Conjunction
Learn what a conjunction is, its types, rules, examples, and common mistakes with this beginner-friendly English grammar lesson.
Conjunction
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. It helps make writing and speaking smoother by connecting related ideas.
Examples
| Sentence | Conjunction |
|---|---|
| Rahim and Karim are friends. | and |
| I was tired, but I finished my work. | but |
| Study hard or you may fail. | or |
| She stayed home because it was raining. | because |
Types of Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunction
A coordinating conjunction joins words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
The seven coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS.
| Conjunction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| For | because |
| And | adds information |
| Nor | negative alternative |
| But | contrast |
| Or | choice |
| Yet | unexpected contrast |
| So | result |
Examples
- Rahim and Karim are classmates.
- She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
- I wanted to go, but I was sick.
2. Subordinating Conjunction
A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
- because
- although
- since
- if
- when
- while
- before
- after
- unless
- until
- though
Examples
- I stayed home because it was raining.
- Although he was tired, he continued working.
- Call me when you arrive.
3. Correlative Conjunction
Correlative conjunctions always work in pairs.
| Pair | Example |
|---|---|
| either...or | You can either stay or leave. |
| neither...nor | Neither Ali nor Hasan came. |
| both...and | Both tea and coffee are available. |
| not only...but also | She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. |
| whether...or | I don't know whether to stay or leave. |
Common Conjunctions
Adding Information
- and
- also
- as well as
Examples
- She sings and dances.
- He is honest as well as hardworking.
Showing Contrast
- but
- yet
- although
- though
- however*
However is a conjunctive adverb, not a conjunction.
Examples
- I wanted to go, but it was raining.
- Although she was ill, she attended class.
Showing Choice
- or
- either...or
- neither...nor
Examples
- Tea or coffee?
- You can either call me or email me.
Showing Reason
- because
- since
- as
Examples
- She was absent because she was sick.
- Since it was late, we went home.
Showing Result
- so
- therefore*
- thus*
Therefore and thus are conjunctive adverbs.
Examples
- He worked hard, so he succeeded.
Rules
- Use and to join similar ideas.
- Use but to show contrast.
- Use or to show alternatives or choices.
- A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause.
- Correlative conjunctions must always be used in pairs.
Common Mistakes
❌ Because he was tired. He went to bed.
✅ Because he was tired, he went to bed.
❌ Either Ali or his friends is coming.
✅ Either Ali or his friends are coming.
The verb usually agrees with the noun closest to it in correlative conjunctions.
❌ She is not only smart but also she is kind.
✅ She is not only smart but also kind.
Quick Quiz
1. Which word is a conjunction?
A. quickly
B. and
C. happy
D. under
Answer: B
2. Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction?
A. She stayed home because it was raining.
B. I bought a pen and a notebook.
C. Although he was late, he joined us.
D. When I arrived, they had left.
Answer: B
3. Which pair is a correlative conjunction?
A. because...so
B. and...but
C. either...or
D. if...then
Answer: C
Summary
- A conjunction joins words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
- There are three main types of conjunctions:
- Coordinating Conjunction
- Subordinating Conjunction
- Correlative Conjunction
- The FANBOYS conjunctions are:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
- Using conjunctions correctly makes writing more natural, logical, and connected.