Using Conjunctions | Definition, Rules &

Examples
Published on May 23, 2019 by Amy Luo. Revised on September 1, 2022.

A conjunction is a word that is used to connect words, phrases, and clauses. There

are many conjunctions in the English language, but some common ones include and,

or, but, because, for, if, and when.

There are three basic types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and

correlative.

Because the popstar caught a terrible cold, her upcoming performances in Boston and

Chicago were indefinitely postponed. The tour organizers provided neither rescheduled

dates nor refunds for the tickets, causing much discontent among the fans.

Table of contents

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4.

Coordinating conjunctions
This type of conjunction is used to connect items that are grammatically equal: two

words, two phrases, or two independent clauses. There are seven coordinating

conjunctions in English, and you can remember them using the mnemonic device

FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

A conjunction of this type is placed between the items that it links together.
Words
Coordinating conjunctions can join two nouns, verbs, adjectives, or other types of

word.

● The data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews.

● I don’t like to run or swim.

● He was clever but lazy.

Phrases
They can also join different types of phrases.

● The dog wagged his tail and panted excitedly.

● The results were undeniably intriguing yet ultimately inconclusive.

● She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

Independent clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains at least a subject and a verb. An

independent clause can stand on its own as a full sentence, expressing a complete

thought.

● Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists, but she

achieved little fame during her lifetime.

In the sentence above, the coordinating conjunction but creates a relationship

between two independent clauses. Therefore, you place a comma before but. Notice

that the two clauses also work as sentences on their own.

● Today Jane Austen is one of the most widely read English novelists. She

achieved little fame during her lifetime.

Punctuating coordinating conjunctions

When joining two words or phrases with a coordinating conjunction, do not use a

comma.

● Comma error ● Correction

Data was gathered through questionnaires, Data was gathered through questionnaires and

and interviews. interviews.

She usually studies in the library, or at a She usually studies in the library or at a cafe.

cafe.

In these examples, the conjunction joins two words or phrases that are connected to

a single verb (gathered and studies), so you shouldn’t place a comma before and.

When joining two independent clauses, however, use a comma before the

conjunction.

● Comma error ● Correction

Data was gathered through questionnaires Data was gathered through questionnaires, and

and selected respondents participated in selected respondents participated in interviews.

interviews.

She usually studies in the library but when She usually studies in the library, but when it is

it is too busy she goes to a cafe. too busy she goes to a cafe.

In these examples, the clauses before and after the conjunction could both stand as

full sentences on their own, so a comma is required.

Subordinating conjunctions
This type of conjunction includes words like because, if, although, since, until, and

while. A subordinating conjunction is used to introduce a dependent clause.

In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause (also known as a

subordinate clause) is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but

cannot stand as a complete sentence on its own. A dependent clause does not

express a complete idea, so it must always be attached to an independent clause.

● Because I woke up late this morning. I went to school without eating

breakfast.

● Because I woke up late this morning, I went to school without eating

breakfast.

● I went to school without eating breakfast because I woke up late this morning.

I woke up late this morning is an independent clause, but the subordinating

conjunction because turns it into a dependent clause: Because I woke up late this

morning does not finish a complete thought. It must be joined to an independent

clause to form a grammatically correct sentence.

The subordinating conjunction defines the relationship between the clauses. The

table below shows some common subordinating conjunctions and the relationships

they express, but note that this is not a complete list.

Relationship Common subordinating conjunctions

Cause and effect because, since, as

Time when, before, after, once, until, whenever, since, while

Place where, wherever

Condition if, unless, in case

Contrast although, though, whereas

Punctuating subordinating conjunctions

When a subordinating conjunction follows an independent clause, a comma is often

not necessary. In general, when the dependent clause contains essential information

about the independent clause, don’t use a comma.

● Comma error ● Correction

She will receive a major bonus, if she She will receive a major bonus if she

succeeds in closing the corporate partnership succeeds in closing the corporate partnership

deal. deal.
John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set John’s friends snuck into his apartment to set

up a surprise party, while he was at work. up a surprise party while he was at work.

