A conjunction is a word that connects ideas, words, or clauses in a sentence. This page gives you a clear list of conjunctions used in English, along with short meanings and examples to help you see how each one works in sentences.
You will find coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions organized in simple groups. Use this list as a quick reference when you want to expand your sentence structure with more variety and clarity.
Commonly Used Conjunctions (Quick Picks)
These are some of the most frequently used conjunctions in English:
- And – adds information
- But – shows contrast
- Or – presents a choice
- So – shows result
- Because – gives a reason
- Although – shows contrast between ideas
- If – introduces a condition
- When – refers to time
- While – shows time or contrast
- Since – shows reason or time
List of Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. There are seven in total and can be remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Common Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
- And
Meaning: adds information
Example: The design team finalized the layout and shared it with the client. - But
Meaning: shows contrast
Example: Riya prepared a detailed report, but the meeting was postponed. - Or
Meaning: presents a choice
Example: You can submit the assignment tonight or bring it to class tomorrow. - So
Meaning: shows result or consequence
Example: The server was down, so the team rescheduled the presentation. - For
Meaning: gives a reason (formal use)
Example: The event was canceled, for the weather conditions were unsafe. - Nor
Meaning: adds a negative alternative
Example: He did not respond to the email, nor did he return the calls. - Yet
Meaning: shows contrast or an unexpected result
Example: The task looked simple, yet it required careful planning.
List of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to a main clause. They help you show relationships such as time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose.
Conjunctions for Time
- After
Meaning: something happens later than another action
Example: After the workshop ended, the participants stayed back for questions. - Before
Meaning: something happens earlier than another action
Example: She reviewed the contract before signing it. - When
Meaning: at the time something happens
Example: When the results were announced, the team celebrated quietly. - While
Meaning: during the same time as another action
Example: While the system was updating, the staff prepared the reports. - As soon as
Meaning: immediately after something happens
Example: As soon as the approval came through, the project moved forward. - Until
Meaning: up to a certain time
Example: The office remained closed until the issue was resolved. - Since
Meaning: from a past point in time until now
Example: Since the policy changed, employees have followed a new process.
Conjunctions for Cause and Reason
- Because
Meaning: gives a direct reason
Example: The meeting was delayed because the manager was in another call. - Since
Meaning: gives a reason (often known or obvious)
Example: Since the deadline is close, the team is working extra hours. - As
Meaning: gives a reason in a formal or neutral tone
Example: As the data was incomplete, the report was revised. - Now that
Meaning: because a situation has changed
Example: Now that the system is live, users can access the dashboard.
Conjunctions for Condition
- If
Meaning: introduces a possible condition
Example: If you update the file today, we can review it tomorrow. - Unless
Meaning: except if
Example: The event will proceed unless the weather worsens. - Provided that
Meaning: only if a condition is met
Example: You may join the session provided that you register in advance. - As long as
Meaning: only if something continues to be true
Example: You can use the workspace as long as you follow the guidelines.
Conjunctions for Contrast
- Although
Meaning: shows contrast between two ideas
Example: Although the plan was approved, the team suggested minor changes. - Though
Meaning: similar to although, often used in informal contexts
Example: Though the process was lengthy, the results were accurate. - Even though
Meaning: emphasizes contrast more strongly
Example: Even though the budget was limited, the project delivered strong results. - Whereas
Meaning: compares two contrasting ideas
Example: The first proposal focused on cost, whereas the second emphasized quality. - While
Meaning: shows contrast between two ideas
Example: While the initial response was slow, the final outcome was successful.
Conjunctions for Purpose
- So that
Meaning: shows purpose or intention
Example: The instructions were simplified so that new users could follow them easily. - In order that
Meaning: shows purpose (more formal)
Example: The system was upgraded in order that performance could improve.
Conjunctions for Result
- So…that
Meaning: shows result or consequence
Example: The room was so quiet that every sound felt amplified. - Such…that
Meaning: shows result with emphasis on degree
Example: It was such a detailed analysis that the client approved it immediately.
Conjunctions for Place
- Where
Meaning: refers to a place
Example: The meeting will be held where the team can gather comfortably. - Wherever
Meaning: refers to any place
Example: Wherever the company expands, it maintains the same standards.
List of Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal parts of a sentence. They are useful when you want to show relationships such as choice, addition, or contrast in a balanced way.
Hardly…when
Meaning: shows something happens almost immediately after another action
Example: Hardly had the meeting begun when the network connection failed.
Either…or
Meaning: presents two choices
Example: You can either finalize the draft tonight or submit it early tomorrow.
Neither…nor
Meaning: connects two negative options
Example: The update was neither announced to the team nor shared with stakeholders.
Both…and
Meaning: adds two equal elements
Example: The training covered both technical skills and communication strategies.
Not only…but also
Meaning: adds emphasis to a second idea
Example: The new policy not only improved efficiency but also reduced errors.
Whether…or
Meaning: shows alternatives or possibilities
Example: The manager asked whether the report was ready or needed more revision.
No sooner…than
Meaning: shows one action happens immediately after another
Example: No sooner had the system restarted than new updates appeared.
Complete List of Conjunctions (A–Z)
This section gives you a quick, alphabetically arranged list of commonly used conjunctions in English. Use it as a reference when you need the right connector while writing.
- After
- Although
- And
- As
- As if
- As long as
- As soon as
- As though
- Because
- Before
- Both…and
- But
- By the time
- Even if
- Even though
- Either…or
- For
- If
- In case
- In order that
- Neither…nor
- No sooner…than
- Nor
- Now that
- Once
- Or
- Provided that
- Rather than
- Since
- So
- So that
- Such…that
- Than
- That
- Though
- Till
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Where
- Whereas
- Wherever
- Whether…or
- While
- Yet
