Conjunctions

What Are Conjunction?

Conjunctions are words that join ideas together. They connect words, phrases, or sentences so that what we say or write becomes clearer and more connected. Instead of presenting every idea separately, conjunctions help us show how one idea relates to another. For example: “I was tired, so I went to bed.” The conjunction so shows the cause-and-effect relationship between being tired and going to bed.

Using conjunctions makes language smoother and more natural. They can show many kinds of relationships: addition (“She likes tea and coffee”), contrast (“I enjoy sports, but I’m not very athletic”), choice (“We can go out or stay home”), time (“I will call you when I arrive”), and reason (“He stayed inside because it was raining”). In each case, the conjunction guides the reader or listener to understand how the ideas are connected.

Think of conjunctions as links in a chain. They keep ideas connected and prevent them from sounding isolated. Short, simple sentences are fine, but when ideas are linked with conjunctions, the relationships between them become clearer, and the overall flow of communication improves. In the following sections, we will explore the main types of conjunctions and see how each is used in everyday English.

Different Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are not all the same. They work in different ways depending on how they connect ideas. In English, we usually talk about three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. In addition, there is another group of words that behave like conjunctions but are technically adverbs. These are often called conjunctive adverbs.

Coordinating conjunctions link words or sentences of equal importance. For example: “She likes apples and oranges.” Here, both apples and oranges are of the same weight in the sentence. Other common examples include but, or, and so.

Subordinating conjunctions connect a main idea with a supporting idea. They show relationships like time, reason, or condition. For example: “I stayed home because it was raining.” The main action is staying home, and the reason is explained with the subordinating conjunction. Words such as although, if, and when also fall into this group.

Correlative conjunctions always come in pairs and balance two parts of a sentence. For example: “She is both smart and hardworking.” Each half of the pair works together to connect the two ideas. Other pairs include either…or, neither…nor, and not only…but also.

Conjunctive adverbs are not true conjunctions, but they often act like them by linking two sentences or clauses and showing how ideas relate. Words such as however or therefore fit into this group. Because they are adverbs, they usually need different punctuation when connecting sentences.

How To Use Conjunctions

1. Coordinating conjunctions

For

For can be used in many ways in English, but only one of those uses is as a conjunction. In most cases, for is a preposition (as in “This gift is for you” or “They waited for hours”). However, when for is used to mean “because” or “since,” it functions as a coordinating conjunction. This conjunction use is more formal and is less common in everyday conversation.

She stayed home, for she was feeling ill.
He decided to leave early, for he had an important meeting.
I cannot complain, for I knew what I was getting into.
We should start walking now, for the sun will set soon.
She likes him, for he is always kind and thoughtful.

And

And is used to add one idea to another. It connects similar words, phrases, or clauses.

She likes apples and oranges.
He opened the window and looked outside.
I will call you and explain what happened.
We visited London and Paris last summer.
The teacher explained the lesson and answered questions.

Nor

Nor is used after a negative statement to add another negative idea. It is formal and less common in everyday speech.

She didn’t call, nor did she send a message.
I don’t like tea, nor do I enjoy coffee.
He wasn’t tired, nor was he hungry.
The book isn’t long, nor is it difficult to read.
We have no time to waste, nor any money to spend.

But

But is used to show contrast between two ideas.

She is young but very experienced.
I wanted to join the trip, but I was too busy.
He tried hard, but he didn’t succeed.
The movie was long but entertaining.
We waited for hours, but the bus never came.

Or

Or is used to present an alternative or choice.

Would you like tea or coffee?
We can walk or take the bus.
You can stay here or come with us.
Do you prefer to study in the morning or at night?
I’ll call you tomorrow or the next day.

Yet

Yet is used to show contrast, similar to “but,” often suggesting something surprising or unexpected.

She is strict, yet fair.
The task was difficult, yet he completed it on time.
The book is old, yet still valuable.
He was tired, yet he kept working.
The solution is simple, yet effective.
I didn’t think I would ever end up in a place like this, yet here we are.