However, when the subordinating conjunction comes at the beginning of the

sentence, use a comma at the end of the dependent clause.

● Comma error ● Correction

If she succeeds in closing the corporate If she succeeds in closing the corporate

partnership deal she will receive a major partnership deal, she will receive a major

bonus. bonus.

While John was at work his friends snuck into While John was at work, his friends snuck into

his apartment to set up a surprise party. his apartment to set up a surprise party.

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Correlative conjunctions
This type of conjunction always comes in a pair and is used to join grammatically

equal elements in a sentence. Common pairs include either … or, neither … nor, not

only … but also, and both … and. In most cases, no comma should be used

between the two elements.

● Her book on the Vietnam War drew not only from interviews with other

survivors but also from her own experiences in the conflict.

 Correlative conjunctions must use parallel structure, which means the two elements

should take the same grammatical form.

● She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or phone

interviews.

● She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or conducting

phone interviews.

Starting a sentence with a conjunction

Beginner writers are often taught that sentences should not begin with a coordinating

conjunction. However, it is not strictly incorrect to begin a sentence with a

conjunction, and you may find it used effectively by skilled writers to create

emphasis.

Governments often seek to gain favor from voters by prioritising economic development

over environmental sustainability. But at what cost to the planet and future generations?

While such usage has become acceptable in popular and literary language, it is

generally best avoided in academic writing where possible.

A subordinating conjunction can come at the start of a sentence, but only if the

dependent clause is followed by an independent clause.

Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement with the union, the workers will

remain on strike.

A dependent clause on its own is known as a sentence fragment.

How long will the strike go on for? Until the company reaches a satisfactory agreement

with the union.

Although fragments are often used in speech and informal writing, they should

generally be avoided in academic writing.

Conjunctions, in grammar, are a type of part of speech that connects the
words or phrases or clauses. In the absence of conjunctions, we are forced to
express complex sentences by breaking them into short simple sentences.
These conjunctions are used wisely to convey the same meaning. The
conjunctions can either be in the format of a single word or compound or
correlative. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a
sentence but it depends on the type of conjunction being used.

Example: She bought a flower and chocolates from the market.

Types of Conjunction: Definition and Examples

There are three different types of conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
Coordinating conjunction definition is as follows, the conjunction that joins two
elements that have equal syntactic importance and grammatical rank. They
can join two independent clauses, two phrases, two adjectives, two verbs or
two nouns.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions, they are - for, and, nor, but, or, yet,
and so. The easiest way to remember these conjunctions is with an acronym
called FANBOYS.

Among all these conjunctions “so” can be used both as coordinating and
subordinating conjunctions. As coordinating conjunction, it can link two
independent clauses and as subordinate conjunction, it can link two unequal
clauses.

Rules for using the Coordinating Conjunctions:

There are a few rules which have to be followed during the use of suitable
conjunctions along with the usage of words in specific situations:

● When the coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses,

a comma has to be used before that conjunction.
 Example: I wanted to go shopping, but my friend wants to go to a
movie.

● When coordinating conjunction is joining two phrases or words, a

comma is not used before the conjunction.
Example: I like to ride bikes and swim.

● A comma is optional when coordinating conjunction is used with more

than two items.

2. Correlative Conjunctions:

These are a kind of tag-team conjunctions. They come in pairs where they are
used in different places.

Correlative Conjunction Examples: either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also,

whether/or, not/but.

● I either want a chocolate cake or pastry.

● She neither likes tea nor coffee.

3. Subordinating Conjunctions:

The subordinating conjunction meaning and examples are provided here.

These are the types of conjunctions that help to join dependent clauses with
independent clauses. Some of the common subordinating conjunctions are
“since, because, though, as, although, while, and whereas”. Sometimes the
adverbs can also act as conjunctions such as, “until, after, or before”.

Example: I can stay here until the clock strikes nine. Here the word “until” acts
as a conjunction that connects two ideas such as, “can stay here” and “clock
strikes nine”. Here the first idea is independent of the second one hence, “can
stay here” is an independent clause, and “clock strikes nine” is a dependent
clause.

