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When I mark essays, conjunctions are where I see students lose points without realizing it. They know what “and” and “but” do, but they switch between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions mid-paragraph without understanding the structural difference. The moment they grasp that coordinating conjunctions join equals (two independent clauses) and subordinating conjunctions join dependent clauses to independent ones, their sentences become stronger and their ideas flow better.
You’ll covers the three main types of conjunctions — coordinating, subordinating, and correlative — plus the tricky “conjunctive adverbs” that aren’t quite conjunctions. You’ll see the pattern behind each type, learn the key words, and understand when to reach for each one. By the end, you’ll know exactly which conjunction belongs in each sentence structure.
Key Takeaways
- Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS) — join two independent clauses or equal elements; use a comma + conjunction.
- Subordinating Conjunctions — join a dependent clause to an independent clause; no comma rule (unless dependent clause comes first).
- Correlative Conjunctions — work in pairs (either…or, neither…nor); join parallel structures.
- Conjunctive Adverbs — join independent clauses but are NOT true conjunctions; require a semicolon or period.
- Structure matters: the type of conjunction determines comma rules, clause type, and sentence variety.
What Are Conjunctions?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses together. The word “conjunction” literally means “joining together.” In sentence structure, conjunctions glue ideas together and show the relationship between them. Without conjunctions, sentences would be choppy lists of independent thoughts.
Example without conjunction: She wanted to go to the party. She had to study for her exam.
Example with conjunction: She wanted to go to the party, but she had to study for her exam.
The addition of “but” instantly shows the contrast between the two ideas. That’s the power of a conjunction.
Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS
Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more equal grammatical elements — usually two independent clauses, or two words/phrases of the same type. There are exactly seven coordinating conjunctions in English, and you can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS.
Formula: Independent Clause + [comma + coordinating conjunction] + Independent Clause
The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions
- F = For (expresses reason; similar to “because”)
- A = And (adds one thing to another)
- N = Nor (presents a negative alternative)
- B = But (shows contrast)
- O = Or (presents a choice)
- Y = Yet (introduces contrast, often surprising)
- S = So (indicates effect, result, or consequence)
For
For explains the reason or purpose behind the first clause. It’s formal, so modern writing often uses “because” instead.
Example 1: I go to the park every Sunday, for I love to watch the ducks on the lake.
Example 2: He studied all night, for the exam was the next morning.
And
And adds one thing to another. It’s the most common conjunction and the most versatile.
Example 1: She sat next to him and listened quietly.
Example 2: I like to read books and watch movies.
Example 3: They danced together and laughed until midnight.
Nor
Nor presents an alternative negative idea to an already stated negative idea. It’s less common and more formal than “or.”
Example 1: Tom neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.
Example 2: She doesn’t like coffee, nor does she like tea.
But
But shows contrast or introduces an exception to the first clause. It’s one of the most frequently used conjunctions.
Example 1: I want to go to the party, but I have to study for my exam.
Example 2: He is a good student, but he is not very social.
Example 3: She’s brilliant, but she lacks confidence.
Or
Or presents an alternative or a choice between options.
Example 1: Which do you like better, apples or bananas?
Example 2: You can either come with me, or stay here.
Example 3: Would you like tea or coffee?
Yet
Yet introduces a contrasting idea, often with a sense of surprise or contradiction. It’s similar to “but” but carries more emphasis on the unexpected contrast.
Example 1: He is very talented, yet he is very humble.
Example 2: She worked hard, yet she failed the exam.
So
So indicates an effect, result, or consequence. The second clause is the result of the first.
Example 1: She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
Example 2: It is raining, so we should stay inside.
Example 3: He was hungry, so he made a sandwich.
Subordinating Conjunctions: Joining Unequal Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence; it relies on the independent clause for meaning. These conjunctions show the relationship between the clauses — cause-and-effect, time, condition, contrast, and so on.
