Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They help to create more complex and interesting sentences by linking ideas together.
There are three main types of conjunctions:
- Coordinating conjunctions: These connect words or independent clauses of equal importance. The most common ones can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS:
- For (reason)
- And (addition)
- Nor (negation)
- But (contrast)
- Or (choice)
- Yet (contrast)
- So (result)
Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- Subordinating conjunctions: These connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, or condition.
Common subordinating conjunctions include: because, although, since, if, when, while.
Example: She stayed home because she was feeling sick.
- Correlative conjunctions: These work in pairs to connect equal elements in a sentence.
Examples include: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also.
Example: You can either call me or send an email.
Understanding how to use conjunctions improves writing and speaking by making connections between ideas clearer.
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Table of Contents
- Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are words that join two or more equal parts of a sentence, such as two words, phrases, or independent clauses. They help create compound sentences and show the relationship between the joined parts.
- Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships like cause, time, condition, and more in English sentences.
- Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words used in English to connect equal parts of a sentence (such as two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, or two clauses) in a balanced and coordinated way.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