It is not mandatory to have the subordinating conjunctions in the middle of the

sentence, but it has to be a part of the dependent clause. The dependent
clause is also called the subordinate clause or subordinating sentences.
The dependent clause has two specific qualities,

● It cannot act as it’s a sentence.

● It depends on the independent clause to provide a complete meaning.

Types of Subordinating Conjunctions

The subordinating conjunctions are categorized by meaning:

1. Time: When the main clause is performed or will be performed, the

time-related conjunctions establish a period.
Example: as soon as, once, before, still, whenever.

I will clean the house after the relatives are gone.

2. Concession: By providing the additional information the concession

conjunctions help to redefine the meaning of the main clause. It
highlights the action that has happened in the hindrance or obstacle.
Example: although, even though, as though.

She wrote my article even though it is assigned to me.

3. Comparison: It helps to establish the connection between the words by

providing a correlation.
Example: though, whereas, just as, in contrast to.

You will complete the work fastly whereas I need some more time.

4. Cause: It defines the reason the main clause was performed.

Example: because, since, so that.

My father always inspires me because he believes in me.

5. Condition: It provides the rules under which the main clause works.
Example: If, in case, even if, unless.

In case my sister suggests buying this dress, then I will go for it.

6. Place: It defines the place where the action or the activities occur.
Example: wherever, whereas.

I will place the conjunctions wherever it is necessary.

Conclusion

Here, we have seen the conjunction definition and examples, we can conclude
that conjunctions help us to combine the simpler sentences to make a single
complex sentence. We should be very careful while placing the comma and
see to it that the appropriate conjunctions are used. The conjunctions that
generally appear in the middle of the sentence are not preceded by the
comma. If the subordinate clause appears at the starting of the sentence, then
the whole sentence is followed by a comma.
Without conjunctions, you would only be able to express your
thoughts and complex ideas through short, simplistic sentences:

● I like hamburgers.
● I like hotdogs.
● I don't like pizza.

Wouldn't these sentences sound a whole lot better if they were

presented as a single idea? For example:

● I like hamburgers and hotdogs, but I don’t like pizza.

Mastering conjunctions can add a lot of variety to your writing as

they allow you to create sentences with different styles and
meanings. For today's English grammar lesson, we are going to
talk about conjunctions - the definition, the many different types,
and how you can use them in a sentence.

What is a Conjunction?
In English grammar, a conjunction is a part of speech that links
words, phrases, and clauses. Conjunctions will help you form
elegant and flowing prose while avoiding the incoherence of
single idea sentences.
Something to keep in mind when using conjunctions is that the
phrases you're joining must have the same parallel structure. The
definition of “parallel structure” means using the same pattern of
words to show that two or more words or ideas have equal
grammatical importance.

To illustrate:

● Correct → John likes hiking, camping, and riding a bike.

● Incorrect → John likes hiking, camping, and to ride a bike.

What Does a Conjunction Do?

As previously mentioned, conjunctions connect two sentences,
clauses, or words. In speech, we tend to use conjunctions without
even realizing it. In writing, we will often incorporate a conjunction
when connecting ideas (i.e., rather than begin a new sentence).

Once you have mastered the proper use of conjunctions, one of

the many benefits is that your blog writing will become much
more natural with respect to rhythm and flow. Conversely, the
improper use of conjunctions has the potential to turn your blog
content into a choppy and disjointed mess.

Types of Conjunctions
The best way to understand conjunctions and how they're used is
to learn the different conjunctions types.

There are three conjunction types:

● Coordinating conjunctions
● Subordinating conjunctions
 ● Correlative conjunctions

Note that while there's a fourth category called conjunctive

adverbs, these conjunctions are really adverbs that act as
connectors. As we highlighted in our recent piece on season
capitalization rules, English language grammar is rife with
exceptions, and conjunctions are no different.

Coordinating Conjunctions
The primary role of a coordinating conjunction is to connect or
"coordinate" two sentence elements with equal grammatical rank.
Think of joining words with words, phrases with phrases, clauses
with clauses, and so on.

