Conjunctions
Conjunctions are linking words that join clauses, sentences, and phrases. They are what allow ideas to flow together smoothly rather than sitting in isolated, choppy sentences.
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Without conjunctions, English would consist of short, disconnected statements. There are three main types: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
I was tired. I kept working. → I was tired, but I kept working.
She can't come. She is busy. → She can't come because she is busy.
I like coffee. I like tea. → I like both coffee and tea.
The three types at a glance
Coordinating
Join two equal clauses or words.
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Subordinating
Join a main clause to a dependent clause.
because, although, if, when, while, since
Correlative
Work in pairs to join equal elements.
both…and, either…or, neither…nor
Coordinating conjunctions — FANBOYS
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | addition | She sang and he played guitar. |
| but | contrast | It was cold but sunny. |
| or | alternative | Would you like tea or coffee? |
| so | result / consequence | It was raining, so we stayed in. |
| for | reason (formal) | He was tired, for he had worked all day. |
| yet | contrast / despite that | She was tired, yet she kept going. |
| nor | negative addition | He didn't call, nor did he write. |
Comma rule: When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb), put a comma before the conjunction: She worked hard, and she passed the exam. No comma is needed when joining two words or phrases: She worked hard and passed the exam.
Subordinating conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause — a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. The dependent clause can come before or after the main clause. When it comes first, use a comma.
| Category | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, since, as | She left early because she was tired. |
| Time | when, while, after, before, until, as soon as, once | Call me when you arrive. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | I'll help if you need me. |
| Contrast | although, even though, while, whereas, though | Although it was cold, they went out. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She studied hard so that she could pass. |
| Result | so…that, such…that | He was so tired that he fell asleep instantly. |
She stayed inside because it was raining. (main clause first — no comma)
Because it was raining, she stayed inside. (dependent clause first — comma after)
Although he was nervous, he spoke confidently.
He spoke confidently although he was nervous.
Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs. Each part of the pair must be followed by a grammatically parallel structure.
| Pair | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| both … and | two things together | She speaks both French and Spanish. |
| either … or | one of two options | You can either stay or go. |
| neither … nor | not one, not the other | He is neither rich nor poor. |
| not only … but also | two things, the second added for emphasis | She is not only smart but also kind. |
| whether … or | two alternatives | Whether you like it or not, it's the rule. |
Because vs. because of: Because is a conjunction and is followed by a full clause (subject + verb): She stayed home because she was ill. Because of is a preposition and is followed by a noun or noun phrase: She stayed home because of her illness. These are not interchangeable.