ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Conjunctions
Connecting words that hold sentences together
What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Think of conjunctions as the “glue” of the English language — they help ideas flow together smoothly and show how different parts of a sentence are related to each other.
Without conjunctions, we would need to use many short, disconnected sentences. Conjunctions make our writing and speaking more natural and fluent.
| Quick Definition: A conjunction joins words, groups of words, or complete sentences. Without conjunction: I was tired. I finished my homework. With conjunction: I was tired, but I finished my homework. |
Types of Conjunctions
There are three main types of conjunctions in English. Each type has a different purpose and follows different grammar rules.
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
| Coordinating | Join equal parts | and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor |
| Subordinating | Show a relationship between clauses | because, although, while, if, when |
| Correlative | Work as a pair | both…and, either…or, not only…but also |
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join two equal parts of a sentence — two words, two phrases, or two complete sentences (called independent clauses). There are only 7 coordinating conjunctions in English. A helpful way to remember them is the acronym FANBOYS:
| For And Nor But Or Yet So |
Grammar Rule: When a coordinating conjunction joins two complete sentences, use a comma before the conjunction.
Pattern: [Sentence 1], + conjunction + [Sentence 2]
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a main clause with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone). They show a relationship such as time, reason, condition, or contrast between the two clauses.
| Common Subordinating Conjunctions: because, although, while, when, if, since, unless, after, before, as soon as, even though, so that |
Grammar Rule: If the dependent clause comes first in the sentence, use a comma after it. If it comes second, no comma is needed.
✓ Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
✓ We stayed inside because it was raining.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs. They work together to connect balanced parts of a sentence.
| Common Pairs: both…and • either…or • neither…nor not only…but also • whether…or |
Grammar Rule: Make sure the parts after each conjunction are parallel — they should have the same grammatical structure.
10 Examples with Explanations
Study these examples carefully. The conjunction in each sentence is shown in context with an explanation of its function.
Coordinating Conjunctions
1. She likes coffee and tea. → and joins two equal nouns (coffee, tea)
2. I wanted to go, but it was too late. → but shows contrast between two clauses
3. We can eat here or order a pizza. → or gives two options
4. He studied hard, so he passed the exam. → so shows a result or consequence
Subordinating Conjunctions
5. She left early because she was tired. → because gives a reason
6. Although it was cold, they went swimming. → although shows contrast/surprise
7. I will call you when I arrive. → when shows time relationship
8. Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus. → unless gives a condition
Correlative Conjunctions
9. Both my sister and I enjoy hiking. → both…and connects two subjects equally
10. You can either call me or send an email. → either…or offers two choices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| ✗ Starting a sentence with ‘because’ alone: Wrong: “Because I was hungry.” (This is not a complete sentence!) Right: “I ate a snack because I was hungry.” ✗ Using ‘although’ and ‘but’ together: Wrong: “Although I was tired, but I finished.” Right: “Although I was tired, I finished.” OR “I was tired, but I finished.” |
Quick Summary
Conjunctions are essential connecting words in English. Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) join equal parts, subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to a main clause, and correlative conjunctions work in pairs. Mastering conjunctions will help you write longer, more complex sentences and communicate ideas more clearly and naturally.
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