English
What is a conjunction?
Quick answer
A conjunction is a joining word that links words, phrases or clauses, such as and, but, or, so, because, when, if and although.
In one sentence
A conjunction is a word that joins two parts of a sentence together.
Explained
Short sentences are fine, but too many in a row sound choppy: It was raining. We took an umbrella. We still got wet. Conjunctions glue ideas together and show how they connect: It was raining, so we took an umbrella, but we still got wet.
There are two main kinds.
Coordinating conjunctions join two parts of equal weight: and, but, or, so, yet, nor, for. Many US classrooms remember them as FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). I can play outside or I can read. Each side could stand alone as a sentence.
Subordinating conjunctions start a subordinate clause, a part that depends on the main clause: because, when, if, although, while, since, until, before, after, unless, as. We stayed inside because it was cold. The part because it was cold cannot stand alone.
Subordinate clauses can move to the front. When they do, add a comma: Although she was tired, Mia finished the race.
Choosing the right conjunction changes meaning. I'll come if you invite me is very different from I'll come although you didn't invite me.
Older UK textbooks used the word "connectives" for conjunctions and linking adverbs together. Current teaching in England separates them into conjunctions, adverbs and prepositions.
bridge
rain
umbrella
Examples
| Conjunction | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | adds | I washed and dried the cups. |
| but | contrasts | It's small but strong. |
| so | result | I was late, so I ran. |
| because | reason | We cheered because we won. |
| when | time | Call me when you arrive. |
| although | contrast | Although it was late, we kept going. |
Common mistakes
- Chaining "and then" over and over. Vary with when, after, before, so and because.
- Leaving a subordinate clause on its own. Because I was tired. is not a full sentence; join it to a main clause.
- Forgetting the comma after a subordinate clause at the start.
Quick quiz
Conjunctions
Check what you know with 4 quick questions.
Question 1 of 4
Find the conjunction: I was hungry, so I made toast.
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For grown-ups
Related topics
Clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains a verb and usually a subject. A main clause makes sense on its own; a subordinate clause needs a main clause to complete it.
Subordinate clauses
A subordinate clause is a clause that adds extra information to a main clause but cannot stand alone as a sentence, like because it was raining or who lives next door.
Sentences
A sentence is a group of words that makes complete sense on its own. It starts with a capital letter, ends with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark, and usually has a verb.
Commas
A comma is a punctuation mark that shows a short pause or separates parts of a sentence, such as items in a list, a fronted adverbial, or extra information.
Persuasive writing
Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to agree with a view or take an action, using clear reasons, evidence and carefully chosen language.
Prepositions
A preposition is a word that shows how a noun or pronoun is linked to something else, often by place or time, like in, on, under, behind, before or during.