Conjunctions are the essential links that turn choppy, disconnected sentences into fluid thoughts. Instead of writing like a robot with short, staccato bursts, you can use these connectors to build complex ideas and clarify the relationship between your words.
Whether you are writing a formal essay or a casual email, understanding the four main types of conjunctions—coordinating, correlative, subordinating, and conjunctive adverbs—is key to mastering sentence structure.
Misuing conjunctions
This is one of the quickest ways to create “run-on sentences.” Mastering them isn’t just about joining words; it’s about controlling the pace of your writing.
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech used to connect words or groups of words. They clarify the relationship between ideas, showing whether two thoughts are equal, contrasting, or dependent on one another.
Quick guide: The 4 types of conjunctions
| Type | Function | Common examples |
| Coordinating | Connects words or clauses of equal rank | and, but, or, so |
| Correlative | Pairs that join related sentence elements | either/or, both/and |
| Subordinating | Joins a dependent clause to an independent one | because, although, if |
| Conjunctive adverbs | Transitions between independent thoughts | however, therefore |
1. Coordinating conjunctions: The “FANBOYS”
Coordinating conjunctions are the most common type. They join two elements of equal grammatical importance, such as two nouns or two independent clauses.
The easiest way to remember these is through the acronym FANBOYS:
- For (explains reason)
- And (adds information)
- Nor (presents a negative alternative)
- But (shows contrast)
- Or (presents an option)
- Yet (shows a surprising contrast)
- So (indicates a result)
Example: I wanted to go for a run, but it started to rain.
2. Correlative conjunctions: The power pairs
Correlative conjunctions work in tandem. You cannot use one without the other in a sentence. These pairs help establish a clear relationship between two balanced parts of a sentence.
Common pairs include:
- Both… and
- Either… or
- Neither… nor
- Not only… but also
- Whether… or
Example: Not only did she finish the marathon, but also she broke her personal record.
3. Subordinating conjunctions: Building complex sentences
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause (a phrase that cannot stand alone) and attach it to an independent clause. They provide essential context, such as time, cause and effect, or condition.
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- Time: after, before, since, until, when, while
- Cause: because, since, as
- Condition: if, unless, provided that
- Contrast: although, though, whereas
Example: Since it is a holiday, the office is closed.
4. Conjunctive adverbs: Advanced sentence transitions
While technically adverbs, these words function like conjunctions by transitioning between two independent sentences. They are often preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
Common examples include:
- However
- Therefore
- Furthermore
- Meanwhile
- Consequently
Example: The experiment failed; nevertheless, the team learned valuable data for the next trial.
Common questions about conjunctions (FAQ)
Visual guides: Conjunctions explained
Sometimes seeing and hearing these rules in action makes them stick. These curated videos provide a deeper dive into how conjunctions function in real-world conversations and formal writing.
Master the three main types
This video breaks down the differences between coordinate, subordinate, and correlative conjunctions. It is an excellent resource if you are a visual learner who wants to see how sentence structures change when different connectors are applied.
51 conjunctions with examples
If you feel like you are using the same two or three words repeatedly, this video is for you. It provides a massive list of 51 different conjunctions with clear examples for each, helping you add variety and sophistication to your writing.
The conjunction quiz
Part 1: Multiple choice
Choose the correct conjunction to complete each sentence.
- I wanted to go to the beach, _______ it started to thunder.
- A) so
- B) but
- C) nor
- D) and
- _______ the rain stops, we will have to stay indoors.
- A) Unless
- B) Or
- C) Whether
- D) But
- You can _______ have the chocolate cake _______ the vanilla pudding, but not both.
- A) neither / nor
- B) both / and
- C) either / or
- D) not only / but also
- He studied for three hours; _______, he felt confident about the exam.
- A) but
- B) although
- C) consequently
- D) or
- We decided to go for a walk _______ the sun was shining.
- A) although
- B) because
- C) yet
- D) unless
- Sarah is _______ a talented singer _______ a professional dancer.
- A) not only / but also
- B) whether / or
- C) neither / or
- D) so / that
- I haven’t seen him _______ he moved to Chicago last year.
- A) while
- B) since
- C) for
- D) but
- He didn’t have enough money for the ticket, _______ did he have a ride to the theater.
- A) so
- B) yet
- C) nor
- D) or
- _______ it was late, they decided to keep working on the project.
- A) Because
- B) Although
- C) If
- D) Since
- The store was closed; _______, we had to drive to the next town.
- A) therefore
- B) but
- C) as
- D) unless
Part 2: Fill in the blank
Complete the sentences using the most appropriate conjunction or conjunctive adverb.
- (Correlative) _________ my brother _________ my sister are coming to visit this weekend.
- (Subordinating) Please turn off the lights _________ you leave the room.
- (Coordinating) I am allergic to cats, _________ I still think they are cute.
- (Conjunctive Adverb) The team practiced every day; _________, they won the championship easily.
- (Subordinating) We cannot start the meeting _________ the manager arrives.
Answer key
| Question | Answer | Type of Conjunction |
| 1 | B) but | Coordinating |
| 2 | A) Unless | Subordinating |
| 3 | C) either / or | Correlative |
| 4 | C) consequently | Conjunctive Adverb |
| 5 | B) because | Subordinating |
| 6 | A) not only / but also | Correlative |
| 7 | B) since | Subordinating |
| 8 | C) nor | Coordinating |
| 9 | B) Although | Subordinating |
| 10 | A) therefore | Conjunctive Adverb |
| 11 | Both / and | Correlative |
| 12 | before / when | Subordinating |
| 13 | yet (or but) | Coordinating |
| 14 | furthermore / therefore | Conjunctive Adverb |
| 15 | until | Subordinating |
How to choose the right conjunction every time
Using the right conjunction changes the entire meaning of a sentence. Whether you’re showing contrast with ‘but’ or a result with ‘so,’ these words give your writing its logic.
By using coordinating conjunctions for equal ideas, correlative pairs for balance, subordinating conjunctions for complex relationships, and conjunctive adverbs for smooth transitions, you can ensure your message is clear and professional.
Join the conversation: What is your trick for remembering grammar?
We want to hear from you! Grammar can be tricky, and everyone has their own unique ways of keeping the rules straight.
- Leave a comment below: Do you have a favorite acronym other than FANBOYS? Or is there a specific conjunction pair that always trips you up?
- Share this guide: If you found these examples and the quiz helpful, share this article with a friend or a student who is working on their writing skills.
- Ask a question: Still confused about where a semicolon goes? Drop your question in the comments, and we’ll help you clear it up.
Ready to test your skills further? Check out our other guides on sentence structure and punctuation to keep your writing sharp.
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