Conjunctions in English: Types, Rules, and Usage Guide

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses so ideas flow naturally. Used well, they prevent choppy sentences, clarify relationships (addition, contrast, cause, time), and make writing feel smooth and controlled.

What Is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that joins two or more words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. It helps organize meaning by showing how ideas relate.

Types of Conjunctions

There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Type	Main Function	Common Examples	Model Example
Coordinating	Joins equal words/phrases/independent clauses	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)	It was raining, yet we went out.
Subordinating	Joins a dependent clause to an independent clause	because, although, if, since, while, when, until	Although it was late, we kept working.
Correlative	Works in pairs to join equal structures	either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or	Either you apologize or you leave.

Coordinating Conjunctions

A coordinating conjunction links two independent clauses or equal elements.

FANBOYS:

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

Examples:

• For: I stayed home, for I wasn’t feeling well.
• And: I like to read books and watch movies.
• Nor: Neither John nor Jane wants to go.
• But: I want to go to the beach, but it’s raining.
• Or: Do you want coffee or tea?
• Yet: It was raining, yet we went out.
• So: I was tired, so I went to bed early.

Note: In “I haven’t finished my work yet.” the word yet is an adverb, not a conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone.

• After
• As far as
• Since
• Although
• That
• If
• Because
• In order that
• Unless
• Even though
• Whenever
• While
• Before
• Whether
• Until
• Lest
• Provided (that)
• Though
• As long as
• When

Examples:

• Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
• I went to bed early because I was tired.
• If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Since it’s your birthday, let’s celebrate.
• You won’t pass the exam unless you study.
• I will wait here until you come back.

Important: Between is a preposition, not a subordinating conjunction.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal sentence elements (word + word, phrase + phrase, clause + clause).

• Either…or
• Neither…nor
• Not only…but also
• Both…and
• Whether…or
• No sooner…than

Examples:

• You can either go to the beach or stay at home.
• Neither John nor Jane wants to go to the party.
• I like both coffee and tea.
• She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.

Conjunctions vs. Transition Words

Transition words connect sentences or paragraphs and usually need punctuation (often a comma after the transition). Conjunctions connect elements inside a sentence.

Item	Where it appears	Punctuation pattern	Example
Conjunction	Inside one sentence	Comma depends on structure	It was raining, yet we went out.
Transition word	Often starts a new sentence / clause	Usually needs a comma	It was raining. However, we went out.

More examples:

• Conjunction: I went to town and bought a cup of coffee.
• Transition: I went to town and bought a cup of coffee. Subsequently, I went home to drink it.

• Conjunction: We cooked chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for dinner.
• Transition: We cooked chicken, potatoes, and vegetables for dinner; however, we burned the chicken in the oven.

• Conjunction: It was raining all day, yet I still took the dog for a walk.
• Transition: It was raining all day, yet I still took the dog for a walk. Consequently, I got very wet and later came down with a cold.

Common Mistakes with Conjunctions

Using too many conjunctions:

Too many conjunctions can make a sentence hard to follow. Use conjunctions to connect ideas, but keep the structure clean.

• Too long: I went to the store and I bought milk and I also bought bread.
• Better: I went to the store and bought milk and bread.

Using the wrong type of connector:

Use a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses. Use a subordinating conjunction to attach a dependent clause.

• I stayed home because I was sick. (dependent clause)
• I was sick, so I stayed home. (two independent clauses)

Mixing negatives in an unclear way:

Avoid stacking negatives across clauses. Keep the meaning direct.

• Unclear: I never go to the gym and don’t like it.
• Clear: I never go to the gym because I don’t like it.

Confusing comparatives:

• Correct: He is taller than me.
• Correct: She is as fast as her brother.

Last Updated on February 4, 2026