Conjunctions

Conjunctions are joining words. They link words, phrases and clauses, and they show how ideas are connected: adding, contrasting, giving a reason, a result, a time or a condition. Choosing the right one makes the meaning clear.

Key facts

• Coordinating conjunctions join two equal parts: ⟦and⟧ (adding), ⟦but⟧ (contrast), ⟦or⟧ (choice), ⟦so⟧ (result). Remember all seven with ⟦FANBOYS⟧: ⟦for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so⟧.
• Subordinating conjunctions start a clause that depends on the main clause: ⟦because⟧ (reason), ