Conjunctions
Learn about the different types of conjunctions and how to use them to connect words, phrases, and clauses
What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words that connect or join other words, phrases, or clauses together. They act as bridges between different parts of a sentence, helping to create smooth and logical connections. Understanding conjunctions is essential for building complex sentences and expressing relationships between ideas.
Types of Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
For
Shows reason or purpose
And
Adds information
Nor
Shows negative alternative
But
Shows contrast
Or
Shows choice
Yet
Shows contrast or exception
So
Shows result or consequence
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Time
when, while, before, after, since, until
Cause
because, since, as, given that
Condition
if, unless, provided that, in case
Purpose
so that, in order that, lest
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Both...and
Shows two things together
Either...or
Shows choice between two
Neither...nor
Shows negative choice
Not only...but also
Emphasizes two points
Conjunctions in Sentences
Coordinating: I like coffee and tea. (connects two nouns)
Subordinating: I'll call you when I arrive. (connects dependent clause)
Correlative: Both the book and the movie were excellent. (emphasizes two things)
Complex: I studied hard because I wanted to pass the exam, but I was still nervous.
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Conjunction Types
Identify the type of each conjunction:
1. "And" in "I like pizza and pasta" is a _____ conjunction.
Show Answer
Answer: Coordinating conjunction (connects two nouns)
2. "Because" in "I stayed home because I was sick" is a _____ conjunction.
Show Answer
Answer: Subordinating conjunction (shows cause)
3. "Both...and" in "Both the teacher and the student agreed" is a _____ conjunction.
Show Answer
Answer: Correlative conjunction (emphasizes two things)
Interactive Quiz 2: Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions:
I like coffee _____ I don't like tea.
Show Answer
Answer: but (shows contrast)
_____ you study hard, you will pass the exam.
Show Answer
Answer: If (shows condition)
_____ the movie _____ the book was interesting.
Show Answer
Answer: Both...and (emphasizes two things)
Interactive Quiz 3: Fix the Sentences
Fix these sentences by adding appropriate conjunctions:
I wanted to go to the party. I was too tired.
Show Answer
Answer: I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.
She studied hard. She wanted to get good grades.
Show Answer
Answer: She studied hard because she wanted to get good grades.
You can have pizza. You can have pasta.
Show Answer
Answer: You can have either pizza or pasta.
Important Grammar Rules for Conjunctions
Comma Usage
Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions when connecting two independent clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show relationships between ideas.
Correlative Pairs
Correlative conjunctions must be used in pairs and maintain parallel structure.
Notes:
- Remember FANBOYS for coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
- Subordinating conjunctions create complex sentences with dependent and independent clauses
- Correlative conjunctions must be used in pairs and maintain parallel structure
- Use commas appropriately when connecting independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Remember FANBOYS for coordinating conjunctions - it makes them easy to identify!