CONJUNCTIONS

The Complete Master Class — 51 Conjunctions

Detailed Study Notes

Compiled from the ChetChat English Grammar Master Class video

What's inside this document

• 51 conjunctions organised into 7 logical categories (by function, not alphabetically)
• Meaning, usage rules, grammar tips (verb agreement, punctuation, formality level) for each
• Example sentences for every conjunction
• Common mistakes examiners use to trip students up, with corrected versions
• Quick-reference comparison tables at the end of every category — ideal for revision
1. What Are Conjunctions?
Conjunctions are connecting words. They join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Think of a conjunction as a bridge — it connects two "lands", which could be:
• Two words
• Two phrases
• Two clauses
• Two sentences
This master class covers the 51 most common conjunctions, grouped by their FUNCTION (what job they do in a
sentence) rather than alphabetically. This is the only way to truly understand and remember them without rote
memorisation. The 7 functional categories are:
• 1. Conjunctions of Time Relationships (8)
• 2. Conjunctions of Addition / Emphasis (4)
• 3. Conjunctions of Cause and Reason (5)
• 4. Conjunctions of Purpose or Result (5)
• 5. Conjunctions for Alternatives, Choices or Possibilities (6)
• 6. Conjunctions for Conditions (10, +3 bonus look-alikes)
• 7. Conjunctions of Contrast (10)
• 8. Miscellaneous Conjunctions (3): lest, as though, as if

2. Conjunctions of Time Relationships

Used when actions happen in a sequence — one event happens, then another. These 8 words tell us WHICH event
came first and which came later: before, after, after that, when, while, as soon as, till, until.

before / after
Simple sequence markers.
e.g. I brush my teeth before I get ready for my morning walk.
e.g. I got ready after I brushed my teeth.

after that
Tells us what happens NEXT in a sequence. Unlike "after" (used inside one sentence to join two clauses), "after that"
starts a NEW independent sentence/clause.
e.g. I brushed my teeth; after that, I got ready for a walk.
PRO TIP: "After" and "after that" carry the same time relationship — the real difference is that "after that" is a
transition phrase that begins a new clause, usually preceded by a semicolon.

when
Indicates a specific point in time or a specific condition. It is versatile — usable for a single event OR a
repeated/habitual situation.
e.g. I was getting ready when the phone rang. (single event)
e.g. When it rains, the roads get slippery. (repeated situation)
PRO TIP: "When" is always followed by a clause describing the time or condition — spotting that clause helps you
identify it in exams.
while
Indicates that two actions/events are happening AT THE SAME TIME (simultaneously) — as opposed to "when", which
marks one specific occurrence.
e.g. I listen to an audiobook while I walk.
e.g. While I was walking, it was drizzling.

as soon as
Means immediately after something else — a shorter gap than plain "after", which can mean any time later (even an
hour later).
e.g. As soon as I woke up, I brushed my teeth.

till / until
Both indicate the END of a time period. "Till" is informal/spoken; "until" is more formal (remember: until has a single
L).
e.g. I didn't brush my teeth till 6:45 a.m.
e.g. I listened to the audiobook until I finished my walk.
PRO TIP: Both till and until are usually followed by a clause or a specific time.

Quick Reference: Time Conjunctions

Word Function Formality / Notes

before Event A happens earlier than Event B Neutral

after Event A happens later than Event B Neutral

Starts a new clause; shows what's

after that Preceded by a semicolon
next

Specific point in time / repeated

when Followed by a time clause
situation

Two actions happening

while Neutral
simultaneously

as soon as Immediately after Shorter gap than "after"

till End of a time period Informal / spoken

until End of a time period Formal / written

3. Conjunctions of Addition / Emphasis
These add information or emphasise related ideas: and, as well as, not only ... but also, both ... and.

and
Adds information or connects similar ideas with NO special emphasis on any item. Connects words, phrases, clauses,
or sentences.
e.g. I like mango and ice cream.
PRO TIP: With "and", the verb is always PLURAL — e.g. "A and B are both hungry."
COMMON MISTAKE: Repeating "and" for every item is awkward: "I woke up and I brushed my teeth and I got ready
and I went for a walk." ✗ Correct: "I woke up, brushed my teeth, got ready, and went for a walk." (use "and" only
before the LAST item)

as well as
Also adds information, similar to "and", but the emphasis falls slightly on the FIRST item mentioned.
e.g. I like mangoes as well as ice cream. (mango is the favourite)
PRO TIP: With "as well as", the verb agrees with the FIRST noun only — e.g. "A, as well as B, IS hungry" (singular,
because A is singular) — unlike "and", which always takes a plural verb.

