions do. Interjections, on the other hand, are words used to express strong emotions or sudden bursts of feeling and do not serve to connect different parts of speech.