A quick rule for using a coordinating conjunction: be sure to place

it in between words or a group of words, not at the beginning or
end of a sentence.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions

There are seven coordinating words in total:

● for
● and
● nor
● but
● or
● yet
● so

Amusingly, these conjunctions form a simple mnemonic that

should help you recall them:
 ● FANBOYS

Be careful not to get carried away, too many coordinating

conjunctions can lead to run-on sentences.

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions in a Sentence

● I want a burger or pizza for lunch.
● Martha likes going to the beach and camping.
● I can drive you to the grocery store, but not to the mall.

Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs, and they connect words or
phrases that are equally important within a sentence. This
relationship between the two elements can signify either
matching or contrasting ideas.

Common Correlative Conjunctions

Below are some of the most common pairs of correlative words:

● either/or
● neither/nor
● not only/but also
● so/as
● whether/or
● both/and

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions in a Sentence

When using correlative conjunction, you should place the
correlative words immediately before the words you want to
connect. Here are some examples:

● You can either take it or leave it.

 ● Not only am I done washing the dishes, but I'm also finished
cleaning my room.
● Both my father and sister are doctors.

Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent and independent
clauses. A subordinating conjunction can signify a relationship
between the two clauses - i.e., it can be a contrast or a
cause-and-effect relationship between two statements or ideas.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

Here's another fun mnemonic to make this list of subordinating
conjunctions easy to remember - ON A WHITE BUS:

● O = once, only if
● N = now that
● A = as, although, after
● W = while, when, whereas, whenever, wherever, whether
● H = how
● I = if, in case, in order to, in the event that
● T = though
● E = even if, even though
● B = because, before
● U = unless, until
● S = so, so that, since, supposing

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions in a Sentence

Below are a few examples of how to use a subordinating
conjunction:

● Because it was raining, we had to cancel our field trip.

● My room was a mess after leaving the window open last
night.
 ● Unless I get over my fear of heights, I'll never become a pilot.

Conjunctive Adverbs
As mentioned earlier, conjunctive adverbs are, in fact, adverbs.
However, they function as connectors, so we decided to include
them on our list. A conjunctive adverb's primary job is to signify a
transition or relationship between two separate parts of a
sentence.

Common Conjunctive Adverbs

Below are some frequently-used conjunctive adverbs:

● Also
● Before
● Besides
● However
● Therefore
● Hence
● Otherwise
● Nevertheless
● Eventually
● Thus
● Accordingly
● Meanwhile
● After all
● Consequently
● Moreover
● Still
● Furthermore
● Likewise
● Finally

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs in a Sentence

Note that a semicolon or period should come before a conjunctive
adverb and a comma after. Check out these examples:

● Daniel is an excellent guitarist; however, he rarely practices.

● The heavy snow covered the streets; therefore, many people
were stranded.
● I never liked eating vegetables. Nevertheless, I ask my kids to
eat them.

Correctly Connect Your Words, Phrases, and

Clauses With Conjunctions
Knowing the different types of conjunctions is an essential skill for
any aspiring content writer. Proper usage of conjunctions is a
tricky subject, and like most grammar rules, mastery requires
practice. Be sure to pay close attention to sentence structure and
clauses, and before you know it, you will be connecting ideas like a
pro.

One final note. If you want to make sure that you're using
conjunctions properly at all times, we highly recommend the tool
Grammarly. It’s an excellent tool/resource for learning conjunctions
as well as other important rules of English grammar.

Conjunction Definition

Conjunctions are very important words used in English. You use

them every day! A Conjunction is a word that joins parts of a
sentence, phrases or other words together. Conjunctions are used as
single words or in pairs. Example: and, but, or are used by
themselves, whereas, neither/nor, either/or are conjunction pairs.
Browse more Topics Under Conjunction
● Coordinating Conjunction
● Paired or Correlative and Compound Conjunctions
● Subordinating Conjunction
● Use of Conjunctions

Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating conjunctions– are single words that join

similar words or phrases or elements.
2. Subordinating conjunctions– also join similar words, phrases
or elements but exist in pairs.
3. Correlative conjunctions- They are actually adverbs that are
used as conjunctions.

