Connecting Ideas using Conjunctions
A conjunction is the glue that holds words, phrases and clauses (both dependent and independent)
together. There are three different kinds of conjunctions -- coordinating, subordinating, and correlative
-- each serving its own, distinct purpose, but all working to bring words together.
Example:
Peter and Paul are best friends.
(the word “and” is a conjunction. It is joining two entities, which are Peter, Paul).
I am going to the market and to the grocery store.
(the word “and” in this sentence is joining two ideas, which are going to the market and to the grocery
store).
My mother asked me if I am going to wash my clothes or wash the dishes.
(It is stating that the girl has two choices, to wash her clothes or wash the dishes)
Conjunctions serve as a cue within a sentence, signaling the reader that another idea is coming.
Three Kinds of Conjunctions
a. Coordinating conjunctions link ideas by showing how they relate. For example, a word like "and"
indicates two ideas go together.
The best way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions is by using the acronym FANBOYS:
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
b. A subordinating conjunction indicates that one idea depends on another. For instance, in this
sentence the word "unless" depends on the action that follows it:
Example:
We will be late unless we leave now.
The subordinating conjunction that is simplest to explain is because. Because is a conjunction with just
one purpose: to show a cause-and-effect relationship between a subordinate clause and a main clause.
On its own, a clause beginning with because is incomplete.
Other subordinating conjunctions that can show cause-and-effect relationships and function in the same
way are for, as, since, though, due to, provided that, because of, unless, and so/so that.
Another function of subordinating conjunctions is to show a relationship between two clauses involving
a transition of time or place. Some examples of such subordinating conjunctions are once, while, when,
whenever, where, wherever, before, and after.
A handy list of subordinating conjunctions
after
although
as
as if
as long as
as much as
as soon as
as though
because
before
by the time
even if
even though
if
in case
in order that
in the event that
lest
now that
once
only
only if
provided that
since
so
supposing
than
that
though
till
unless
until
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
whether or not
while
c. Correlative conjunctions join elements within a sentence, indicating the two are of equal
importance. The words "neither" and "nor" work this way in this sentence:
Example:
I like neither carrots nor celery.
Take a look at these sentences that use correlative conjunctions:
1. We could either hike up the mountain or swim in the lake this afternoon.
2. Whether you bike or drive to work, you’ll need to show your parking pass.
3. Not only did my boyfriend buy me a Nintendo Switch, but he also bought me a bunch of games!
4. Both my cat and my dog like bacon-flavored treats.
Like socks, correlative conjunctions always come in pairs. That’s their defining characteristic; if a
conjunction doesn’t need a partner for its sentence to make sense, it’s not a correlative conjunction. The
most common correlative conjunction pairs include:
either/or
neither/nor
such/that
whether/or
not only/but also
both/and
as many/as
no sooner/than
rather/than
Activity
Complete each sentence using the subordinating conjunction from the parenthesis. Please write the
word in capital letters. Please use a clean sheet of paper for your answers.
1. I visit the Grand Canyon _________ I go to Arizona. (once, whenever, wherever)
2. This is the place _________ we stayed last time we visited. (where, when, how)
3. _________ you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless)
4. You won’t pass the test _________ you study. (when, if, unless)
5. I could not get a seat, _________ I came early. (as, though, when)
6. We are leaving Wednesday _________ or not it rains. (if, whether, though)
7. Pay attention to your work _________ you will not make mistakes. (so that, unless, or)
8. The musicians delivered a rousing performance _________ they had rehearsed often. (though, as,
once)
9. She’s honest _________ everyone trusts her. (if, so, when)
10. I plan to take my vacation _________ in June _________ in July. (whether / or, either / or, as / if)
Quiz
Multiple Choice
A. Identify the conjunction used in the given sentence.
1. Neither one of them even helped out the old woman cross the street
2. Both James and Andrew were playing their gadgets while the teacher is talking.
3. My best friend and I went to the beach to play with the sand.
4. Monica does not know about Michael and Bobby, nor about Jessica and Susan.
5. So far, he hasn’t told her the truth.
B. Fill in the proper conjunction to complete the sentence. Please use a clean sheet of paper for your
answers.
for but
yet yet
so before
whether/or
as/as
still
in addition
6. She was tired when she arrived in class, ________ she had studied all night.
7. I tried out for the basketball team, _______ I didn’t make it.
8. It’s snowing outside, _______ it’s the middle of summer!
9. They love football, ______ they gave up their tickets to someone less fortunate.
10. ______ far, he hasn’t told her the truth.
11. Jason went to get a drink of water ________ his exam started.
12. I’m wearing my new swimsuit _________ I go to the beach _______ to the swimming pool.
13. Her sneeze was ______ loud _______ a helicopter.
14. Even though Lisa is lactose intolerant, __________ she wanted an ice cream bar.
15. Ted was a great student, ____________ he was a wonderful student body president.
6. for
7. but
8. yet
9. yet
10. so
11. before
12. whether/or
13. as/as
14. still
15. in addition