Conjunctions are function words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. They help link ideas logically and make speech smoother and clearer.
I like cooking and eating, but I don’t like washing the dishes.
She was tired, yet she finished the report.
Coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are equal in grammatical structure or importance.
These conjunctions are often remembered as FANBOYS:
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
These conjunctions are often remembered as FANBOYS:
for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
I stayed at home, for it was raining outside.
She bought apples and oranges for the picnic.
He doesn’t eat meat, nor does he drink milk.
I wanted to go for a walk, but I felt too tired.
We can watch a movie or play a board game.
She studied hard, yet she didn’t pass the exam.
It started to get dark, so we headed home.
Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to join parallel grammatical structures.
Common pairs:both ... and ..., either ... or ..., neither ... nor ..., whether ... or ..., not only ... but also ...
Common pairs:
She is both talented and creative.
You can either stay here or come with us.
He likes neither swimming nor running.
Whether you agree or not, we have to make a decision.
She not only finished the project but also presented it perfectly.
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause and show the relationship between it and the main clause — cause, time, contrast, condition, or result.
Conjunctions: because, since, if, unless, before, after, when, that, as, although, though, until, while, whereas, even though, once
Conjunctions: because, since, if, unless, before, after, when, that, as, although, though, until, while, whereas, even though, once
We stayed inside because it was cold.
Since you’re here, let’s start.
Call me if you need help.
We won’t start unless everyone is ready.
Wash your hands before you eat.
We’ll talk after we finish work.
Text me when you arrive.
I know that you’re right.
I stayed home as I wasn’t feeling well.
Although it was late, we kept talking.
She smiled, though she was tired.
Wait here until I return.
He was cooking while she was setting the table.
He likes tea, whereas she prefers coffee.
Even though it was raining, we continued our hike.
Once you finish your homework, you can play video games.
Conjunctive adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses and show the relationship between them — contrast, result, addition, or time. They usually follow a semicolon and are followed by a comma.
Common conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, furthermore, nevertheless, meanwhile, thus, otherwise, instead, as a result, in addition
Common conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, furthermore, nevertheless, meanwhile, thus, otherwise, instead, as a result, in addition
It was raining; however, we decided to go out.
He forgot his keys; therefore, he couldn’t enter the house.
She speaks three languages; moreover, she teaches French.
The road was blocked; consequently, we had to take a detour.
The restaurant was full; furthermore, we hadn’t booked a table.
He was tired; nevertheless, he kept working.
She cooked dinner; meanwhile, he cleaned the kitchen.
The experiment failed; thus, we had to try again.
We must hurry; otherwise, we’ll miss the train.
He didn’t buy a new phone; instead, he repaired the old one.
She didn’t study for the test; as a result, she failed it.
The hotel offers free breakfast; in addition, guests can access the gym.