Conjunctions might be small words, but they play a big role in English. They’re the connectors—the words we use to link ideas, phrases, and sentences so our writing and speaking flow smoothly and make sense.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. We’ll look at what each type does, how to use them correctly, and where people often get tripped up. And of course, I’ll include plenty of clear examples so you can see how conjunctions work in real sentences.
Whether you’re just starting out with English grammar or you’re looking to strengthen your writing skills, understanding conjunctions will help you build better sentences and communicate more clearly.
By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of conjunctions and be able to use them confidently in your writing and speaking.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Conjunctions
- Structural Breakdown of Conjunctions
- Types of Conjunctions
- Examples of Conjunctions
- Usage Rules for Conjunctions
- Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Conjunctions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions serve as essential tools in constructing complex sentences, linking ideas, and creating a smooth flow of thought. They help to avoid choppy, short sentences and allow for more sophisticated and nuanced expression. Without conjunctions, our writing would lack coherence and depth.
Conjunctions are classified based on their function and the type of elements they connect. There are four main types: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs.
Each type serves a distinct purpose in sentence construction and contributes to the overall meaning and structure of the text.
Understanding the different types of conjunctions and their proper usage is crucial for effective communication. By mastering conjunctions, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and sophistication of your writing and speaking.
This knowledge allows you to express complex ideas with precision and create compelling narratives.
Structural Breakdown of Conjunctions
Conjunctions operate at different levels of sentence structure, connecting words, phrases, and clauses. Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal grammatical rank, such as two nouns, two verbs, or two independent clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between the two clauses.
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect elements of equal grammatical rank, emphasizing the connection between the two elements. Conjunctive adverbs, while technically adverbs, function as conjunctions by connecting independent clauses and indicating the relationship between them.
The correct placement of conjunctions is crucial for clarity and grammatical correctness. Coordinating conjunctions typically appear between the elements they connect.
Subordinating conjunctions appear at the beginning of the dependent clause. Correlative conjunctions must be placed correctly in relation to the elements they connect.
Conjunctive adverbs usually appear at the beginning of the second independent clause, followed by a comma.
Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. There are seven coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
- For: Indicates reason or cause.
- And: Adds information.
- Nor: Indicates a negative alternative.
- But: Shows contrast or opposition.
- Or: Presents an alternative or choice.
- Yet: Introduces a contrast, similar to “but.”
- So: Indicates result or consequence.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent (or subordinate) clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Subordinating conjunctions indicate the relationship between the two clauses, such as time, cause, condition, or contrast. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, if, since, when, while, unless, before, after, that, and so that.
The placement of the subordinating conjunction affects the punctuation of the sentence. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used to separate the two clauses.
If the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, a comma is usually not necessary.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect elements of equal grammatical rank. These conjunctions emphasize the relationship between the two elements. Common correlative conjunctions include both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or.
The elements connected by correlative conjunctions must be parallel in structure. This means that if one element is a noun phrase, the other element must also be a noun phrase.
Similarly, if one element is a verb phrase, the other element must also be a verb phrase.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that act as conjunctions by connecting independent clauses. They indicate the relationship between the two clauses, such as contrast, addition, cause and effect, or sequence. Common conjunctive adverbs include however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, consequently, nevertheless, thus, and otherwise.
When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses, it is usually preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. Alternatively, the conjunctive adverb can be used to start a new sentence.
Examples of Conjunctions
The following tables provide examples of each type of conjunction in sentences. These examples illustrate how conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, and clauses and to indicate the relationship between them.
Coordinating Conjunction Examples
This table provides a comprehensive list of examples using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to connect words, phrases, and independent clauses of equal grammatical rank.
| Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| For | He studied hard, for he wanted to pass the exam. |
| And | She likes to read books and watch movies. |
| Nor | He doesn’t like coffee, nor does he like tea. |
| But | I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired. |
| Or | You can have cake or ice cream for dessert. |
| Yet | It was raining, yet they decided to go for a walk. |
| So | She was hungry, so she made a sandwich. |
| For | The dog barked, for a stranger was at the door. |
| And | The sun was shining, and the birds were singing. |
| Nor | He didn’t call, nor did he send a message. |
| But | She is intelligent, but she lacks confidence. |
| Or | Do you prefer coffee, or would you like tea? |
| Yet | He tried his best, yet he couldn’t succeed. |
| So | It was late, so we went home. |
| For | I need to save money, for I want to buy a car. |
| And | She sings beautifully, and she plays the piano. |
| Nor | He doesn’t eat meat, nor does he eat fish. |
| But | The car is old, but it still runs well. |
| Or | Would you like to go swimming, or would you prefer to stay home? |
| Yet | The task was difficult, yet she managed to complete it. |
| So | I was feeling unwell, so I decided to rest. |
| For | He wore a coat, for it was cold outside. |
| And | She smiled, and her eyes sparkled. |
| Nor | He didn’t study, nor did he even open the book. |
| But | The movie was long, but it was very enjoyable. |
| Or | Do you want to walk, or should we take the bus? |
| Yet | He had little experience, yet he performed admirably. |
| So | She was tired, so she went to bed early. |
Subordinating Conjunction Examples
This table provides examples of subordinating conjunctions used to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships such as time, cause, condition, and contrast.
| Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Because | I am happy because you are here. |
| Although | Although it was raining, we went for a walk. |
| If | If it rains, we will stay inside. |
| Since | Since you’re here, can you help me? |
| When | When I finish work, I will go home. |
| While | While I was sleeping, the phone rang. |
| Unless | Unless you hurry, you will be late. |
| Before | Before you leave, please turn off the lights. |
| After | After the movie, we went for dinner. |
| That | I know that you are telling the truth. |
| So that | I exercise so that I can stay healthy. |
| As | As I was walking down the street, I saw a friend. |
| As if | He acted as if nothing had happened. |
| As long as | As long as you promise to be careful, you can borrow my car. |
| As soon as | As soon as I arrive, I will call you. |
| Even if | Even if it’s difficult, I will try my best. |
| Even though | Even though he was tired, he kept working. |
| In order that | He studied hard in order that he could pass the exam. |
| So | He saved money so he could buy a house. |
| Than | She is taller than I am. |
| Though | Though it was cold, we went for a swim. |
| Till | Wait here till I return. |
| Until | I will wait until you arrive. |
| Whenever | Whenever I see him, he is smiling. |
| Where | This is the place where I met my wife. |
| Whereas | He is rich, whereas I am poor. |
| Wherever | Wherever you go, I will follow. |
Correlative Conjunction Examples
This table illustrates the use of correlative conjunctions in pairs to connect elements of equal grammatical rank, emphasizing the connection between the two elements.
| Conjunction | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Both…and | Both my brother and my sister are doctors. |
| Either…or | You can either stay or leave. |
| Neither…nor | He is neither rich nor famous. |
| Not only…but also | She is not only intelligent but also kind. |
| Whether…or | I don’t know whether he will come or not. |
| As…as | He is as tall as his father. |
| So…as | The movie was so boring as to make me fall asleep. |
| The more…the more | The more you study, the more you learn. |
| No sooner…than | No sooner had I arrived than the phone rang. |
| Rather…than | I would rather stay home than go out. |
| Both…and | Both the book and the movie were excellent. |
| Either…or | You can have either coffee or tea. |
| Neither…nor | He likes neither apples nor oranges. |
| Not only…but also | She not only sings but also dances. |
| Whether…or | I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry. |
| As many…as | There were as many cats as dogs. |
| The less…the less | The less you worry, the less you suffer. |
| Such…that | It was such a good movie that I watched it twice. |
| Scarceley…when | Scarcely had I sat down when the doorbell rang. |
| What with… and | What with the rain and the traffic, we were late. |
Conjunctive Adverb Examples
This table provides examples of conjunctive adverbs connecting independent clauses, indicating relationships such as contrast, addition, cause and effect, and sequence.
