Conjunctions are the unsung heroes of English grammar. They connect words, phrases, and sentences, making our speech and writing flow smoothly. In this guide, you’ll learn what are conjunctions, their definition of conjunction, and the types of conjunctions with examples.
By the end of this article, you’ll confidently identify different conjunctions, understand their uses, and apply them in everyday English.
What are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words that link ideas, sentences, or grammatical elements. They help writers and speakers avoid choppy sentences, making language clear and cohesive. Simply put, conjunctions are connectors in English grammar. They show relationships between words, phrases, or clauses, such as addition, contrast, choice, or cause and effect.
For example:
- I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- She loves coffee and tea.
- You can stay home or come with us to the park.
- He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
- Although it was late, they continued working on the project.
- I will call you after I finish my homework.
- She is smart, yet very humble.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
- You can have dessert now, or wait until after dinner.
- He missed the bus, therefore he arrived late.
Definition of a Conjunction
A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. In simple terms, the definition of a conjunction describes it as a link that joins ideas together so our speech and writing sound smooth and meaningful. Without conjunctions, every sentence would feel short, choppy, and disconnected.
Conjunctions play a big role in keeping our thoughts organised and connected. For example, the word “and” joins similar ideas – I like coffee and tea. The word “but” shows contrast – She is young but very confident. Meanwhile, “because” explains reason or cause – He stayed home because it was raining.
These small words may seem simple, but they make a huge difference in how we express ideas clearly. Conjunctions help us join sentences naturally, avoid repetition, and create a smooth flow in both writing and speaking.
For Examples
- I like coffee and tea.
- She is young but very confident.
- He stayed home because it was raining.
- You can come with us or stay here.
- Although it was cold, they went for a walk.
How Do Conjunctions Work?
Conjunctions work by connecting words, phrases, or clauses without changing their meaning. They help avoid repetition and make sentences easier to read.
For example:
- I like pizza and burgers. (connects words)
- She didn’t go to school because she was sick. (connects clauses)
Conjunctions are essential in both spoken and written English for smooth, logical sentences.
Types of Conjunctions
Conjunctions are generally divided into three main types: coordinating, correlative, and subordinating. Each type plays a unique role in connecting words, phrases, or clauses, and understanding them helps you construct sentences that are clear, logical, and grammatically correct.
Types of Conjunctions:
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. The most common ones are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (remembered by the acronym FANBOYS).
Examples:
- I want to travel, but I don’t have enough money.
- She is smart and hardworking.
- You can take the bus, or you can walk to school.
- He didn’t study for the exam, so he failed.
- I like pizza, yet I don’t eat it often.
- She neither called me, nor sent a message.
Coordinating conjunctions are perfect for linking simple ideas and maintaining sentence balance.
2. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs and work together to link equal grammatical elements. Common pairs include either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also.
Examples:
- Either you start working hard, or you risk failing the exam.
- She is not only talented but also very humble and hardworking.
- He is neither interested in sports nor in music, so he stayed home.
- Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the interactive workshop.
- I haven’t decided whether to join the trip or stay home and rest.
- The event was not only entertaining but also very educational for everyone.
Using correlative conjunctions properly creates balance in sentences and makes your writing more rhythmic and professional.
3. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing relationships like cause, time, or condition. Examples include because, although, since, if, while, and unless.
Examples:
- I stayed home because it was raining.
- Although he is tired, he continues working on the project.
- We can leave early if the meeting finishes on time.
- She didn’t attend the party since she was feeling unwell.
- While I enjoy coffee, I prefer tea in the morning.
- You won’t succeed unless you practice regularly.
These conjunctions are key to forming complex sentences and expressing detailed ideas.
List of Common Conjunctions
Here’s a handy list of frequently used conjunctions for quick reference:
Coordinating: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet
Correlative: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also
Subordinating: because, although, if, since, unless, while, when
Using these words wisely can make your sentences more fluid and professional.
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are words that function like conjunctions, connecting independent clauses while also showing a clear relationship between the ideas. Unlike simple conjunctions, they often provide a transition or signal a specific relationship, such as contrast, cause, effect, or addition.
Common conjunctive adverbs include: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, furthermore, thus, meanwhile, otherwise, and instead.
These words are usually placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause and are often set off by a semicolon or comma when connecting two independent clauses.
How They Work
Conjunctive adverbs help your writing sound smooth, logical, and professional. They signal how one idea relates to another, making sentences more sophisticated.
Examples:
- I wanted to join the party; however, I was feeling sick.
- She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
- The team was exhausted; nevertheless, they completed the project on time.
- He didn’t like the movie; moreover, he found it confusing.
- The weather was terrible; consequently, the flight was delayed.
- I had prepared for the test; thus, I felt confident during the exam.
- She didn’t finish her homework; meanwhile, her brother was playing outside.
- We need to leave early; otherwise, we will miss the train.
Using conjunctive adverbs makes your writing more organised, helping readers understand the logical flow between ideas. They are particularly useful in essays, reports, and formal writing where smooth transitions are essential.
Conclusion
Conjunctions are essential tools in English grammar, helping you connect ideas clearly and effectively. Understanding what are conjunctions, their definition of conjunction, and the types of conjunctions allows you to write and speak more fluently.
Practice using coordinating, correlative, subordinating conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs in your daily writing. With time, your sentences will become smoother, and your communication will feel natural. Remember, mastering conjunctions is a step toward confident and polished English!