Conjunctions

In this lesson, master conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses using combinations like "and," "but," and "or." Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.

conjunctions coordinating conjunctions correlative conjunctions subordinating conjunctions

What Are Conjunctions?

Conjunctions are a type of word used in language to connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses together. They are often used to express relationships between ideas, coordinate or subordinate information, and create more complex sentence structures.

Conjunctions: Types

'Conjunctions' are categorized into three main groups based on the structures they link together. Here are the three categories:

Coordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

'Coordinating conjunctions' are linking words that join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. There are only seven coordinating conjunctions in English:

For

And

Nor

But

Yet

Example

Both dogs and cats are lovely animals.

I like to talk to you, but I cannot forgive what you did.

Subordinating Conjunctions

As the name suggests, 'subordinating conjunctions' are used to join the subordinate clause to the main clause. 'Although,' 'because,' 'until,' and 'while,' are some common examples of 'subordinating conjunctions.'

Example

I talked on the phone, while they were having dinner.

They did not take off, because the flight was cancelled.

Correlative Conjunctions

'Correlative conjunctions' are pairs of conjunctions that work together to join words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance or are parallel in grammatical structure. They are typically used to emphasize the relationship between the words, phrases, or clauses they connect. Some important 'correlative conjunctions' of English are either...or, neither..nor, and 'not only...but also'.

Example

Neither his dad nor his brother used to play basketball, but he is really interested in this sport.

Not only he cheated, but also he was not sorry at all.

Starting a Sentence with Conjunctions

You can start a sentence with a conjunction if it implies a logical meaning, regardless of which conjunction is used.

Example

Although he is young, he never attends parties.

Because she was sick, she decided not to come to the wedding.

Review

Conjunctions are used to link sentences with each other. Let us take a look at different conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions

Quiz:

Which sentence contains a subordinating conjunction?

We brought blankets and snacks for the movie.

Either finish your homework or help with dinner.

She couldn't sleep because the neighbors were noisy.

Both the piano and the guitar need tuning.

Sort the words to form a correct sentence.

thebeach

the

mountains

should

visit

Complete the table by choosing the type of conjunction used in each sentence.

Although it was late, he continued working.
Sarah wanted to leave, but she stayed.
You can take tea or coffee.
Both the twins and their cousin joined the game.

Subordinating Conjunction

Coordinating Conjunction

Correlative Conjunction

Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.

We could stay home or

She sings well

Both the manager

She was tired, but

and the assistant approved the plan.

although she never took lessons.

go for a walk.

she finished the race.

Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctions. (There are two extra options.)

We canceled the picnic

it started storming.

She enjoys hiking

kayaking.

He won't answer

you promise confidentiality.

The policy is

controversial

impractical.

She doesn't like coffee,

does she drink tea.

because

and

unless

not only

but also

nor

although

either

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Conjunctions

What Are Conjunctions?