Master Note on Conjunctions
1. Definition
A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
They act as bridges in language, helping ideas flow logically.
2. Main Types of Conjunctions
A. Coordinating Conjunctions
• Function: Connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.
• Common mnemonic: FANBOYS
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Conjunction Use Example
For gives reason I stayed home, for it was raining.
And adds ideas She plays guitar and sings beautifully.
Nor negative addition He doesn’t drink coffee, nor does he like tea.
But contrast I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Or choice Do you prefer tea or coffee?
Yet contrast/surprise He is rich, yet he lives simply.
So result It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
Diagram:
[Clause 1] + Coordinating Conjunction + [Clause 2]
I studied hard + but + I failed the exam.
B. Subordinating Conjunctions
• Function: Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
• They show relationships like time, cause, condition, contrast, etc.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions by Function
Function Conjunctions Example
Time after, before, when, while, as, since, until I stayed until the movie ended.
Cause/Reason because, since, as She stayed home because she was ill.
Condition if, unless, provided that, as long as You can come if you finish your work.
Contrast although, though, even though, whereas Although it rained, we went hiking.
Purpose so that, in order that He whispered so that nobody could hear.
Result so…that, such…that She was so tired that she fell asleep instantly.
Comparison than, as…as, rather than She is taller than her brother.
Diagram:
Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause
We left early + because + it started raining.
C. Correlative Conjunctions
• Function: Work in pairs to join elements.
• Both parts must be used together.
Pair Example
either…or You can either stay here or come with us.
neither…nor Neither the manager nor the staff were available.
both…and He is both intelligent and kind.
not only…but also She is not only talented but also hardworking.
whether…or I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
such…that It was such a hot day that we stayed indoors.
D. Conjunctive Adverbs
(Sometimes called “linking adverbs,” not strictly conjunctions but often function like them.)
• Join independent clauses and show relationships such as cause, contrast, or sequence.
• Common: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, otherwise, hence, nevertheless, thus,
meanwhile.
Conjunctive Adverb Example
however I wanted to join; however, I was busy.
therefore She studied hard; therefore, she passed.
meanwhile He cooked dinner; meanwhile, I set the table.
Note: They usually require a semicolon before and a comma after when connecting clauses.
3. Placement & Punctuation Tips
• Coordinating conjunctions → Usually in the middle of the sentence, joining equal parts.
• Subordinating conjunctions → Can start a sentence (comma after dependent clause) or come
between clauses.
• Correlative conjunctions → Both parts must match grammatically.
• Conjunctive adverbs → Use semicolon + comma when joining two clauses.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Comma splices: Don’t just put a comma between independent clauses without a
conjunction.
I went to the store, I bought bread.
I went to the store, and I bought bread.
I went to the store; then, I bought bread.
2. Mismatching correlative pairs:
Either you come with us, and stay here.
Either you come with us or stay here.
3. Overusing conjunctions:
Too many “and” or “but” can make writing messy. Mix with transitions.
5. More Examples for Mastery
Coordinating
• I want to travel, but I don’t have enough money.
• You can have tea, or you can have coffee.
Subordinating
• If it rains, we’ll stay home.
• We were happy because we won the game.
Correlative
• She is not only beautiful but also intelligent.
• Both the teacher and the students were excited.
Conjunctive Adverbs
• I was tired; nevertheless, I finished my work.
• The road was closed; therefore, we took a detour.
6. Quick Reference Diagram
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ Conjunctions │
└───────────────────────────┘
│
┌─────────────────────┼─────────────────────┐
│ │ │
Coordinating Subordinating Correlative
(FANBOYS) (link unequal) (work in pairs)
│ │ │
and, but, or because, although either...or
yet, so, for if, unless, since not only...but also