What are Conjunctions in English?
A conjunction is a word (or fixed pair of words) that connects two or more words, phrases, or clauses. Without conjunctions, English sentences would be choppy and disconnected: 'It rained. We stayed inside.' With a conjunction, the relationship becomes explicit: 'It rained, so we stayed inside.'
English has three main types of conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions join two grammatically equal elements — two nouns, two main clauses. Subordinating conjunctions attach a dependent clause to a main clause and signal why the dependent clause matters (reason, time, condition, contrast). Correlative conjunctions are pairs that work together to link balanced structures.
The choice of conjunction is not just grammatical — it signals the logical relationship between ideas. 'Although the plan had risks, we approved it' and 'Because the plan had risks, we rejected it' are both grammatically correct, but the conjunction determines the entire meaning. Getting conjunctions right is essential for IELTS Writing Task 2 coherence and for TOEIC Part 5 and 6 accuracy.
The Three Conjunction Types
Coordinating conjunctions link equal grammatical units; subordinating conjunctions make one clause dependent on another. The position of a subordinating conjunction changes the punctuation rule.
[clause] + coordinating conjunction + [clause] / subordinating conjunction + [clause] + [main clause]Coordinating Conjunctions — FANBOYS
There are exactly seven coordinating conjunctions in English. The acronym FANBOYS makes them easy to remember. A comma is placed before the conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
| Conjunction | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|
| for | reason / explanation (formal) | She left early, for the last train departed at eleven. |
| and | addition | The report was thorough and the recommendations were clear. |
| nor | addition of negative | He didn't apologise, nor did he offer any explanation. |
| but | contrast | The deadline was tight, but the team delivered on time. |
| or | alternative / choice | You can revise the proposal, or we can cancel the contract. |
| yet | contrast (despite expectation) | The strategy was risky, yet it succeeded beyond all forecasts. |
| so | result / consequence | The network was down, so the meeting was postponed. |
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause. When the dependent clause comes first, a comma separates the two clauses. When it comes second, no comma is needed.
| Relationship | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, since, as | She declined the offer because the salary was below her expectation. |
| Time | when, while, after, before, until, as soon as, once | Call me as soon as you land. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | We'll proceed unless the client requests changes. |
| Contrast | although, even though, while, whereas, though | Although the budget was limited, the results were impressive. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She saved every draft so that she could track revisions. |
| Result | so... that, such... that | The report was so detailed that it took three days to review. |
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs. Both parts must appear in the sentence. They always connect grammatically parallel structures — matching a noun with a noun, a clause with a clause.
| Pair | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| either ... or | choice between two | Either the marketing team presents the plan, or the project gets shelved. |
| neither ... nor | exclusion of both | Neither the manager nor the client was satisfied with the outcome. |
| both ... and | inclusion of both | Both the timeline and the budget need to be reviewed. |
| not only ... but also | addition with emphasis | She not only met the deadline but also exceeded the brief. |
| whether ... or | two alternatives equally valid | Whether you agree or disagree, the decision has been made. |
How Conjunctions Work
Coordinating Conjunctions
Join two or more grammatically equal elements — two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. When joining two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction. Never start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction in formal academic writing.
- The analyst reviewed the data, and her findings changed the entire strategy.
- We can launch next quarter, or we can delay until the new system is ready.
- The figures looked promising, but the underlying assumptions were flawed.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Introduce a dependent clause and show its logical relationship to the main clause: reason, time, condition, contrast, or purpose. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence — it must attach to a main clause.
- Although the feedback was mixed, the team decided to launch on schedule.
- She had saved every draft so that she could trace every revision.
- The system failed because a critical update had not been applied.
Correlative Conjunctions
Pairs of conjunctions that link two balanced, parallel elements. Both parts must appear; they create a logical symmetry that is particularly useful for comparison, contrast, and emphasis in formal writing.
- Neither the finance team nor the operations lead was available for the call.
- The campaign was not only effective but also considerably under budget.
- You can submit the form either online or at the registration desk.
Conjunctive Adverbs — Common Confusion
Words like however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, and furthermore look like conjunctions but behave differently. They are adverbs that comment on the relationship between sentences. They cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma — they require a semicolon or a full stop before them.
- The proposal was well-argued; however, the budget was unrealistic.
- Sales increased by 12% in Q3; therefore, the board approved the expansion.
- The trial ran for six months. Nevertheless, the results remained inconclusive.
How to Identify Which Conjunction Type You Need
Because vs. Although
'Because' introduces a reason; 'although' introduces a contrast or concession. Both are subordinating conjunctions, but they create opposite logical relationships and cannot be swapped.
Because — introduces a reason
The meeting was postponed <hl>because</hl> the director was travelling.
The travelling explains or caused the postponement.
Although — introduces a concession
<hl>Although</hl> the director was travelling, the meeting went ahead.
The travelling did not stop the meeting — the conjunction signals a contrast.
Because — effect follows reason
<hl>Because</hl> demand has risen, we have expanded production.
Demand rise → production expansion. Cause-to-effect.
Although — result despite obstacle
<hl>Although</hl> demand has risen, supply remains steady.
Demand rose, but supply didn't — contrast.
But vs. However
Both signal contrast, but they belong to different grammatical categories and require different punctuation. Mixing them up causes one of the most common comma-splice errors in academic writing.
But — coordinating conjunction
The plan was bold, <hl>but</hl> the execution was poor.
Comma + but joins two independent clauses. No semicolon needed.
However — conjunctive adverb
The plan was bold; <hl>however</hl>, the execution was poor.
Semicolon before 'however'; comma after. Or use a full stop: 'The plan was bold. However, the execution was poor.'
But — inside the sentence
I understand the logic, <hl>but</hl> I disagree.
'But' sits between the two clauses — it is part of the sentence.
However — can open or interrupt
<hl>However</hl>, I disagree with the conclusion.
'However' can open the next sentence. 'But' cannot open a sentence in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Comma splice with 'however'
✗ The results were promising, however the sample size was too small.
✓ The results were promising; however, the sample size was too small.
'However' is not a coordinating conjunction — it cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma. Use a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after, or start a new sentence.
Confusion between 'although' and 'because'
✗ Although she studied hard, she passed the exam.
✓ Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
'Although' signals contrast or concession — something happened despite an obstacle. 'Because' signals reason. Passing because of studying hard is a cause-effect relationship, not a contrast.
Non-parallel structures with correlative conjunctions
✗ She is not only writing the report but also presented it.
✓ She is not only writing the report but also presenting it.
Both parts of a correlative pair must be grammatically parallel. 'Not only [verb-ing]' requires 'but also [verb-ing]' — not a different verb form.
Using a comma before a subordinating conjunction at the end of the sentence
✗ The project was delayed, because the supplier failed to deliver.
✓ The project was delayed because the supplier failed to deliver.
When the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed. The comma rule applies only when the subordinate clause comes first: 'Because the supplier failed, the project was delayed.'
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