| Conjunctive Adverb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| However | I was tired; however, I kept working. |
| Therefore | It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside. |
| Moreover | She is intelligent; moreover, she is hardworking. |
| Furthermore | The project is interesting; furthermore, it is challenging. |
| Consequently | He didn’t study; consequently, he failed the exam. |
| Nevertheless | It was difficult; nevertheless, we succeeded. |
| Thus | The data was analyzed; thus, we drew our conclusions. |
| Otherwise | You must follow the rules; otherwise, you will be penalized. |
| Indeed | It was a great performance; indeed, it was the best I’ve ever seen. |
| Meanwhile | I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my husband was watching TV. |
| Besides | I don’t want to go; besides, I don’t have time. |
| Instead | I didn’t go to the party; instead, I stayed home. |
| Likewise | She enjoys reading; likewise, her brother enjoys reading. |
| Similarly | The first experiment failed; similarly, the second experiment failed. |
| Accordingly | The plan was approved; accordingly, we started the project. |
| Also | He is a good teacher; also, he is a great mentor. |
| Then | Finish your homework; then, you can play. |
| Still | It was cold; still, we went for a walk. |
| Next | Complete the application form; next, submit it online. |
| More specifically | The problem is complex; more specifically, it involves several factors. |
| For example | Many animals hibernate; for example, bears sleep during the winter. |
| In fact | He is very wealthy; in fact, he is a millionaire. |
| In other words | The task is simple; in other words, it’s easy to do. |
| On the contrary | He is not lazy; on the contrary, he is very hardworking. |
Usage Rules for Conjunctions
The proper use of conjunctions requires adherence to specific grammatical rules. Coordinating conjunctions must connect elements of equal grammatical rank.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and indicate their relationship to the independent clause. Correlative conjunctions must be used in pairs and connect parallel elements.
Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses and require proper punctuation.
Punctuation is crucial when using conjunctions. When a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma should precede the conjunction. When a subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause that comes before the independent clause, a comma should separate the two clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are usually preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma when connecting two independent clauses.
Avoid overuse of conjunctions, as this can lead to wordy and repetitive sentences. Strive for a balance between using conjunctions to create complex sentences and using shorter sentences for clarity. Vary your sentence structure and use conjunctions strategically to enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.
Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
One common mistake is using a comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma without a coordinating conjunction. This can be corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction or using a semicolon.
Another common mistake is misusing subordinating conjunctions, such as using “because” when “since” or “as” would be more appropriate. Choose the subordinating conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.
Misplacing correlative conjunctions is also a frequent error. Ensure that the correlative conjunctions are placed correctly in relation to the elements they connect.
For example, it is incorrect to say “He not only likes to sing but also dancing.” The correct sentence is “He likes not only to sing but also to dance.”
Confusing conjunctive adverbs with coordinating conjunctions is another common mistake. Conjunctive adverbs require different punctuation than coordinating conjunctions.
Remember to use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it when connecting two independent clauses.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I went to the store, I bought milk. | I went to the store, and I bought milk. | Comma splice corrected with a coordinating conjunction. |
| Because it was raining, I took my umbrella. | Because it was raining, I took my umbrella. | The sentence is already correct. |
| He not only likes to sing but also dancing. | He likes not only to sing but also to dance. | Correlative conjunctions placed correctly. |
| It was cold, however I went for a walk. | It was cold; however, I went for a walk. | Correct punctuation with a conjunctive adverb. |
| Although he was tired, but he kept working. | Although he was tired, he kept working. | Do not use “but” after “although”. |
| I don’t know if he will come or not. | I don’t know whether he will come or not. | Use “whether” instead of “if” when presenting alternatives. |
| She is intelligent and also hardworking. | She is intelligent and hardworking. | Avoid redundancy; “also” is unnecessary after “and”. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of conjunctions with the following practice exercises. Identify the type of conjunction used in each sentence and fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction.
