Everything you need to connect ideas correctly in English, coordinating, subordinating and correlative conjunctions, linking adverbs, punctuation and exam practice.
Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases or clauses, "and," "but," "because," "although." They're what allow you to move from short, simple sentences to longer, more sophisticated ones that show exactly how your ideas relate to each other: addition, contrast, cause, condition, or time.
Using a wide range of conjunctions accurately is one of the clearest signs of a higher level of English, since it shows you can express logical relationships between ideas, not just list facts one after another.
The seven coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. They join two equal, independent clauses (both could stand alone as complete sentences).
| Conjunction | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Addition | I like tea, and I like coffee. |
| but | Contrast | I wanted to go, but I was too tired. |
| or | Alternative | You can call, or you can email. |
| so | Result | It was raining, so we stayed home. |
| for | Reason (formal) | She left early, for she was tired. |
| nor | Neither option | I don't like tea, nor do I like coffee. |
| yet | Contrast (like "but") | It was expensive, yet worth every penny. |
Subordinating conjunctions connect a main (independent) clause to a subordinate (dependent) clause, one that can't stand alone as a complete sentence.
| Category | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause/reason | because, since, as | I stayed home because it was raining. |
| Contrast | although, though, even though, whereas | Although it was raining, we went out. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that | I'll come if I have time. |
| Time | when, while, before, after, until, as soon as | Call me when you arrive. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She saved money so that she could travel. |
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs, linking balanced elements within a sentence.
| Pair | Example |
|---|---|
| both...and | She is both talented and hardworking. |
| either...or | You can either call or email me. |
| neither...nor | He is neither ready nor willing. |
| not only...but also | She is not only smart but also kind. |
These aren't strictly conjunctions, but they perform a similar linking function between full sentences, and are extremely common in more formal writing.
| Function | Linking Adverbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand | It was raining. However, we went for a walk. |
| Addition | furthermore, moreover, in addition | The plan is cheaper. Furthermore, it's faster. |
| Result | therefore, consequently, as a result | Sales fell. Therefore, prices were reduced. |
| Rule | Example |
|---|---|
| Comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two full clauses | I was tired, but I kept working. |
| No comma if the second part isn't a full clause | I was tired but happy. |
| Comma after a subordinate clause when it comes first | Although it was raining, we went out. |
| No comma when the subordinate clause comes second | We went out although it was raining. |
| Semicolon (or full stop) before a linking adverb, comma after | It was raining; however, we went out. |
| ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Although it was raining, but we went out. | Although it was raining, we went out. | Never use "although" and "but" together, they do the same job. |
| Because I was tired, so I went to bed. | Because I was tired, I went to bed. | Don't pair "because" with "so", one subordinating conjunction is enough. |
| It was raining, however we went out. | It was raining; however, we went out. | A linking adverb like "however" needs a semicolon or full stop before it, not just a comma. |
| She is not only smart, but also she is kind. | She is not only smart but also kind. | Correlative conjunctions need parallel structure on both sides. |
| Exam | How Conjunctions Are Tested | Sample Question |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge B1 Preliminary / B2 First | Linking word accuracy and punctuation in Use of English and Writing. | "___ it was raining, we went out." (Although) |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Precise use of linking adverbs (nevertheless, consequently) in formal writing. | Choosing the correct formal linking adverb in essay transformations. |
| IELTS Writing Task 2 | A wide, accurate range of linking words is directly assessed under Coherence and Cohesion. | Using "furthermore," "however" and "therefore" to structure an argument clearly. |
| Trinity GESE/ISE (SELT) | Natural use of everyday conjunctions (because, although, so) in spoken conversation. | Giving reasons and opinions fluently using a range of connecting words. |
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