Formula: [Dependent Clause] + [Independent Clause] or [Independent Clause] + [Dependent Clause]
Note: If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma. If the independent clause comes first, usually no comma.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Function
| Function | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time | when, while, before, after, until, since, as soon as | When I grow up, I want to be a doctor. |
| Reason/Cause | because, since, as | Because he studied hard, he passed the exam. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | If you don’t hurry, you will miss the train. |
| Concession/Contrast | although, though, even though, whereas | Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk. |
| Comparison | than, as | He is cleverer than I am. |
After
After shows that one event happens after another event.
Example 1: After she finished her homework, she went to bed.
Example 2: We’ll celebrate after the results are announced.
Although / Though
Although and though show that two contrasting ideas exist simultaneously. “Although” is more formal.
Example 1: Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
Example 2: Though the kitchen is small, it is well designed.
Because
Because shows the reason or cause for something.
Example 1: She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.
Example 2: I love Matisse’s work because he uses color so brilliantly.
Example 3: We stayed home because of the storm. (Note: “because of” is a preposition phrase, not a conjunction.)
Unless
Unless shows a condition that must be met before something can happen. It’s similar to “if…not.”
Example 1: You can’t watch TV unless you finish your homework.
Example 2: Unless you apologize, I won’t forgive you.
Until
Until shows that an event will continue up to a certain point in time.
Example 1: She waited until the rain stopped before leaving the house.
Example 2: You can stay on the bus until you reach London.
While
While shows that two actions are happening at the same time.
Example 1: She listened to music while she was doing her homework.
Example 2: While I was cooking, the phone rang.
Correlative Conjunctions: Working in Pairs
Correlative conjunctions always work in pairs. They join words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical importance and are used to show contrast, addition, or choice. The structure is “balanced” — the elements on either side of the pair should be parallel.
Formula: [First part] + [Element A] + [Second part] + [Element B]
Rule: Elements A and B must be parallel (same grammatical form).
Both…and
Both…and shows that two things are true at the same time.
Example 1: She played both hockey and basketball when she was a student.
Example 2: Both the cat and the dog were sleeping on the couch.
Either…or
Either…or shows a choice between two things.
Example 1: I will eat either carrots or peas for dinner.
Example 2: Either you come with me, or you stay here.
Neither…nor
Neither…nor shows that neither of two things is true (double negative).
Example 1: Natalie likes neither milk nor cream cake.
Example 2: Neither John nor Sarah likes to eat sushi.
Not only…but also
Not only…but also shows that two things are true, with emphasis on the second being surprising or additional.
Example 1: She’s not only smart, but also funny.
Example 2: Not only will they paint the outside of the house but also the inside.
Conjunctive Adverbs: A Special Case
Conjunctive adverbs are not true conjunctions, but they join two independent clauses and show a relationship between them. The key difference: they require a semicolon (or period and new sentence) before them, not just a comma + conjunction.
Formula: Independent Clause [semicolon] + Conjunctive Adverb + Independent Clause
Therefore
Therefore indicates a cause-and-effect relationship — the second clause is a result of the first.
Example: I didn’t study for the exam; therefore, I failed.
However
However shows a contrast or contradiction between two clauses.
Example: I wanted to go to the beach; however, it was raining.
Meanwhile
Meanwhile shows that two things are happening at the same time.
Example: I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my husband was setting the table.
Furthermore
Furthermore adds information to a previous statement.
Example: I love to travel; furthermore, I enjoy learning about different cultures.
Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
✗ Incorrect: She is smart and she is beautiful.
✓ Correct: She is smart and beautiful. OR She is smart, and she is beautiful.
Why: When joining two simple adjectives with “and,” you don’t need a subject and verb in the second part. Keep it parallel. However, if you want to emphasize the second clause, you can add the comma: She is smart, and she is beautiful.
✗ Incorrect: Although it was raining, but they went for a walk.
