📚 What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses together. Conjunctions help us combine ideas and make our writing flow better.
I like apples and oranges.
She is tired, but she keeps working.
You can have cake or ice cream.
🎯 Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
Connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance
💡 Remember FANBOYS:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
I want pizza, and my brother wants pasta.
She studied hard, so she passed the test.
He's tired, but he won't stop working.
Would you like tea or coffee?
I didn't go, for I was feeling sick.
The movie was long, yet entertaining.
I don't like carrots, nor do I like peas.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause
Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, if, when, while, since, unless, before, after, until, as, though, whereas, wherever
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
I'll call you when I arrive.
Although he's young, he's very mature.
We can't go unless we finish our homework.
She was reading while he was cooking.
Correlative Conjunctions
Work in pairs to connect equal elements
Common pairs: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or
Both Sarah and Tom are coming.
You can have either chocolate or vanilla.
Neither the cat nor the dog wanted to go outside.
She is not only smart but also kind.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
📝 Using Commas with Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Use a comma before the conjunction when connecting two independent clauses
✓ I love reading, and my sister loves writing.
✓ We wanted to go to the beach, but it was too cold.
No comma when connecting words or short phrases:
✓ I like apples and oranges. (no comma)
Subordinating Conjunctions
Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first
✓ When it rains, we stay inside. (comma)
✓ We stay inside when it rains. (no comma)
✏️ Practice Exercise
Identify the conjunctions and their types. Click to reveal!
1. I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
but - coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
2. Because she studied hard, she got an A on the test.
Because - subordinating conjunction
3. Both my brother and my sister play soccer.
Both...and - correlative conjunctions
4. We can go to the movies or stay home and watch TV.
or - coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) - connects two options
and - coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) - connects two verbs
5. Although it was late, we decided to keep working.
Although - subordinating conjunction
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Run-on Sentences
I love reading I also love writing.
✓ I love reading, and I also love writing.
❌ Comma Splices
She was tired, she went to bed early.
✓ She was tired, so she went to bed early.
❌ Starting Sentences with "And" or "But"
In formal writing, avoid starting sentences with coordinating conjunctions. In casual writing, it's sometimes acceptable for emphasis.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses
- FANBOYS are coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
- Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent and independent clauses
- Correlative conjunctions work in pairs (both...and, either...or)
- Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions connecting two complete sentences