A conjunction is a word or fixed group of words that connects words, phrases, or clauses. It helps show how the connected parts are related.
I wanted to call, but my phone had no signal.
In this sentence, but connects two clauses and shows contrast.
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech used to join grammatical elements within a sentence. It may connect single words, groups of words, or complete clauses.
Conjunctions may express relationships such as:
- addition
- contrast
- choice
- reason
- time
- condition
- result
- purpose
The elements connected by a conjunction are sometimes called conjuncts.
Conjunctions Connecting Words
A conjunction may connect two words that perform the same grammatical function.
The room was bright and spacious.
The conjunction and connects two adjectives.
Would you like tea or coffee?
The conjunction or connects two nouns.
Conjunctions Connecting Phrases
A conjunction may join two phrases.
We can meet before the workshop or after the presentation.
The conjunction or connects two prepositional phrases.
Olivia walked through the garden and along the river.
The conjunction and joins two phrases that describe where Olivia walked.
Conjunctions Connecting Clauses
A conjunction may connect two clauses.
The door was locked, so we waited outside.
Both clauses can stand alone:
- The door was locked.
- We waited outside.
The conjunction so connects them and shows a result.
A conjunction may also introduce a clause that depends on another clause:
We waited outside because the door was locked.
The clause because the door was locked cannot stand alone in this sentence. It depends on the main clause for complete meaning.
The Three Main Types of Conjunctions
English conjunctions are commonly divided into three main types.
| Type | What it does | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating conjunction | Connects equal words, phrases, or clauses | and, but, or, so |
| Subordinating conjunction | Introduces a dependent clause | because, although, if, when |
| Correlative conjunction | Works in a pair to connect matching elements | both…and, either…or |
Conjunctive adverbs such as however and therefore also connect ideas, but they are not one of the three main conjunction types.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect grammatical elements of equal importance.
The seven coordinating conjunctions are:
- for
- and
- nor
- but
- or
- yet
- so
They are commonly remembered with the acronym FANBOYS.
A coordinating conjunction may connect words:
Liam ordered soup and bread.
It may also connect independent clauses:
The shop was closing, so we paid quickly.
Note: A comma is normally used before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and connects it to a main clause.
Common examples include:
- because
- although
- if
- when
- before
- after
- unless
- while
We stayed inside because the wind was strong.
The conjunction because introduces the dependent clause because the wind was strong.
A dependent clause may also appear before the main clause:
Although the path was steep, everyone reached the top.
Note: Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause.
Subordinating conjunctions may show time, reason, condition, contrast, purpose, place, or manner.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs. They connect words, phrases, or clauses that have matching grammatical structures.
Common pairs include:
- both…and
- either…or
- neither…nor
- not only…but also
- whether…or
Both Maya and Chloe volunteered.
You may either wait here or come with us.
The connected elements should follow the same grammatical pattern.
Incorrect: Ethan enjoys both reading and to paint.
Correct: Ethan enjoys both reading and painting.
In the corrected sentence, reading and painting have the same form.
For a broader reference, see the complete list of conjunctions with meanings and examples.
How to Identify the Type of Conjunction
You can often identify a conjunction by checking how it connects the parts of a sentence.
1. Look for a Fixed Pair
When two connecting words work together, they may form a correlative conjunction.
Either call today or send an email tomorrow.
Either…or is a correlative pair.
2. Check Whether the Connected Elements Are Equal
A coordinating conjunction connects elements of equal grammatical importance.
Mia prepared the slides, and Noah checked the figures.
Both clauses can stand alone:
- Mia prepared the slides.
- Noah checked the figures.
The conjunction and is therefore coordinating.
3. Check Whether One Clause Depends on Another
A subordinating conjunction introduces a clause that cannot stand alone in its current form.
We began the meeting after everyone arrived.
The words everyone arrived form a complete clause by themselves. However, adding after turns the clause into a dependent time clause:
After everyone arrived.
The clause now needs a main clause to complete its meaning. Therefore, after functions as a subordinating conjunction.
How Conjunction Choice Changes Sentence Structure
Different conjunctions may connect similar ideas while creating different grammatical structures.
Coordinating and Subordinating Structure
Compare these sentences:
The roads were icy, so the school closed.
The school closed because the roads were icy.
Both sentences express cause and result.
In the first sentence, so joins two independent clauses. Neither clause depends on the other.
In the second sentence, because introduces a dependent clause that explains the reason.
The meaning is similar, but the clause structure changes.
Choice and Condition
Compare:
You may call or send a message.
You may call if you need help.
Or presents two alternatives.