So

So is used to show result or effect.

It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.
He missed the train, so he was late for work.
The shop was closed, so we went to another one.

2. Subordinating conjunctions

Time

Time: These subordinating conjunctions show when something happens in relation to another event. Common words: after, before, when, while, since, until, as soon as, once, whenever.

I will call you after I finish my homework.
We went for ice cream after the movie ended.
She had never seen the city before she moved there.
Wash your hands before you eat.
He was reading a book when the bus finally arrived.
I was in the shower when the phone rang.
He was listening to music while walking to work.
I fell asleep while watching TV.
We’ve been friends since childhood.
I haven’t seen her since last summer.
I’ll wait here until you’re ready.
She can’t leave until the report is finished.
Call me as soon as you get home.
She smiled as soon as she saw him.
Once you learn the basics, it becomes much easier.
I’ll join you once I’m finished with my work.
You can visit whenever you like.
He gets nervous whenever he speaks in public.

Cause & Reason

Cause/Reason: These subordinating conjunctions explain why something happens. Common words: because, since, as, now that, seeing that.

I stayed inside because it was raining.
She passed the test because she studied hard.
Since it’s your birthday, I’ll cook dinner.
Since we had extra time, we visited the museum.
I left early as I wasn’t feeling well.
As the sun was setting, we packed up our things.
Now that we’ve finished, we can relax.
Now that he has a car, commuting is easier.
Seeing that the store was closing, we hurried inside.
Seeing that she was upset, he kept quiet.

Condition

Condition: These subordinating conjunctions show something that must happen for another thing to take place. Common words: if, unless, provided that, in case, even if.

We’ll go for a walk if the weather is nice.
If you need help, just ask me.
She won’t pass unless she studies harder.
I can’t help you unless you tell me the problem.
You can borrow my car provided that you fill the tank.
I’ll agree provided that everyone else does too.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
I packed some snacks in case we get hungry later.
I’ll join the trip even if it’s expensive.
He will come to the party even if he is tired.

Contrast

Contrast/Concession: These subordinating conjunctions show opposition or contrast between ideas. Common words: although, though, even though, whereas, while.

Although it was late, she kept working.
Although he tried hard, he didn’t succeed.
Though the task was difficult, she finished it.
Though he was tired, he stayed awake to help.
Even though she was nervous, she gave a great speech.
Even though it rained, they enjoyed the picnic.
He prefers tea, whereas she likes coffee.
Whereas his brother is outgoing, he is shy.
While I understand your point, I still disagree.
She enjoys sports, while her sister prefers music.

Purpose

Purpose: These subordinating conjunctions explain the goal or intention behind an action. Common words: so that, in order that, for fear that.

I left early so that I could catch the bus.
She spoke clearly so that everyone could understand.
He trained hard in order that he might win the race.
We left quietly in order that we wouldn’t wake the baby.
She whispered for fear that someone might overhear.
He avoided the area for fear that he’d run into trouble.

Place & Position

Place/Position: These subordinating conjunctions show where something happens. Common words: where, wherever.

I’ll wait where we met yesterday.
She loves going where the sea meets the sky.
You can sit wherever you like.
He follows me wherever I go.

Comparison

Comparison: These subordinating conjunctions show similarity or difference. Common words: than, rather than.

She is taller than her brother.
I’d rather walk than take the bus.
He chose to relax rather than do his homework.
I prefer reading rather than watching TV.

3. Correlative conjunctions

Both ... and ...

Both … and is used to emphasize that two things are true at the same time. It connects two words, phrases, or clauses that share equal importance.

She is both intelligent and hardworking.
We visited both Venice and Rome on our trip.
The movie was both funny and inspiring.
He can both cook and paint very well.
The policy will affect both teachers and students.

Either ... or ...

Either … or presents a choice between two options. It means one or the other, but not both.

You can either come with us or stay here.
She will either call me tonight or send an email.
We can either take the bus or walk.
Either my phone is broken or the network is down.
The book is either on the desk or in the bag.

