Conjunctions in English Explained

Mastering conjunctions in English is essential for achieving English fluency. Whether you’re writing an essay for a class or an exam or sending an email to your English-speaking colleagues, using English conjunctions will help you connect your ideas more effectively and express yourself clearly.

In this article, we’ll discuss the three types of conjunctions in English. We’ll share a list of commonly used conjunctions for each category and explain when it’s appropriate to use them.

You’ll become more confident in using conjunctions in English with the 50+ examples included in this overview.

What are conjunctions in English?

Conjunctions are a part of speech that helps us connect words, sentences and phrases. Along with punctuation, English conjunctions are the glue that keeps our ideas together.

We need to express complex ideas in our day-to-day life. Think of your last presentation at work. There was an order to your ideas – some ideas complemented others, some contrasted, and you used supporting points to convince your listeners.

Using English conjunctions makes this task easier and makes your ideas flow better.

Which of the following is clearer?

Our sales last quarter were lower than expected. We need to readjust our expected revenue for the next quarter.

Because our sales last quarter were lower than expected, we need to readjust our expected revenue for the next quarter.

The conjunction because in sentence 2 helps us connect the two ideas in a single sentence. It introduces the reason for readjusting next quarter’s expected revenue.

There are three main types of conjunctions in English: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions. Each type of conjunction connects ideas in unique ways.

For a quick recap of parts of speech in English, read our guide Learn and Master the Eight Basic Parts of Speech.

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions let us connect similar grammatical elements. There are seven total: for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. An easy way to remember them is with the mnemonic FANBOYS.

The individual coordinating conjunction gives each group of connected words, phrases or independent clauses a specific meaning:

A phrase followed by for gives a reason for the previous phrase.

• I doubt he’ll show up to the party, for he’s very shy.
  

The conjunction and tells us that the connected ideas are equal to each other.

• To apply for this job you need to submit a resume and a cover letter.
  

We use nor to highlight two equivalent negative elements.

• The marketing team is not available, nor is the sales team.
  

The word but allows us to contrast two points.

• They had agreed to give me a promotion, but I decided to go for a new job instead.
  

We convey that there are two different choices or outcomes by using or.

• He needs to apologize, or I will not forgive him.
  

The conjunction yet also shows contrasting ideas or provides an exception to an idea.

• Toronto and London have been on my travel bucket list for years, yet I haven’t had the opportunity to visit them.
  

Connect an action with a result or consequence with the coordinating conjunction so.

• Tom left his keys at work, so he had to call a locksmith to open the door for him.
  

Coordinating conjunctions are frequently used in English, though nor and for are less frequently used than the other five.

Notice that a comma usually goes before a coordinating conjunction when connecting two independent clauses. However, we can use and, but, yet and or without a comma when connecting words or phrases:

• She’s allergic to gluten and dairy.
  

• I’m small but mighty.
  

• It’s a challenging yet worthwhile endeavor.
  

• Would you like pasta or chicken?
  

Study the examples above and become familiar with the different meanings we can convey through these coordinating conjunctions.

Mnemonics (memory tricks) aren’t the only way we memorize vocabulary in English. Check out these 6 proven ways to memorize vocabulary.

Correlative conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are similar to coordinating conjunctions in that they connect parallel words, phrases and independent clauses to express a relationship between the two connected elements. However, correlative conjunctions come in pairs. That’s why they’re often referred to as paired conjunctions.

Common correlative conjunctions:

• neither…nor
• whether…or
• as many…as
• either…or
• not only…but also
• the…the
• both…and
• just as…so too

By using correlative conjunctions, you’re able to more strongly emphasize the relationship between two ideas than by just using coordinating conjunctions.

Correlative conjunctions examples

• Neither the Spanish nor the English discovered the New World.
  

• The final scene of the film was both surprising and disappointing.
  

• Just as eating healthily is important for your health, so too is moving your body.
  

• You must understand that the longer you avoid making a decision, the more stressed you’ll be.
  

• Reading a good book at home can be as much fun as going out on the town.
  

• Whether you leave tomorrow or next week is up to you.
  

You’ll notice that correlative conjunctions permit us to show an equivalence between the two ideas, whether positive, negative or neutral. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions

With coordinating and correlative conjunctions, we connect similar elements to compare, contrast or provide a reason for something. Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, allow us to add a dependent clause to an independent clause to provide additional information in support of our ideas.

Before going any further though, it’s important to understand the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause.

An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and verb and can express a complete idea:

• We decided to cancel our trip.
  

• Let’s discuss our sales strategy in our next meeting.
  

A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and verb but does not always express a complete idea:

• I were you
  

• you win the lottery
  

Without more context, we can’t understand the meaning of a dependent clause. Something is missing – the subordinating conjunction.

We combine a subordinating conjunction with a dependent clause to connect it to an independent clause. A dependent clause can come before or after an independent clause.

We use a comma to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause when it comes at the beginning of the sentence.

• Because the cost of living keeps increasing, millennials are unable to afford to buy a home.
  

When the subordinating clause follows the independent clause, we usually don’t use a comma.

• We need to leave right now if we want to make it to the airport on time.
  

We use subordinating conjunctions to show various relationships between clauses.

Cause and effect

as long as, because

• As long as you work hard, you’ll succeed.
  

• We’re experiencing major delays because the snowstorm is so bad.
  

Condition

provided that, in case

• Provided that you cover my shift on Monday, I’ll cover yours today.
  

• Planning your meals on Sunday is useful in case you don’t have time during the week.
  

Time or place

as soon as, wherever

• Wherever you land in the northeast of the U.S., you’re bound to find a Dunkin Donuts.
  

• Don’t forget to call me as soon as you get home.
  

Concessions or comparisons

even though, although

• Even though the economy is not doing great, people are still able to find work.
  

• I allowed her to go out for the night, although I wasn’t 100% convinced.
  

Purpose

so that, in order to

• So that our trip is successful, we need to pack a few extra supplies.
  

• We need to stay at the office late in order to finish the project.
  

Mastering subordinating conjunctions is especially important if you want to improve your writing in English.

Read our other tips on how to get more English writing practice if your goal is to improve your writing.

English conjunctions list and more examples

The tables below list the commonly used conjunctions mentioned above with more examples.

Looking to go a step further in connecting your ideas? Check out our guide to conjunctive adjectives and learn more ways to express a relationship within sentences.

Practice makes perfect with English conjunctions

Learning to use the three types of conjunctions in English will take time, especially as you get accustomed to which conjunction to use in different situations. Let’s briefly review each type.

Coordinating conjunctions are the most commonly used conjunctions in English. They help us connect words, phrases and independent clauses, and each coordinating conjunction conveys a specific relationship. Examples of coordinating conjunctions include and, but and or.

Correlative conjunctions are similar to coordinating conjunctions, though they come in pairs and express a stronger relationship between the two connected elements. They include either…or, both…and, and neither…nor. Unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions may start a sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions connect independent clauses with dependent clauses to show the relationship between two ideas. In order to, as soon as, and provided that are examples of subordinating clauses.

The great thing about conjunctions in English is that you can use whichever one helps you express your ideas best. Having a list of coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions gives you the ability to express your ideas in English with more variety.