Understanding Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that link words, phrases, or clauses together to create more complex and
meaningful sentences.
There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions,
and correlative conjunctions.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
FANBOYS: The Seven Coordinating Conjunctions
- F - For (explains reason or purpose)
- A - And (adds information)
- N - Nor (adds a negative alternative)
- B - But (shows contrast)
- O - Or (presents a choice)
- Y - Yet (introduces contrast, similar to "but")
- S - So (indicates a result or effect)
Examples:
- I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
- She likes pizza and pasta.
- You can have tea or coffee.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent (subordinate) clauses, which cannot stand alone
as complete sentences.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Category:
- Time: after, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while
- Cause and Effect: because, since, as, so that
- Contrast/Opposition: although, even though, though, whereas, while
- Condition: if, unless, provided that, in case
Examples:
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Cause and effect)
- She will wait until you arrive. (Time)
- Although he was tired, he continued working. (Contrast)
- You can go out if you finish your homework. (Condition)
3. Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs and work together to connect elements in a sentence.
Common Correlative Conjunctions:
- both...and
- either...or
- neither...nor
- not only...but also
- whether...or
Examples:
- Both my brother and I love basketball.
- You can have either the cake or the ice cream.
- She is not only talented but also hardworking.
- Neither John nor his friends were at the party.
Activity: Fill in the Blanks
A. Coordinating Conjunctions
Fill in the blanks using the correct coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so):
1. I was feeling hungry, ___ I made a sandwich.
2. She wanted to go to the mall, ___ it was too late.
3. We can go to the beach, ___ we can visit the zoo.
4. He did not call me, ___ did he send a message.
5. It was raining, ___ they continued playing outside.
B. Subordinating Conjunctions (Time)
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction for time (after, before, once, since, until, when,
whenever, while) to complete each sentence.
1. We will start eating ___ everyone arrives.
2. She has been working here ___ she graduated from college.
3. I always brush my teeth ___ I go to bed.
4. We stayed at the park ___ it got dark.
5. Please turn off the lights ___ you leave the room.