✓ Correct: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
Why: Don’t use both a subordinating conjunction (“although”) and a coordinating conjunction (“but”) in the same sentence. Pick one. If you use “although,” drop the “but.” If you want “but,” use a comma instead: It was raining, but they went for a walk.
✗ Incorrect: I wanted to go to the party, however I had to study.
✓ Correct: I wanted to go to the party; however, I had to study. OR I wanted to go to the party. However, I had to study.
Why: “However” is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. It needs a semicolon (or period) before it, not just a comma.
Sample Dialogue: A Question About Commas
Student: My teacher put a semicolon before “however” and I used a comma. What’s the difference between “however” and “but”?
Teacher: Great question. “But” is a coordinating conjunction, so it goes with a comma: “I wanted to go, but I had to study.” “However” is a conjunctive adverb, so it needs a semicolon or period: “I wanted to go; however, I had to study.”
Student: But they mean the same thing, don’t they?
Teacher: Exactly. The meaning is the same, but the punctuation rule is different. Think of “however” as slightly more formal or emphatic. And remember: conjunctive adverbs aren’t true conjunctions, so they follow different punctuation rules.
Quick Quiz
- Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction correctly? (A) I went to the store and I bought milk. (B) I went to the store, and I bought milk. (C) Both are correct. (D) Neither is correct.
- Complete: “He doesn’t like coffee, ____ does he like tea.” What word fills the blank? (A) and (B) or (C) nor (D) yet
- Which is a subordinating conjunction? (A) and (B) because (C) so (D) therefore
- Identify the error: “Although the weather was bad, but we went hiking anyway.” (A) No error. (B) Use only “although”; drop “but”. (C) Use “however” instead of “but”. (D) Add a comma after “bad”.
- Which sentence uses a correlative conjunction pair correctly? (A) I like either coffee and tea. (B) I like either coffee or tea. (C) I like both coffee or tea. (D) I like neither coffee and tea.
Answers: 1. (C) Both are correct — “I went to the store, and I bought milk” emphasizes the second action; “I went to the store and bought milk” is more casual but also acceptable. 2. (C) nor — “He doesn’t like coffee, nor does he like tea” (presents a negative alternative). 3. (B) because — it joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. 4. (B) Use only “although”; drop “but” — don’t mix a subordinating conjunction with a coordinating conjunction in the same sentence. 5. (B) I like either coffee or tea — correlative pairs must match (either…or, neither…nor, both…and).
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- English Sentence Structure (Pillar)
- The Four Types of Conditionals in English
Frequently Asked Questions
What are subordinating conjunctions and how are they used?
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. Examples include “although,” “because,” “if,” “when,” and “while.” They show relationships like cause-and-effect, time, condition, and contrast. For example: “Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.” If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma; if the independent clause comes first, usually no comma.
What is the difference between “and,” “but,” and “or”?
And adds or joins ideas of equal weight. But shows contrast or introduces an exception. Or presents a choice or alternative. Example: “I like apples and oranges” (both are good) vs. “I like apples, but I prefer oranges” (contrast) vs. “Do you want apples or oranges?” (a choice).
What is the FANBOYS acronym and why is it useful?
FANBOYS is a memory aid for the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. It’s useful because these seven conjunctions are the most common ones used to join independent clauses, and remembering them helps you construct grammatically correct sentences with proper comma placement.
What’s the difference between “however” and “but”?
But is a coordinating conjunction; use a comma before it: “I wanted to go, but I had to study.” However is a conjunctive adverb; use a semicolon before it: “I wanted to go; however, I had to study.” The meaning is similar, but the punctuation is different.
Can I use a comma before “and” in a sentence?
Yes. Use a comma + “and” when joining two independent clauses: “She studied hard, and she passed the exam.” You can also use a comma before “and” in a series (the Oxford comma): “I like apples, oranges, and bananas.” But for simple additions, a comma isn’t required: “I like apples and oranges.”
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