not only ... but also

A conjunction PAIR that emphasises two related ideas together, usually carrying a sense of surprise or importance.
e.g. Not only did he finish the project on time, but he also exceeded expectations.
PRO TIP: The verb used with "not only ... but also" is SINGULAR (not one or the other) — e.g. "Not only A but also B IS
hungry."

both ... and

Emphasises two related ideas EQUALLY, with no element of surprise (unlike "not only ... but also").
e.g. My cat is both lazy and playful.
PRO TIP: "Both ... and" behaves like plain "and" — the verb is PLURAL: "Both A and B ARE hungry."

Quick Reference: Addition / Emphasis

Conjunction Emphasis Verb Agreement

and None — equal, simple addition Plural

as well as Slightly more on the first item Agrees with first noun

not only ... but also Both items + a sense of surprise Singular

both ... and Both items equally, no surprise Plural

4. Conjunctions of Cause and Reason
These explain WHY something happens: because, since, for, as, in as much as. They mean roughly the same thing, but
differ in FORMALITY and SENTENCE POSITION.

Formality scale (neutral → very formal)

Conjunction Formality Typical Position

Middle of sentence (not usually at

because Neutral
the start)

as Neutral Beginning or middle

since Slightly formal Beginning or middle

Middle of sentence (not usually at

for Formal
the start)

in as much as Very formal Usually at the beginning

e.g. I got a zero because my dog tore up my homework.
e.g. Since my dog tore up my homework, I got a zero.
e.g. In as much as my dog tore up my homework, I got a zero.

The three meanings of "as" (as a conjunction)

• 1. Reason (like because/since/for): "As it was raining, we decided to stay indoors."
• 2. Time / simultaneity: "She smiled as she read the letter."
• 3. Manner ("in a way that"): "Do as I say, not as I do."
COMMON MISTAKE: Never pair because / since / as / for / in as much as with so, therefore, or thus in the same
sentence — it duplicates the result and is grammatically wrong. ✗ "Because it was raining, so we stayed indoors." ✓
"Because it was raining, we stayed indoors." OR "It was raining, so we stayed indoors." ✗ "Since she was tired,
therefore she went to bed early." ✓ "Since she was tired, she went to bed early."
5. Conjunctions of Purpose or Result
While Category 3 dealt with the CAUSE, these 5 conjunctions describe the RESULT or PURPOSE of an action: so, so
that, thus, therefore, in order that.

so
Indicates result/consequence. Informal, used in everyday conversation. Usually appears mid-sentence, and both
linked clauses can stand independently.
e.g. Jack wanted to impress Lily, so he bought the most expensive perfume.

so that
Expresses PURPOSE or INTENTION (why something is done), not simply the result. The first clause is the action, the
second is the goal.
e.g. He wore a stylish outfit so that Lily would notice him.
COMMON MISTAKE: "She saved money so she could buy a car" is WRONG for expressing purpose — "so" states a
result, but buying a car was her intended PURPOSE, not a byproduct. ✓ "She saved money SO THAT she could buy a
car."

therefore
Indicates a logical conclusion or result. Quite formal.
e.g. Lily was delayed; therefore, Jack had to wait.
PRO TIP: Use a semicolon or a period (never a comma) before "therefore".

thus
Also indicates result/conclusion — same meaning as "so" but more formal.
e.g. The cafe manager smelled the strong scent; thus he asked Jack to leave.

in order that
Shows PURPOSE, more formal than "so that".
e.g. He worked hard in order that his family could live comfortably.

Quick Reference: Purpose vs. Result

Conjunction Shows Formality

so Result / consequence Informal

so that Purpose / intention Neutral

therefore Logical conclusion Formal (use ; or . before it)

thus Result / conclusion Formal

in order that Purpose / intention Very formal

6. Conjunctions for Alternatives, Choices or Possibilities
Six conjunctions present alternatives, choices, or possibilities: or, nor, either...or, neither...nor, whether, whether...or.

or
Simple alternative. Connects two or more options; when there are multiple options, "or" is used before only the last
one, with commas between the rest.
e.g. Would you like pizza, burgers, fries, or pasta?

nor
Adds a NEGATIVE alternative, usually paired with "neither" or "not".
e.g. I don't like broccoli, nor do I like cauliflower.
PRO TIP: The verb after "nor" is INVERTED (e.g. "nor does he", "nor has she") — a useful exam clue.

