Conjunctions
A conjunction is an essential part of English grammar. Conjunctions help us join words, phrases, and clauses, making sentences longer, clearer, and more meaningful. Without conjunctions, we would have to use many short sentences, and our speech and writing would sound unnatural.
This article explains conjunctions in depth, including definitions, types, rules, examples, common mistakes, and practice exercises, in simple and easy English.
A conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together. It helps to connect ideas smoothly and logically.
Types of Conjunction
| Type | Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating Conjunction | Joins words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance | I wanted to go, but it was raining. |
| Subordinating Conjunction | Joins a dependent clause with an independent clause | I stayed at home because it was raining. |
| Correlative Conjunction | Used in pairs to join related ideas | Either you study or you fail. |
Coordinating Conjunctions:
They join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
FANBOYS: F - For, A - And,N - Nor, B - But, O - Or, Y - Yet, S - So
Examples:
1. I stayed at home for it was raining.
2. I like apples and oranges.
3. I don’t like pizza, nor do I like burgers.
4. She is poor but honest.
5. You can take tea or coffee.
6. He tried hard, yet he failed.
7. He was tired, so he went home early.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
They join an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause. They show a relationship such as time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose.
Common subordinating conjunctions: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while, where, whereas, though, so that, even though, etc.
Examples:
1. I’ll call you after I reach home.
2. Although he is rich, he is not happy.
3. He couldn’t come as he was sick.
4. I went home because it was late.
5. Before you go, close the door.
6. If it rains, we’ll stay inside.
7. Since you’re new, let me help you.
8. Unless you study, you’ll fail.
9. When she arrived, everyone clapped.
10. He left while I was talking.
Correlative Conjunctions:
These are pairs of conjunctions used together to join equal parts of a sentence.
Common correlative pairs: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or, no sooner...than, rather...than, such...that, as...as
Examples:
1. Both Ravi and Kumar are friends.
2. You can have either tea or coffee.
3. Neither he nor his brother attended.
4. She is not only smart but also kind.
5. I don’t know whether he will come or not.
6. No sooner had I reached than it started raining.
7. I would rather walk than take the bus.
8. It was such a nice day that we went out.
9. She is as tall as her sister.
Common Mistakes
1. Using two conjunctions together
❌ Although but he is poor, he is honest
✅ Although he is poor, he is honest
Use only one conjunction at a time.
2. Wrong use of because + so
❌ Because he was tired, so he slept early
✅ Because he was tired, he slept early
3. Using but instead of and
❌ He is tall but strong
✅ He is tall and strong
4. Using and instead of but
❌ He is poor and he is honest (contrast)
✅ He is poor but he is honest
5. Wrong use of although
❌ Although he is rich, but he is unhappy
✅ Although he is rich, he is unhappy
6. Using or instead of nor
❌ He does not drink or smoke
✅ He does not drink nor smoke
Use nor with negative sentences.
7. Starting sentence with conjunction (formal)
❌ And he went home early (formal writing)
✅ He went home early
8. Wrong use of so
❌ He was sick so because he rested
✅ He was sick, so he rested
9. Confusing while and when
❌ While I reached home, it rained
✅ When I reached home, it rained
10. Wrong pairing of correlative conjunctions
❌ Either he will come and he will call
✅ Either he will come or he will call
Conjunction Quiz — Pick the Conjunction
10 questions. Choose the correct Conjunction.