Conjunction
If clauses are the "cells" of a sentence, conjunctions are the glue that holds them together. Without conjunctions, our writing would be a series of short, robotic barks.
What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. They allow you to form complex, elegant sentences and avoid the monotony of simple structures. The words and phrases like although, so that, not only...but also, or, either...or, neither...nor, though, so, that, etc when are called conjunctions.
Conjunctions are used to connect clauses, sentences, or words.
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| Conjunctions |
There are 3 main types of conjunctions:
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
These connect equal clauses or words.
Common coordinating conjunctions:
and / but / or / so / yet / for / nor
Example of coordinating conjunction sentences:
I wanted to go, but I was busy.
She will call you, or she will text you.
He was tired, so he slept early.
2. Subordinating
Conjunctions
These connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Common subordinating conjunctions:
although / though / because / when / while / if / that / so that / before / after
Example of subordinating conjunction sentences:
Although it was raining, we went outside.
I stayed home because I was sick.
She called me when she arrived.
He studies hard so that he can pass.
These create dependent clauses.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
These work in pairs.
Common correlative conjunctions:
either...or / neither...nor / not only...but also / both...and / whether...or
Example of correlative conjunction sentences:
Either you come or you stay.
Neither he nor she was there.
She is not only smart but also kind.
Both John and Mike are here.
Summary Table of Conjunction
|
Word/Phrase |
Type |
Example |
|
although |
Subordinating |
Although it rained, we went out |
|
so that |
Subordinating |
He works so that he can earn money |
|
not only...but also |
Correlative |
She is not only smart but also kind |
|
either...or |
Correlative |
Either come or stay |
|
neither...nor |
Correlative |
Neither he nor she came |
|
or |
Coordinating |
Tea or coffee |
|
so |
Coordinating |
He was tired, so he slept |
|
that |
Subordinating |
I know that he is honest |
|
when |
Subordinating |
Call me when you arrive |
Simple Trick to Remember
and, but, or, so, nor, yet, for → Coordinating
although, because, when, if, that, so that → Subordinating
either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also →
Correlative
50 conjunctions with examples, which is very useful for exams.
Here is a full list of 50 common conjunctions with examples,
organized clearly for exams and learning.
50 Conjunctions List with Examples
A. Coordinating
Conjunctions (7)
These join equal clauses or words.
And – She reads and writes.
But – He is poor but happy.
Or – Tea or coffee?
So – He was tired, so he slept.
Yet – She is tired, yet she works.
For – He left, for he was angry.
Nor – She does not drink, nor does she smoke.
B. Subordinating
Conjunctions (30)
These join dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Although – Although it rained, we played.
Though – Though he is rich, he is humble.
Because – She stayed home because she was sick.
Since – Since you are here, help me.
If – If you study, you will pass.
Unless – Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
When – Call me when you arrive.
While – She was sleeping while I was working.
Before – Finish your work before you leave.
After – After he ate, he slept.
Until – Wait until I come.
As – She sang as she worked.
Where – Stay where you are.
Wherever – Sit wherever you like.
That – I know that he is honest.
So that – Study so that you can succeed.
Even though – Even though he is tired, he works.
Even if – Even if it rains, we will go.
Once – Once you try, you will like it.
Whether – I don’t know whether he will come.
Rather than – I will walk rather than run.
As if – He talks as if he knows everything.
As long as – You can stay as long as you are quiet.
As soon as – Call me as soon as you arrive.
In order that – He works hard in order that he can win.
Provided that – You can go provided that you finish work.
Whereas – He is rich whereas his brother is poor.
While – While I agree, I have concerns.
Than – She is taller than I am.
Till – Wait till I return.
C. Correlative
Conjunctions (13)
These work in pairs.
Either...or – Either you come or stay.
Neither...nor – Neither he nor she came.
Both...and – Both John and Mike are here.
Not only...but also – She is not only smart but also kind.
Whether...or – Whether you go or stay, decide now.
No sooner...than – No sooner did he arrive than it rained.
Hardly...when – Hardly had I slept when the phone rang.
