6.1 What Are Conjunctions?

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or sentences. It helps to join ideas and make sentences smoother.

Examples:

• I like tea and coffee.
• She was tired, but she kept working.
• We will go out if it stops raining.

6.2 Types of Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

These join two or more words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.

Common Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS):

• F – For (explains reason) → I will rest, for I am tired.
• A – And (adds information) → I bought apples and oranges.
• N – Nor (negative alternative) → She doesn’t like tea, nor does she like coffee.
• B – But (contrasts ideas) → He is poor, but happy.
• O – Or (offers a choice) → Do you prefer tea or coffee?
• Y – Yet (introduces contrast) → It was late, yet they continued working.
• S – So (shows result) → He was hungry, so he ate a burger.

✅ Examples in sentences:

• She is kind and intelligent.
• We can go now, or we can wait for John.
• He was sick, yet he attended class.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These join a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to an independent clause (complete sentence).

Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Function:

✅ Examples in sentences:

• I will wait until you finish.
• She ran inside because it started raining.
• Even though he was sick, he went to work.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

These work in pairs to connect ideas.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

✅ Examples in sentences:

• Either we leave now, or we’ll be late.
• She is both kind and generous.
• I will help you whether you ask or not.

6.3 Using Conjunctions Correctly

1. Avoiding Comma Splices

❌ Incorrect: I was tired, I went to bed.
✅ Correct: I was tired, so I went to bed.

2. Avoiding Run-on Sentences

❌ Incorrect: She loves reading she hates sports.
✅ Correct: She loves reading, but she hates sports.

3. Using Parallel Structure

❌ Incorrect: He likes running, to swim, and biking.
✅ Correct: He likes running, swimming, and biking.

Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS):

1. I was hungry, ___ I ate a sandwich.
2. He is rich, ___ he is not happy.
3. You can have tea ___ coffee.
4. She studied hard, ___ she passed the test.
5. He doesn’t like pizza, ___ does he like burgers.

B. Choose the correct subordinating conjunction:

1. I stayed home ___ I was sick. (although/because)
2. She kept running ___ she was tired. (even though/unless)
3. I will go to the party ___ I finish my work. (if/since)
4. We have lived here ___ 2015. (since/when)
5. He left ___ the meeting ended. (before/after)

C. Choose the correct correlative conjunction pair:

1. He is ___ smart ___ hardworking. (both/and, either/or)
2. We will go ___ it rains ___ it is sunny. (whether/or, neither/nor)
3. I like ___ ice cream ___ cake. (not only/but also, either/or)
4. She enjoys ___ dancing ___ singing. (both/and, not only/but also)
5. He wants to buy ___ a car ___ a bike. (either/or, neither/nor)

Answers

A. Coordinating Conjunctions:

1. so
2. but
3. or
4. so
5. nor

B. Subordinating Conjunctions:

1. because
2. even though
3. if
4. since
5. after

C. Correlative Conjunctions:

1. both/and
2. whether/or
3. not only/but also
4. both/and
5. either/or