Learning English grammar often begins with understanding the small but powerful words that connect ideas. One such category is conjunctions. This article explains types with examples and conjunction definitions in a simple and clear way. If you’re an English learner, this guide will help you use conjunctions correctly with plenty of examples and useful explanations.
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions help create sentences that are more complex and meaningful. They play an important role in showing how ideas relate to each other.
Example:
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I want tea and coffee
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He is tired but happy
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You can come if you finish early
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She stayed home because she was sick
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I don’t know whether he will come
Types of Conjunction
There are several types of conjunctions, and each has a specific role in connecting ideas. The main types include
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Coordinating Conjunctions
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Correlative Conjunctions
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Subordinating Conjunctions
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Compound Conjunctions
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Adverbial Conjunctions
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Punctuation Rules with Conjunctions
Conjunction word
Coordinating Conjunctions:
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
Subordinating Conjunctions:
- After
- Although
- As
- Because
- Before
- Even if
- Even though
- If
- In order that
- Once
- Provided that
- Rather than
- Since
- So that
- Than
- That
- Though
- Unless
- Until
- When
- Whenever
- Where
- Whereas
- Wherever
- Whether
- While
Correlative Conjunctions:
- ..or
- ..nor
- ..and
- Not only…but also
- ..or
- Just as…so
- ..as
- No sooner…than
- ..than
- ..that
- ..when
Details about All types of conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
Definition
A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.
Common Coordinating Conjunctions
The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
How to Use
Use coordinating conjunctions to link similar elements such as two nouns, two verbs, or two independent clauses.
Examples
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She likes apples and oranges
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It was late but we kept walking
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You can call me or send a message
Correlative Conjunctions
Definition
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that work together to connect ideas of equal weight.
Common Pairs
Either–or, Neither–nor, Both–and, Not only–but also, Whether–or
How to Use
These conjunctions appear in pairs and should balance two parts of a sentence.
Examples
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Either you leave or I will
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Both the teacher and the students agreed
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Not only was he tired but also hungry
Subordinating Conjunctions
Definition
A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. It shows a relationship like cause, condition, time, or contrast.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Because, Although, If, Since, While, When, Unless
How to Use
Place the subordinating conjunction at the beginning of the dependent clause.
Examples
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She went to bed because she was tired
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Although it rained, they played outside
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If you study, you will pass
Compound Conjunctions
Definition
Compound conjunctions are groups of words that act together as a single conjunction.
Common Compound Conjunctions
As well as, In order that, Even though, So that, As soon as
How to Use
They are used to introduce dependent clauses with specific meanings.
Examples
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He arrived as soon as she called
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She practices daily so that she can improve
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Even though it was difficult, he succeeded
Adverbial Conjunctions
Definition
Adverbial conjunctions, also called conjunctive adverbs, connect two independent clauses and also show relationships such as contrast, cause, or sequence.
Common Adverbial Conjunctions
However, Therefore, Moreover, Consequently, Meanwhile
How to Use
Usually placed at the beginning of the second clause, followed by a comma.
Examples
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I was late. However, I still got a seat
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She studied hard. Therefore, she passed the test
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He was tired. Nevertheless, he kept working
Punctuation with Conjunctions
Coordinating Conjunctions
When joining two independent clauses, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
Example: I was hungry, so I made a sandwich
Subordinating Conjunctions
No comma is needed if the dependent clause comes after the main clause.
Example: I stayed home because it rained
If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
Example: Because it rained, I stayed home
Adverbial Conjunctions
Use a semicolon before and a comma after.
Example: I was tired; however, I kept reading
FAQs on Types with Examples and Conjunction Definition
1. What are the types of conjunctions with examples and definitions?
There are six main types of conjunctions:
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Coordinating Conjunctions—Join Equal Parts
Example: He plays football and cricket -
Correlative Conjunctions—Work in pairs
Example: Either you apologize or leave -
Subordinating Conjunctions—Join Dependent and independent clauses
Example: I will go if it stops raining -
Compound Conjunctions—made of more than one word
Example: He works hard so that he can succeed -
Adverbial Conjunctions—connect independent clauses
Example: She was busy; therefore, she didn’t reply -
Punctuation Rules—Guide Proper Writing Style with conjunctions
2. What are the 7 types of coordinating conjunctions?
The seven coordinating conjunctions are
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For
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And
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Nor
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But
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Or
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Yet
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So
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