Learn more about types of conjunctions here in detail.

Examples of Conjunctions: FANBOYS

Let us now understand the use of different conjunctions that we

routinely use in our day-to-day communication.

● For- It is used to sight a reason or purpose. Example: I

bought a new bag for my upcoming trip.
● And- It connects or adds one thing to another. Example: I
love both apples and bananas.
 ● Nor- It is used to indicate a negative idea to an already
existing negative idea. Example: Neither the white dress nor
the yellow one looks good on me.
● But- It is used to show a contrast between two items or
ideas. Example: I wanted to go for a hike but I have to go to
work today.
● Or- It is used to present an alternative to an already present
positive idea. Example: Would you like tea or coffee?
● Yet- It is used to introduce an idea that adds something to a
previous idea and is usually contrasting with it. Example: I
practice daily yet I couldn’t put up a good show yesterday.
● So- It is a conjunction that is used to indicate the effect or
result of an occurrence. Example: Both parents worked hard
so that their children could study in good schools.

All the above are coordinating conjunctions and are easy to

remember using the pneumonic: ‘FANBOYS‘. Coordinating
conjunctions never come at the beginning of a sentence.
 (Source: partofspeech)

Some conjunctions, like the subordinating conjunctions, can come

at the beginning of the sentence as well. They introduce a
dependent clause and join it to an independent clause. Examples of
this type of conjunction: As, because, if, till, since, and when. Few
sentences that show the use of the above-mentioned conjunctions
are:

● It is because of my parents that I can stand on my feet today.

● Life has not been the same since I fell for you.
● I’m sure of getting good grades because I study every day.

The third type of conjunctions i.e correlative conjunctions, as

mentioned earlier in the chapter, are those which occur in pairs.
They need to be used in the same sentence at different parts to make
sense out of the sentence. Examples of these types of conjunction
are: Either: or, neither: nor, both: and, not only: but also, not: but
etc.

Few sentences that show the uses of the above-mentioned

conjunctions are:

● You can either have the cheesecake or the frozen hot

chocolate.
● She said she neither wanted the yogurt nor the ice cream.
● I am in the mood for not ice cream but for some waffles.

Solved Questions for You

Q: Meera does not like to swim, ____ she does enjoy cycling.

A. and B. or

C. but D. nor

Sol. (c) But

The sentence talks about Meera who doesn’t like to swim. Meera
enjoys cycling. Since the two ideas are contrasting, we use the
conjunction ‘but’ and so option C) is the correct answer.
Q: Identify the conjunction in the following sentence: Practice
regularly, otherwise, you will not become a great pianist.

a. you
b. will
c. otherwise
d. become

Ans: The correct answer is Option C. We are to identify the

conjunction in the given sentence. A conjunction is a word that is
used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the
same clause (e.g. and, but, if). In the given sentence ‘otherwise’ is
the conjunction that joins two sentences i.e. practice regularly and
you will not become a great pianist. The remaining options are
incorrect because:

A) – YOU is a pronoun

B) – WILL is used to indicate future tense.

D) – BECOME is a verb

What is a Conjunction?
YouTube” Periwinkle
A Conjunction is a word that joins two or more words, phrases or clauses in a single
sentence. It helps us to share these ideas and make connections more easily.
Without them, we would have to make lots of short, blunt little statements. The most
common examples are ‘and’,’ or’, ‘but’ and ‘because’.

What is the Use of Conjunctions?

Let us understand the use of conjunction words list with the help of some practical
and easy examples-

1. She will visit her grandparents and she will go to her friend’s house
afterwards.
2. You can either be relaxed or tense but you cannot be both at the same time.

In the above sentences as we can see that the use of and in the first sentence
creates a better flow and makes it easy to read and let’s see how it would sound if
we don’t use, “she will visit her grandparents. She will go to her friend’s house
afterwards.”