Such...that – It was such a hot day that we stayed inside.
So...that – She was so tired that she slept early.
As...as – He is as tall as his brother.
Not...but – She is not sad but tired.
Just as...so – Just as I helped you, so you help me.
The more...the more – The more you study, the more you
learn.
Quick Exam Tip
If the word connects:
equal clauses → Coordinating conjunction
dependent clause → Subordinating conjunction
paired words → Correlative conjunction
These conjunctions connect equal words, phrases, or
independent clauses.
Easy trick to remember conjunction - FANBOYS meaning
Each letter stands for one conjunction:
|
Letter |
Conjunction |
Meaning |
Example |
|
F |
For |
shows
reason |
She was tired, for she worked all
day. |
|
A |
And |
adds
information |
He plays football and cricket. |
|
N |
Nor |
Shows
negative addition |
She does not drink, nor does she
smoke. |
|
B |
But |
shows
contrast |
He is poor, but he is happy. |
|
O |
Or |
shows
choice |
Tea or coffee? |
|
Y |
Yet |
shows
contrast (stronger than but) |
She is tired, yet she continues
working. |
|
S |
So |
shows
result |
He was hungry, so he ate food. |
How FANBOYS Connect
Clauses
FANBOYS connect two independent clauses.
Structure:
Independent clause + comma + FANBOYS + independent clause
Example:
I was tired, so I went to bed.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
He tried, but he failed.
Both sides can stand alone as sentences.
Easy Way to Remember
FANBOYS
FANBOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Memory sentence:
Friendly Artists Never Break Our Yellow Shoes
Quick Examples of
Each
For → I stayed home, for I was sick.
And → She sings and dances.
Nor → He does not eat meat, nor does he drink milk.
But → I called him, but he did not answer.
Or → Hurry up, or you will miss the bus.
Yet → It is raining, yet he is playing outside.
So → She was late, so she ran.
Important Rule
Use a comma before FANBOYS when connecting two full
sentences.
Correct:
I was tired, so I slept.
Incorrect:
I was tired so I slept. ❌
Main Difference between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions
|
Feature |
Coordinating Conjunction |
Subordinating Conjunction |
|
Purpose |
Joins equal clauses |
Joins unequal
clauses |
|
Clause type |
Independent +
Independent |
Independent +
Dependent |
|
Clause importance |
Both clauses are
equal |
One clause depends
on the other |
|
Comma use |
Usually uses comma |
Comma depends on
position |
|
Examples |
and, but, or, so,
yet, for, nor |
because, although,
when, if, that, while |
Coordinating
Conjunction (Equal Clauses)
Both clauses are complete sentences and can stand alone.
Structure:
Clause + comma + coordinating conjunction + clause
Examples:
I was tired, so I slept.
She studied hard, and she passed.
He is poor, but he is happy.
Both parts are
independent:
I was tired. ✅
I slept. ✅
Vs
Subordinating
Conjunction (Unequal Clauses)
One clause is independent, and the other is dependent.
Dependent clause cannot stand alone.
Examples:
I slept because I was tired.
Although it was raining, we played.
She called me when she arrived.
Dependent clause
alone:
Because I was tired. ❌ (incomplete)
Practice questions to test your understanding of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Coordinating or
Subordinating
Practice Questions
I was tired, so I
went to sleep.
She stayed home
because she was sick.
He is poor, but he is
happy.
Although it was
raining, we went outside.
You can come with me
or stay here.
She smiled and waved
at me.
We will start when
the teacher arrives.
He studied hard, yet
he failed.
If you work hard, you
will succeed.
She wanted tea, but
she drank coffee.
I will call you when
I reach home.
He was hungry, so he
ate food.
Although she was
tired, she continued working.
You must hurry or you
will miss the bus.
She passed the exam
because she studied hard.
He tried, but he
could not win.
Stay here until I
return.
She is smart and
hardworking.
We waited while he
finished his work.
He did not come, nor
did he call.
Answer Key
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
Subordinating
Coordinating
In conclusion, conjunctions play a vital role in building complex and effective sentences, making them an important foundation for mastering English grammar.
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