Exercise 1: Identifying Conjunctions
Identify the type of conjunction (coordinating, subordinating, correlative, or conjunctive adverb) used in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She likes coffee, but she prefers tea. | Coordinating |
| 2. Because it was raining, we stayed inside. | Subordinating |
| 3. Both my brother and my sister are teachers. | Correlative |
| 4. He was tired; however, he kept working. | Conjunctive Adverb |
| 5. I will call you when I arrive. | Subordinating |
| 6. She is not only intelligent but also kind. | Correlative |
| 7. He studied hard, so he passed the exam. | Coordinating |
| 8. Although it was cold, we went for a walk. | Subordinating |
| 9. You can either stay or leave. | Correlative |
| 10. It was late; therefore, we went home. | Conjunctive Adverb |
Exercise 2: Filling in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate conjunction (and, but, or, because, although, if, so, when, either…or, neither…nor).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She likes to read books ______ watch movies. | and |
| 2. I wanted to go to the party, ______ I was too tired. | but |
| 3. You can have cake ______ ice cream for dessert. | or |
| 4. I am happy ______ you are here. | because |
| 5. ______ it was raining, we went for a walk. | Although |
| 6. ______ it rains, we will stay inside. | If |
| 7. She was hungry, ______ she made a sandwich. | so |
| 8. ______ I finish work, I will go home. | When |
| 9. You can ______ stay ______ leave. | either…or |
| 10. He is ______ rich ______ famous. | neither…nor |
Exercise 3: Sentence Combining
Combine the following pairs of sentences using appropriate conjunctions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She is intelligent. She is also kind. | She is intelligent and kind. |
| 2. It was raining. We stayed inside. | Because it was raining, we stayed inside. |
| 3. He studied hard. He wanted to pass the exam. | He studied hard because he wanted to pass the exam. |
| 4. I was tired. I kept working. | Although I was tired, I kept working. |
| 5. You can have coffee. You can have tea. | You can have either coffee or tea. |
| 6. He doesn’t like apples. He doesn’t like oranges. | He likes neither apples nor oranges. |
| 7. She sings. She also dances. | She not only sings but also dances. |
| 8. It was late. We went home. | It was late, so we went home. |
| 9. He is rich. I am poor. | He is rich, but I am poor. |
| 10. I will call you. I arrive. | I will call you when I arrive. |
Advanced Topics in Conjunctions
Advanced learners can explore more complex aspects of conjunctions, such as the nuances of using different subordinating conjunctions to express subtle differences in meaning. For example, “since” can indicate both time and cause, while “because” primarily indicates cause.
Understanding these subtle differences can enhance the precision of your writing.
Another advanced topic is the use of elliptical clauses, where parts of the clause are omitted but understood. Conjunctions play a crucial role in elliptical clauses, as they provide the context for understanding the omitted elements.
For example, in the sentence “He likes coffee, and she tea,” the verb “likes” is omitted from the second clause but understood from the context.
Furthermore, advanced learners can study the use of conjunctions in different registers and genres of writing. The choice of conjunctions can vary depending on the context, purpose, and audience of the writing.
For example, formal academic writing may require more complex and precise conjunctions, while informal conversational writing may use simpler and more common conjunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between a coordinating conjunction and a subordinating conjunction?Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between the two clauses.
- How do I punctuate sentences with coordinating conjunctions?When a coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses, a comma should precede the conjunction. For example: “I went to the store, and I bought milk.”
- When should I use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb?When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses, it is usually preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. For example: “It was cold; however, I went for a walk.”
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when using conjunctions?Common mistakes include comma splices, misusing subordinating conjunctions, misplacing correlative conjunctions, and confusing conjunctive adverbs with coordinating conjunctions.
- Can I start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction?While it was traditionally discouraged, starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is now widely accepted in modern writing, especially for emphasis or stylistic effect. However, it should be used sparingly.
- What is the purpose of using correlative conjunctions?Correlative conjunctions are used to connect elements of equal grammatical rank and to emphasize the relationship between the two elements. They add clarity and balance to the sentence.
- How do I choose the right subordinating conjunction for my sentence?Choose the subordinating conjunction that accurately reflects the relationship between the dependent and independent clauses. Consider the context, purpose, and intended meaning of the sentence.
- Are conjunctive adverbs always necessary?No, conjunctive adverbs are not always necessary. They are used to provide a smooth transition between independent clauses and to indicate the relationship between them. If the relationship is clear without a conjunctive adverb, it can be omitted.
Conclusion
Mastering conjunctions is a crucial step in improving your English grammar and writing skills. By understanding the different types of conjunctions, their usage rules, and common mistakes to avoid, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and sophistication of your writing.
Conjunctions are the building blocks of complex sentences, allowing you to express nuanced ideas and create compelling narratives.
Continue practicing and experimenting with conjunctions in your writing. Pay attention to how conjunctions are used in the texts you read and listen to.
Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or language partners. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can master the art of using conjunctions effectively and elevate your English language skills to the next level.
Remember, language acquisition is a continuous journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate your progress, and never stop learning.
With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your language goals and unlock new opportunities for communication and expression.