Neither ... nor ...

Neither … nor is used to deny two options at the same time. It means not one and not the other.

She likes neither tea nor coffee.
The manager was neither helpful nor polite.
Neither the students nor the teacher knew the answer.
They visited neither London nor Paris.
I could neither confirm nor deny the rumor.

Not only ... but also ...

Not only … but also is used for emphasis. It highlights that something is true in addition to another surprising or important fact.

She is not only a teacher but also a writer.
The movie was not only entertaining but also educational.
He not only plays the guitar but also writes his own songs.
The project was not only expensive but also time-consuming.
They not only visited the museum but also met the curator.

Sometimes, when not only starts the sentence, the word order is inverted. This is more formal and emphasizes the statement even more:

Not only is he smart, but also fast.
Not only did they win the match, but also they broke the record.
Not only does he teach full-time, but he also writes content for his website.

Whether ... or ...

Whether … or is used to show alternatives, often when the outcome does not change the result.

I don’t know whether she will come or stay home.
We must leave, whether it rains or not.
Whether he likes it or not, the decision is final.
I’m unsure whether to apply or wait for another opportunity.
Whether you agree or disagree, the rule applies to everyone.

4. Conjunctive adverbs

However

However is used to show contrast or to present an idea that is different from or unexpected compared to the previous clause. It often signals a change in direction or exception.

I wanted to go for a walk; however, it started raining.
She studied hard for the exam; however, she didn’t get the grade she hoped for.
He said he would help; however, he never arrived.
The food looked delicious; however, it was too spicy for me.
They promised to arrive early; however, they were late.

Therefore

Therefore is used to show a result or consequence. It connects a cause or situation with its logical outcome.

It was raining heavily; therefore, the match was postponed.
She didn’t complete her homework; therefore, she lost marks.
We missed the bus; therefore, we were late for school.
The company didn’t meet its targets; therefore, bonuses were reduced.
He forgot his keys; therefore, he couldn’t enter the house.

Moreover

Moreover is used to add information, emphasizing an additional point that strengthens or supports what was previously said.

He is an excellent teacher; moreover, he is very patient.
The hotel is comfortable; moreover, it is near the beach.
She is talented in painting; moreover, she writes beautiful poetry.
The plan was well thought out; moreover, it was approved by all managers.
The city is safe; moreover, it has many parks and attractions.

Consequently

Consequently is used to indicate a result, often implying that the outcome is a natural or inevitable effect of the previous situation.

The team failed to prepare; consequently, they lost the game.
He didn’t follow the instructions; consequently, the project was delayed.
She ignored the warning; consequently, she got into trouble.
The road was blocked; consequently, the buses were late.
The company reduced its budget; consequently, some projects were cancelled.

Nevertheless

Nevertheless is used to introduce a contrasting idea or outcome that is surprising given what was previously said. It often emphasizes that something happened despite difficulties or expectations.

The weather was cold; nevertheless, they went hiking.
He was tired; nevertheless, he finished the report on time.
It was late; nevertheless, she continued working.
The instructions were confusing; nevertheless, he completed the task successfully.
The hike was difficult; nevertheless, everyone enjoyed it.

Thus

Thus is used to indicate a result or conclusion. It often shows a logical consequence of the previous statement.

He didn’t study for the exam; thus, he failed.
The company increased production; thus, profits grew.
She practiced every day; thus, her performance improved.
The roads were icy; thus, the school was closed.
They ignored the signs; thus, the accident happened.

Meanwhile

Meanwhile is used to indicate that something is happening at the same time as another event. It emphasizes parallel actions or simultaneous events.

The children played outside; meanwhile, their parents prepared lunch.
He was working on the report; meanwhile, she cleaned the house.
The team trained hard; meanwhile, the coach prepared the strategy.
I cooked dinner; meanwhile, my brother set the table.
The company expanded internationally; meanwhile, its competitors stayed local.

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