Without the use of and here the sentence sounds blunt and if we use and in the
above sentence a better connection and flow is facilitated indeed.

In the second sentence, the use of either, or and but shows clearly only one thing is
possible and thus, it makes it easy for the reader to understand the sentence better.
 Also read about Sentence Rearrangement for competitive exams!

Types of Conjunctions
Conjunction words are segregated into four types:

1. Coordinating Conjunction Words

2. Subordinating Conjunction Words
3. Correlative Conjunction Words
4. Conjunctive Adverbs

Source: Class Notes

There are mainly four types of conjunctions which are elaborated below-

1) Coordinating Conjunctions

Source: Teachwire
 ● Coordinating Conjunctions link equal parts of a sentence including phrases
and causes. A comma is used when a coordinating Conjunction is used to join
two independent clauses.
● The most commonly used coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or,
yet etc.
● The acronym for corrdinating conjunctions in FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or,
Yet, So.

2) Subordinating Conjunctions

Source: IELTS Exam

Preparation

● They help in Linking a dependent clause to an independent one.

● The most commonly used Subordinating Conjunctions used are which, who
after, when, where, while, before, though etc.

3) Correlative Conjunctions
Source: Education-Mania.com

● These are paired Conjunctions that are generally used at two places in a
sentence to connect two equal grammatical entities.
● The most commonly used correlative conjunctions are neither.. nor, either…or,
not only….but, whether..or etc.

4) Compound Conjunctions
 ● The phrases which are used as conjunctions are called compound
Conjunctions
● Commonly used compound conjunctions are so that, provided that, as well as,
as soon as, such that, in order that etc.

Rules of Conjunction Words Examples

Here are the important rules of conjunctions and some conjunction words examples
that you must know about:

1. We use and, as well as, both..and, not only..but also to clearly emphasize the
link between two things.
2. We use so…as and as…..as to show a comparison between two things, people
etc
3. Although, though are followed by yet or comma(,)
4. Pairs such as no sooner…than, hardly..when, scarcely.. when should be used in
the correct form
 5. Lest is either followed by should or the first form of the verb. Since, lest is a
negative word it should not be used with not, never
6. Until is time-oriented and unless is action-oriented and they are negative
words and hence, should not be used with no, not, never etc.
7. In affirmative sentences, the phrases doubt and doubtful are followed by if or
whether whereas in negative sentences, the phrases doubt and doubtful is
followed by that.
8. The connectors not only…but also must be placed before the parts joined.
9. Between is followed by and from is followed by to
10. Neither of means none of the two; none of is used for more than two; either of
means one of the two; when more than two are concerned, one of is used.
11. After rather/other, the subordinating conjunctions should be used.

Now that you are familiar with all the rules of conjunctions, let’s Learn All
About Adjectives in English Grammar!

List of Conjunctions

YouTube: 7ESL Learning English

Here is the list of top used conjunction words examples that you can use in
day-to-day life:

For Neither..nor
And Not only…but also

Nor Whether..or

But So that

Or Such that

Yet As soon as

So As well as

Also Provided that

As well as Whoever

Yet While

Still Until

Too Unless

Only Since

However As if

No less than No less than

Which Otherwise

Where In order that

Who Than

After As

Because Either.. or

Whoever Nevertheless

Though Else

Although If

If While

Till No sooner… than

Before getting into some more conjunction examples list, let’s also know
100 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples!

Conjunction Words Examples

Let’s go through the below-listed conjunction words examples for some more clarity
on the topic:

1. We went to play cricket but we couldn’t as it began raining.

2. His brother and you look alike
3. His intentions are not wrong; Only, he is a little thoughtless.
4. We must water the plants; otherwise, they will die.
5. He played both badminton and football when he was young.
6. He is not only immature but also arrogant.
7. He is as intelligent as you.
8. Though he did not work hard, he passed the exams.
9. Barely had he driven the car a mile when it broke down.
10. Walk carefully lest you fall.
11. Wait there until you receive my call.
12. I am doubtful if he will pass the exam.
13. He not only lied to them but also double-crossed them.
 14. You will have to choose between science and commerce.
15. Neither of the children was hurt.
16. He would rather buy a car than a scooter.

