Conjunctions - English

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are equal in value. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet. You can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS.

• and joins similar ideas:
  • I like coffee and tea.
• but shows contrast:
  • She is tired, but she will finish her work.
• for means "because":
  • He was hungry, for he had not eaten all day.
• nor connects two negative ideas:
  • She did not eat, nor did she drink.
• or offers choices:
  • Would you like water or juice?
• so shows results:
  • It was raining, so we stayed inside.
• yet shows contrast, similar to but:
  • He is short, yet very strong.

When combining two independent clauses, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent clause. Some common subordinating conjunctions are: after, although, as, as far as, as soon as, because, before, even though, if, in case, once, since, though, unless, until, when, while.

• after
  • We will leave after she arrives.
• because
  • I stayed at home because it was raining.
• although
  • Although he was tired, he went to the gym.
• if
  • Call me if you need help.
• unless
  • Don’t call me unless it is an emergency.
• as soon as
  • I’ll call you as soon as I arrive.
• while
  • She read a book while she waited.
• since
  • Since it’s late, let’s go to bed.

A comma is often used after a dependent clause if it comes before the main clause.

Using Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join equal sentence parts. Some common pairs are: both-and, either-or, neither-nor, not only-but also, whether-or.

• both-and
  • Both my brother and my sister play soccer.
• either-or
  • You can either have dessert or cheese.
• neither-nor
  • Neither my mom nor my dad can swim.
• not only-but also
  • She is not only smart but also hardworking.
• whether-or
  • I don't know whether it will rain or snow.

The structure for correlative conjunctions should be balanced on both sides. For example:

• Either you start now or you wait until tomorrow.
• Not only did he win, but also he set a record.