Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a
sentence. Conjunctions help to link ideas and make the sentence flow
more smoothly.
Types of Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
• These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent
clauses of equal importance.
• The FANBOYS acronym helps remember the most
common coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet,
So.
• Examples:
• She is tired, but she will go to the gym.
• I wanted to go, but I was busy.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
• These conjunctions connect an independent clause (a
complete thought) to a dependent clause (a thought that cannot
stand alone).
• Examples: because, although, if, unless, while, when, since,
after, before, until.
• Sentence Example: She stayed at home because it was
raining.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
• These are paired conjunctions that work together to join
equal elements.
• Examples: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…
but also, whether…or.
• Sentence Example: You can either have coffee or tea.
4. Conjunctive Adverbs
• These adverbs function as conjunctions to connect
independent clauses, showing cause, contrast, or time.
• Examples: however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless,
consequently, thus, otherwise.
• Sentence Example: He was tired; however, he continued
working.
Usage of Conjunctions
• Coordinating Conjunctions: Join two parts of a sentence
that are equal in importance.
• Example: I want to go swimming, but it’s raining.
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Introduce dependent clauses
and show the relationship between the dependent and independent
clause.
• Example: I stayed home because it was too cold to go out.
• Correlative Conjunctions: Work in pairs and join balanced
elements in a sentence.
• Example: He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
• Conjunctive Adverbs: Join independent clauses and
indicate the relationship between them, such as cause, result, or
contrast.
• Example: She was upset; therefore, she left the party early.
Classwork: Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Identify the Conjunctions
Underline the conjunctions in the following sentences:
1. I wanted to go swimming, but it started raining.
2. She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling sick.
3. We will eat dinner after the movie.
4. I can’t decide whether to stay home or go out.
5. He studied hard, so he passed the exam.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct conjunction (from the list of
coordinating, subordinating, or correlative):
1. I wanted to go to the concert, _______ I had no tickets. (but,
because, or)
2. He will go swimming _______ it stops raining. (if, when,
although)
3. We can either have pizza _______ pasta for dinner. (or, but,
neither)
4. She was tired, _______ she still finished her work. (so, yet, for)
5. I am allergic to strawberries, _______ I can’t eat them.
(therefore, because, unless)
Exercise 3: Write Sentences Using Conjunctions
1. Write a sentence using the conjunction but.
2. Write a sentence using the conjunction because.
3. Write a sentence using the conjunction either…or.
4. Write a sentence using the conjunction although.
5. Write a sentence using the conjunction so.
Exercise 4: Join the Sentences Using Conjunctions
Combine the following sentences using an appropriate conjunction
(from the list of FANBOYS, subordinating, or correlative):
1. She likes chocolate. She doesn’t like vanilla. (but)
2. He worked hard. He didn’t get the promotion. (yet)
3. I can go to the gym. I can stay at home. (either…or)
4. We will go to the park. It stops raining. (if)
5. She studied all night. She still didn’t pass the test. (although)