either ... or / neither ... nor

"Either...or" gives two positive alternatives; "neither...nor" negates both alternatives. Both imply exactly TWO
alternatives (unlike plain "or", which can offer many).
e.g. You can either clean your room or explain to Mom why it's still messy.
e.g. Neither the dog nor the cat wants to admit it ate the pizza.
PRO TIP: The verb with either...or / neither...nor agrees with the NEAREST subject: "Either the cat or the dog IS in the
garden." / "Neither the cat nor the dogs ARE in the garden."

whether
Introduces a choice, possibility, or doubt. (Note the spelling — different from "weather", the climate word.)
e.g. I wonder whether the dog wants to go outside in the rain.
e.g. Whether you like it or not, we have to do it.

whether ... or
Connects two options/possibilities, similar in structure to either...or / neither...nor.
e.g. Whether you agree or disagree, the decision is final.

Quick Reference: Alternatives

Conjunction Meaning

or Simple choice (2 or more options)

either ... or Choice between exactly two positive options

nor Negative alternative (paired with neither/not)

neither ... nor Negative choice between exactly two options

whether A choice or doubt

whether ... or Choice between two possibilities

7. Conjunctions for Conditions
Ten conditional conjunctions: if, even if, and if, as long as, so long as, unless, provided that, on condition that, given
that, in case.

if — the four main uses

• 1. Shows a condition that must be met: "If you eat all your veggies, you might turn into a superhero."
• 2. Hypothetical / unreal situations: "If I were rich, I would travel the world." (note: "if I WERE", not "if I was")
• 3. Polite requests/suggestions: "If you could complete them soon, please."
• 4. Expressing regret: "If only I had listened to your advice, I wouldn't be in this mess."
A fifth, more detailed use of "if" appears in full conditional sentence structures (If-clauses / conditionals) — a separate
topic in its own right.
COMMON MISTAKE: Never use "if" together with "will" in the same conditional clause. ✗ "If I will go, I will call you."
✓ "If I go, I will call you." Never repeat "if" twice in one sentence. ✗ "If you study hard, if you will pass." ✓ "If you
study hard, you will pass."

if vs. whether
Both can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "whether" is more formal and is preferred when presenting TWO
alternatives (whether this or that).
e.g. I don't know if I should go or stay. (acceptable)
e.g. I don't know whether I should go or stay. (more standard/formal when giving two options)

unless
Introduces a NEGATIVE condition — essentially means "if not".
e.g. Unless you are 18 or older, you cannot enter the club.
COMMON MISTAKE: "Unless" already contains a negative — don't double it up. ✗ "Unless you don't study, you will
fail." ✓ "Unless you study, you will fail." OR "If you don't study, you will fail."

as long as / so long as
Similar to "if", but with a sense of DURATION or continuity. "So long as" and "as long as" are essentially
interchangeable.
e.g. You can stay up late as long as you promise not to turn into a zombie tomorrow.
e.g. So long as I live, I'll remember this lesson.

even if
Introduces a hypothetical, unlikely, or unexpected condition — and shows that the outcome will NOT change no
matter what.
e.g. Even if it rains, we will go to the park.

provided that / on condition that / given that

All three are FORMAL equivalents of "if", specifying a necessary condition.
e.g. You can borrow my car provided that you drive carefully.
e.g. You can join the club on condition that you follow the rules.
e.g. Given that the cat is the boss, we must obey its every command.

and if
Adds an ADDITIONAL condition on top of a previous statement.
 e.g. I will help you for now, and if you need anything else, just let me know.

in case
Indicates a precaution against a possibility.
e.g. Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Quick Reference: Conditional Conjunctions

Conjunction Sense Formality

Basic condition / hypothetical /

if Neutral
regret / request

Unlikely condition, result won't

even if Neutral
change

and if Adds an extra condition Neutral

as long as Condition + duration Neutral

so long as Condition + duration Neutral

unless Negative condition ("if not") Neutral

provided that Necessary condition Formal

on condition that Necessary condition Formal

given that Necessary condition Formal

in case Precaution Neutral

Bonus: three look-alike phrases (not to be confused!)

Phrase Meaning Example

as long as Condition with duration You can stay as long as you are quiet.

as soon as Immediate time / action I'll call you as soon as I arrive.

As far as I know, the meeting is

as far as Extent or scope
tomorrow.
8. Conjunctions of Contrast
Ten conjunctions show contrast: yet, but, still, however, nevertheless, whereas, although, even though, though.
(Note: "although/even though/though" are counted as 3 of the 10; the video groups all 10 together for this category.)