If introduces a condition. The call may happen only under that condition.
Choosing the correct conjunction helps express the intended relationship clearly.
Basic Rules for Using Conjunctions
Use a Comma When a Coordinating Conjunction Joins Independent Clauses
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when both sides are complete clauses.
The train was delayed, so we took a taxi.
The sentence contains two independent clauses:
- The train was delayed.
- We took a taxi.
Do Not Add a Comma Between Simple Words or Phrases
A comma is not normally placed before a coordinating conjunction that connects only two words or phrases.
Incorrect: Ava bought apples, and oranges.
Correct: Ava bought apples and oranges.
Another example:
We searched under the table and behind the sofa.
Use a Comma After an Introductory Dependent Clause
Use a comma when a dependent clause comes before the main clause.
Although the store was crowded, we received quick service.
When the dependent clause follows the main clause, a comma is usually unnecessary.
We received quick service although the store was crowded.
Keep Correlative Structures Parallel
The elements connected by a correlative conjunction should use matching grammatical forms.
Incorrect: The job requires both patience and to work carefully.
Correct: The job requires both patience and careful work.
The corrected sentence connects two noun phrases.
Another correct version is:
The job requires both being patient and working carefully.
This version connects two gerund phrases.
Do Not Combine Competing Conjunctions
Avoid using two conjunctions to express the same relationship between the same clauses.
Incorrect: Because the printer stopped working, so we used another one.
Correct: Because the printer stopped working, we used another one.
You may also write:
The printer stopped working, so we used another one.
Use because to introduce the reason or so to introduce the result. Do not use both in the same construction.
Starting a Sentence With a Conjunction
A sentence may begin with a conjunction when the connection is clear.
We expected the road to be open. But the gate was still locked.
The team had already finished. So we ended the meeting early.
Beginning a sentence with and, but, or so is grammatically acceptable. However, frequent use may make formal writing sound repetitive or overly conversational.
A sentence may also begin with a subordinating conjunction:
Because the bus was late, we missed the opening speech.
The dependent clause must connect to a main clause.
Fragment: Because the bus was late.
Complete: Because the bus was late, we missed the opening speech.
Conjunctions and Similar Connecting Forms
Some words connect ideas without functioning as conjunctions. Their grammar and punctuation may be different.
Conjunction vs. Conjunctive Adverb
Compare:
The proposal was expensive, but the committee approved it.
The proposal was expensive; however, the committee approved it.
But is a coordinating conjunction. It directly joins two independent clauses.
However is a conjunctive adverb. When it links two independent clauses, a semicolon or full stop normally comes before it, and a comma follows it.
Other common conjunctive adverbs include:
- therefore
- moreover
- nevertheless
- consequently
- meanwhile
These words should not be treated as ordinary coordinating or subordinating conjunctions.
Conjunction vs. Preposition
Some words may function as conjunctions in one sentence and as prepositions in another.
Compare:
We left after the concert ended.
After introduces the clause the concert ended, so it functions as a subordinating conjunction.
We left after the concert.
After introduces the noun phrase the concert, so it functions as a preposition.
The same distinction applies to before, since, and until.
Call me before you leave.
Conjunction
Call me before noon.
Preposition
The grammatical role depends on what follows the word.
Because and Because Of
Because introduces a clause.
We remained indoors because it was raining.
The clause contains a subject and a verb:
- subject: it
- verb: was raining
Because of introduces a noun or noun phrase.
We remained indoors because of the rain.
Because of is a prepositional expression, not a subordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: We remained indoors because of it was raining.
Correct: We remained indoors because it was raining.
Or:
We remained indoors because of the rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three main types of conjunctions?
The three main types are coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions connect equal elements, subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses, and correlative conjunctions work in pairs.
What are the seven coordinating conjunctions?
The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. They form the acronym FANBOYS.
Is “because” a conjunction?
Because is a subordinating conjunction when it introduces a clause. For example, “We left because the store was closing.”
Because of is a prepositional expression when it introduces a noun phrase. For example, “We left because of the store’s closing time.”
Is “however” a conjunction?
No. However is normally a conjunctive adverb. It connects related ideas but follows different punctuation rules from coordinating conjunctions.
Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?
Yes. A sentence may begin with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so. It may also begin with a subordinating conjunction such as because or although when the introductory dependent clause is followed by a main clause.
Do all conjunctions require commas?
No. Comma use depends on the type of conjunction and the structure it connects. A comma is normally used before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses and after an introductory dependent clause. It is usually unnecessary when a conjunction connects only two words or short phrases.
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