A-Z List of Conjunctions in English (With Meanings and Examples)

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.

Types of Conjunctions at a Glance

English conjunctions are commonly divided into three main types.

Conjunctive adverbs such as however, therefore, and moreover also connect ideas. However, they are not conjunctions and follow different punctuation rules.

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.

Conjunctions of Comparison or Manner

These conjunctions show comparison or describe how something appears or happens.

• As
  Meaning: in the same way that
  Example: Arrange the chairs as I showed you.
• As if
  Meaning: in a way that suggests something
  Example: Sophie spoke as if she knew the answer.
• As though
  Meaning: in a way that suggests something
  Example: The child stared at the box as though it contained a surprise.
• Than
  Meaning: introduces the second part of a comparison
  Example: The journey took longer than we expected.

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)

The following table provides a quick alphabetical reference. It includes single-word conjunctions, multiword subordinating conjunctions, and standard correlative pairs.

How to Choose the Right Conjunction

Choose a conjunction according to the relationship you want to express.

To add information

Use:

• and
• both…and
• not only…but also

The room was bright and spacious.

To show contrast

Use:

• but
• yet
• although
• though
• whereas

The jacket was expensive, but it was well made.

To present a choice

Use:

• or
• either…or
• whether…or

You may choose either the blue folder or the green one.

To explain a reason

Use:

• because
• since
• as

We postponed the trip because the weather was unsafe.

To show a result

Use:

• so

The battery was empty, so the device stopped working.

To express purpose

Use:

• so that
• in order that

I set an alarm so that I would wake up on time.

To state a condition

Use:

• if
• unless
• provided that
• even if

You may enter if you have a ticket.

To show time

Use:

• when
• before
• after
• while
• until
• once

Please call me when you arrive.

The most suitable conjunction depends on meaning, sentence structure, and the relationship between the connected ideas.

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