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What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech that links words, phrases and clauses. Think of them as bridges that connect ideas. Conjunctions fall into one of four categories based on how they’re used.
Here’s a closer look at how to use them and what to watch for in terms of punctuation and construction.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are single words (example: and, but, or, so).
They link equivalent grammatical elements, such as nouns with nouns, and clauses with clauses. The ideas being connected carry the same weight in a sentence.
I stayed up all night writing, so I was tired the next day
She’s editing and proofreading my essay.
Coordinating conjunctions list
Some people use the mnemonic “fanboys” to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions.
for and nor but or yet so
What to watch for when using coordinating conjunctions:
When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses (complete
thoughts or sentences), use a comma between the clauses.
I can’t remember the rules, so I need a refresher.
When you’re joining an independent clause and a dependent clause
(incomplete thought), you don’t need a comma.
I prefer to write on my laptop but edit on paper.
2. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs (example: either/or, both/and, not
only/but also, as/as)
Similar to coordinating conjunctions, they link grammatical elements of
similar importance.
I not only passed the exam, but also got 100%.
The box is as tall as it is wide.
Correlative conjunctions list
either/or neither/nor not only/but also as/as both/and whether/or
What to watch for when using correlative conjunctions:
Correlative conjunctions need parallel construction. Check the words after
each conjunction and make sure they’re similarly structured.
Correct: We should either book the tickets in advance or arrive an hour
early. (In this example, the phrase “book the tickets” is parallel to “arrive an hour early”) Incorrect: We should either book the tickets in advance or be arriving an hour early. (In this example, the phrase “book the tickets” is not parallel to “be arriving”)
3. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are one or more words that unite ideas in a
complex sentence (example: as soon as, in case, unless, while).
They link dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts) to independent clauses
(complete thoughts).
Unless we give him a ride, he won’t be able to come.
Here’s some cash in case your credit card doesn’t work. The subordinating conjunction is placed in front of the dependent clause. As Cambridge Dictionary explains, subordinating conjunctions modify the independent clause and provide a cause, reason, result or purpose.
What to watch for when using subordinating conjunctions:
Use a comma if the subordinating conjunction and dependent clause are at
the beginning of a sentence. Otherwise, the comma isn’t required.
As soon as she’s finished her phone call, we’ll leave for the restaurant. We’ll leave for the restaurant as soon as she’s finished her phone call.
Subordinating Conjunctions There are actually 7 main categories of subordinating conjunctions based on the way in which they connect the independent and dependent clauses together. Each type of subordinating conjunction shows a different relationship between the independent and dependent clauses. Take a look at some examples below.
Comparison
These words or phrases link the dependent and independent clauses by
comparing the two of them:
Tim liked chocolate whereas Sally preferred candy.
Someone has to speak in public, whether it’s you or me. Concession
These words or phrases link the dependent and independent clauses by
conceding a point between them:
Although I’m going to work, I’d much rather stay home.
Sally is heading to the park today despite the rain. Condition
These connect the dependent and independent clauses by showing that the main idea relies on the supporting information:
Unless you can convince her to be nice, I’m not coming to dinner. Tim wasn’t willing to work extra hours in case he missed the big game. Time
These connect the two clauses together by showing a time relationship between the two of them:
After Valentine’s Day is over, we’ll go out to eat.
Sally made it to the front of the line before it was time for lunch. Place
Place subordinating conjunctions shows position with the relationship:
The pirate hid the gold where nobody could ever find it. Wherever possible, you should switch your groceries for healthier alternatives. Manner
These words or phrases show how something is done. The subordinating
conjunction is the additional information explaining how something is done:
Tim started to dig as if his life depended on it.
Sally cried as though she were a baby. Reason
These subordinating conjunctions provide a reason or an explanation as to why
something happened:
We ate early because we were hungry.
Sally arrived late so that she wouldn’t have to see her boss. Subordinating conjunctions list
after although as soon as because before by the time in case now that since unless when whether or not while
4. Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are one or more words used to join two independent clauses (example: after all, besides, nevertheless).
These words are technically adverbs, but perform the same linking function as conjunctions.
What to watch for when using conjunctive adverbs:
When a conjunctive adverb unites two independent clauses in one sentence,
it’s preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
Conjunctive adverbs list
after all besides consequently finally however nevertheless then therefore