After knowing the conjunction examples list, here are the 100 Common
Proverbs with Meaning and Examples for you to read!

List of Conjunctions PPT

Conjunctions powerpoint from Daphna Doron

Credits: Daphna Doron

Practice Exercise with Conjunction Words List
Q. She was very exhausted___she didn’t stop working.
But
Unless
Although
Because
Ans: But

Q. I am going to work harder___i can be promoted.

When
Because
So that
In spite of
Ans: So that

Q. Neera looks at her husband____she hasn’t seen him before.

As if
When
Although
Because
Ans: As if

Q. ____ she was walking along with the garden, she found a very rare flower
Because
Provided that
So that
While
Ans: While

Q. Mehul decided to give up smoking____he had had a heart attack two times
In case
Although
Because
Even if
Ans: Because

Q. ____ you are in top form, your coach always shows you respect
Unless
As long as
Although
As if
Ans: As long as

7) The soldiers in the camp will be punished ____they don’t obey the rules
Although
Because
Even if
However
Ans: Because

Q. I don’t want to invite Kamal to the party____ he always talks about nonsense
things
Because
Although
Despite
Though
Ans: Because

Q. I have decided to buy a car____i can go to work easily

Incase
So that
Provided that
Although
Ans: So that

Q. The doctor ………………………………… his wife attended the party.

as well
as well as
and
Ans: and

Q. The manager ………………………………………. the secretary has signed the papers.

and
as well
as well as
Ans: As well as

The students began to talk …………………………………………… the teacher left the classroom.
as long as
as soon as
no sooner
Ans: As soon as

She started laughing ……………………………………… she was insane.

as
as if
if
Ans: as if

He speaks ………………………………………… he is rich.

Though
as if
as though
As: As though

1.Coordinating Conjunctions

A conjunction is the glue that

holds words, phrases and clauses
(both dependent and independent)
together. A coordinating
conjunction is a conjunction that
connects words, phrases, and
clauses that are coordinate, or
equal to each other. There are
seven coordinating conjunctions:
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They
can be remembered using the
acronym FANBOYS. Below is a
chart explaining the differences
between the usages of these
conjunctions. COORDINATING
CONJUNCTION (FANBOYS)
PURPOSE EXAMPLE SENTENCE
For To show reason She bought a
mango, for she was hungry. And
To add information Desiree lives in
Alaska, and she is a park ranger at
the National Forest there. Nor To
add negative information He does
not enjoy eating vegetables, nor
does he enjoy eating fruit. But To
show contrast The class was
difficult, but everyone ended up
receiving a passing grade. Or To
give a choice We can see a horror
movie, or we can see an action
movie. Yet To show concession or
to contrast The test was difficult,
yet everyone received higher than
a “C” grade. So To show result I
was broke all week, so I had to eat
Top Ramen for every meal. 1)
FANBOYS can be used to join two
or more words/phrases. • Example:
We hike and camp every summer.
[And joins two words.] • Example:
We hike along scenic trails or in
the wilderness [or joins two
phrases] Note: Never use a comma
when a coordinating conjunction
links only two words, two phrases,
or two dependent clauses. •
Example: Habitat for humanity
depends on volunteers for labor
and donations to help with its
construction projects. [Comma is
not needed because labor and
donations are two words] •
Example: Each language has a
beauty of its own and forms of
expression that are duplicated
nowhere else. [A beauty of its own
and forms of expression are
phrases, so a comma is not
needed.] 2) FANBOYS are also
used to join two independent
clauses. When combining two ICs,
you place a comma before the
coordinating conjunction. •
Example: The girl ran from her car
 to the building, for she was late to
her appointment. • Example: The
bear snarled and growled, yet the
hiker remained calm and
composed.

