Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or independent clauses that
are grammatically equal or similar in structure. The acronym FANBOYS is
often used to remember them:
FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So:
1. For (explains reason or purpose)
- Example: She stayed home, for she was feeling unwell.
2. And (adds one thing to another)
- Example: I went to the store, and I bought some groceries.
3. Nor (presents a non-contrasting negative idea)
- Example: He didn’t call, nor did he send a message.
4. But (shows contrast)
- Example: I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much work to do.
5. Or (offers an alternative)
- Example: We can go to the beach, or we can stay at home and relax.
6. Yet (shows contrast or an unexpected outcome)
- Example: It was cold, yet she went out without a coat.
7. So (shows effect or result)
- Example: I was hungry, so I made myself a sandwich.
Subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause with a dependent (or
subordinate) clause, indicating a relationship like cause-effect, contrast,
time, etc. Common subordinating conjunctions include:
Here are examples of sentences using common subordinating conjunctions:
1. Because (shows cause)
- Example: I stayed home because it was raining.
2. Although (shows contrast)
- Example: Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
3. Since (shows time or cause)
- Example: Since he moved to a new city, we haven’t seen him.
4. While (shows contrast or time)
- Example: While she was studying, her friends were having fun.
5. If (shows condition)
- Example: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
6. Unless (shows condition)
- Example: You won’t succeed unless you put in more effort.
7. After (shows time)
- Example: We can go out after I finish my homework.
8. Before (shows time)
- Example: Let's meet before the movie starts.
9. Though (shows contrast)
- Example: He continued working though he was tired.
10. Until (shows time)
- Example: We waited until the bus arrived.
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to
connect words or phrases of equal importance in a sentence. Here are some
examples of correlative conjunctions with sample sentences:
Common Correlative Conjunctions:
1. Both...and
- Example: She is both smart and hardworking.
2. Either...or
- Example: You can either have coffee or tea.
3. Neither...nor
- Example: Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared for the
exam.
4. Not only...but also
- Example: He is not only a great musician but also a talented artist.
5. Whether...or
- Example: Whether you like it or not, you have to attend the meeting.
6. As...as
- Example: She is as tall as her brother.
7. No sooner...than
- Example: No sooner had we left the house than it started raining.
8. Rather...than
- Example: I would rather go out than stay home.
9. Such...that
- Example: It was such a cold day that we stayed indoors.
10. Scarcely...when
- Example: Scarcely had I finished my meal when the phone rang.
These correlative conjunctions ensure balance and clarity in writing,
emphasizing the relationship between the ideas they connect.
