Conjunctions

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses together. Without conjunctions, our sentences would be short and choppy.

Coordinating Conjunctions — FANBOYS

There are seven: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

They join two equal grammatical elements:

• I wanted to stay, but I had to leave.
• She can have tea or coffee.

When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions

These introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause. Common examples: because, although, while, since, unless, if, when, after, before.

• Because she studied hard, she passed.
• He went home after the game ended.

The dependent clause can come first (use a comma) or second (no comma needed).

Correlative Conjunctions

These work in pairs: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also.

• Neither he nor his sister was home.
• Both cats and dogs make great pets.