2.Subordinating Conjunction

What Is a Subordinating
Conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that links a dependent

clause to an independent clause. This word or phrase indicates that a

clause has informative value to add to the sentence’s main idea, signaling

a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time and place between the two

clauses.

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Sound complicated? Let’s break it down.

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a clause with

two specific qualities. Firstly, it does not express a complete unit of thought

on its own; it cannot stand as its own sentence. Secondly, it depends upon

an independent clause—one that can stand on its own as a complete

sentence—to form a complete idea. If independent and dependent clauses

could be likened to Batman and Robin, the dependent, or subordinate,

clause would be Robin, Batman’s assistant. The independent, main clause

would be Batman, his superhero boss.

Subordinating conjunctions showing cause and

effect

The subordinating conjunction that is simplest to explain is because.

Because is a conjunction with just one purpose: to show a cause-and-effect

relationship between a subordinate clause and a main clause. On its own,

a clause beginning with because is incomplete.

Because he wouldn’t wear a seat belt.

We have the sense that there is something missing here. Let’s add an

independent clause so this statement has something to lean on.

Robin wasn’t allowed in the Batmobile any longer.

Now we will combine the two in a complex sentence.

Robin wasn’t allowed in the Batmobile any longer because he wouldn’t wear a seat
belt.

In this sentence, “Robin wasn’t allowed in the Batmobile any longer” is an

independent clause. It could stand on its own as a complete sentence. A

clause that shows a causal relationship, such as “because he wouldn’t

wear a seat belt” (answering the question “Why?” or “For what purpose?”),

is often referred to as a clause of purpose.

Other subordinating conjunctions that can show cause-and-effect

relationships and function in the same way are for, as, since, though, due

to, provided that, because of, unless, and so/so that.

Batman required strict compliance with seat belt rules, hence Robin was not allowed
to ride in the Batmobile.

Since Robin refused to wear his seat belt, Batman has banned him from the
Batmobile.

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mistakes you might have missed.

Subordinating conjunctions signaling relationships
of time or place

Another function of subordinating conjunctions is to show a relationship

between two clauses involving a transition of time or place. Some

examples of such subordinating conjunctions are once, while, when,

whenever, where, wherever, before, and after.

Once Batman learned that Robin had not been wearing his seat belt, he took away
his keys to the Batmobile.

Robin looked regretfully at the Batmobile whenever he passed it in the Batcave.

After Batman was done working for the night, Robin took a secret ride in the
Batmobile.

Before Robin gets his job in the Batcave back, he must promise to stop playing with
the Batmobile.

Comma placement and subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions that fall in the middle of a sentence are

generally not preceded by a comma. This is the opposite of what is done

with coordinating conjunctions, or words that join two independent clauses

(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and sometimes so).

When a subordinate clause begins a sentence, however, the whole clause

(but not the subordinating conjunction itself) is followed by a comma.

Whenever, Batman was away, Robin drove the Batmobile.

Whenever Batman was away, Robin drove the Batmobile.

Robin drove the Batmobile, whenever Batman was away.

Robin drove the Batmobile whenever Batman was away.

A handy list of subordinating conjunctions

● after

● although

● as

● as if

● as long as

● as much as

● as soon as

● as though

● because

● before

● by the time

● even if

● even though

● if

● in case

● in order that

● in the event that

● lest

● now that

● once

● only

● only if

● provided that

● since

● so

● supposing

● than

● that

● though

● till

● unless

● until

● when

● whenever

● where

● whereas

● wherever

● whether or not

● while
Subordinating conjunction FAQs

What are subordinating conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions are words and phrases that connect dependent

clauses to independent clauses. They usually show a cause-and-effect

relationship or a shift in time or place.

What are examples of subordinating conjunctions?

We can’t go to the mall because our car broke down.

Whenever I’m in Philadelphia, I always get a cheesesteak.

How do you use subordinating conjunctions in a sentence?

Place subordinating conjunctions at the beginning of the dependent clause.

If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, put a

comma at the end of the dependent clause.

Can subordinating conjunctions start a sentence?

Subordinating conjunctions often start a sentence whenever the dependent

clause comes first.