Formal vs. Neutral

Formal Neutral / Informal

however, nevertheless, whereas, although but, yet, still, though, even though

yet
Introduces contrast or an unexpected result — something surprising despite expectations. Similar to "but", usually
placed mid-sentence with a comma before it.
e.g. She studied hard, yet she didn't clear the exam.

but
Shows contrast — similar to "yet" but with LESS surprise.
e.g. She is smart but she lacks confidence.
PRO TIP: "But" can also function as a PREPOSITION meaning "except": "I like everyone but him." In that case it is not a
conjunction.

still
Similar meaning to "yet"/"but", but more casual — shows something is true despite a contrasting fact.
e.g. She worked hard; still, she didn't clear the exam.

however / nevertheless
Both formal, both show contrast/unexpected results. "Nevertheless" is more formal/advanced than "however".
e.g. I tried to teach my dog to fetch; however, he only fetches snacks for himself.
e.g. She is talented; nevertheless, she doesn't believe in herself.

whereas
Formal — highlights a contrast/difference between two distinct ideas.
e.g. She's smart, whereas he is more creative.

although / even though / though

All three mean "despite the fact that". Differences: "though" is informal; "even though" is neutral but more
EMPHATIC; "although" is more formal. "Though" can end a sentence, but "although" and "even though" cannot.
e.g. Although it was raining, we went hiking.
e.g. She gets very good grades even though she doesn't study much.
e.g. I love tiramisu. I don't eat it often, though.
PRO TIP: Pair "although/though" with YET, not with "but" — examiners specifically test this. ✓ "Although he studied
hard, yet he didn't pass the test." ✗ "Although he studied hard, but he didn't pass the test." Alternatively, drop "yet"
and simply use a comma — the comma is doing the same job as "yet" here. "Although it was raining, we went for a
walk."

Quick Reference: Contrast

Conjunction Formality Notes

yet Neutral Surprise / unexpected result

Less surprise than yet; also a

but Neutral
preposition ("except")

still Casual Similar to yet/but

however Formal —

nevertheless Formal (advanced) More formal than however

Highlights difference between two

whereas Formal
ideas

Pairs with yet, not but; cannot end a

although Formal
sentence

even though Neutral, emphatic Pairs with yet, not but

though Informal Can end a sentence

9. Miscellaneous Conjunctions
lest (+ should)
Means "to prevent something undesirable" / "for fear that". Indicates possibility or precaution. "Lest" pairs only with
"should" — never with will/would or any other modal — and is never combined with "not" (it already carries a
negative meaning).
e.g. Speak softly, lest you should wake up the baby.
e.g. Walk quietly, lest you wake up the dog. (should is optional)
COMMON MISTAKE: ✗ "He wore a mask lest he would catch the virus." ✓ "He wore a mask lest he should catch the
virus." ✗ "Speak softly lest you should not wake the baby." ✓ "Speak softly lest you should wake the baby."

as though / as if
Both describe a situation that SEEMS true but is not necessarily real — hypothetical or imagined. "As though" is a little
more formal / written; "as if" is more common in spoken English.
e.g. She looked as though she had seen a ghost.
e.g. He acted as if he knew everything.
10. Master Summary — All 51 Conjunctions

Category Conjunctions

Time (8) before, after, after that, when, while, as soon as, till, until

Addition / Emphasis (4) and, as well as, not only...but also, both...and

Cause & Reason (5) because, since, for, as, in as much as

Purpose / Result (5) so, so that, thus, therefore, in order that

Alternatives (6) or, nor, either...or, neither...nor, whether, whether...or

if, even if, and if, as long as, so long as, unless, provided that, on condition that,
Conditions (10)
given that, in case

yet, but, still, however, nevertheless, whereas, although, even though, though
Contrast (10)
(variants counted per video)

Miscellaneous (3) lest (+should), as though, as if

Golden Rules to Remember

• Never combine a reason word (because/since/as/for/in as much as) with a result word (so/therefore/thus) in
the same sentence.
• "So" = result; "so that" = purpose — don't confuse the two.
• "Although/though/even though" pair with YET, never with BUT.
• "If" is never combined with "will", and never repeated twice in one sentence.
• "Unless" and "lest" already carry a negative meaning — never add another negative.
• Verb agreement changes with the conjunction: and/both...and → plural; as well as → agrees with first noun; not
only...but also → singular; either/or, neither/nor → agrees with the nearest subject.
• Read for at least 15 minutes a day — the only real way to internalise these subtle differences.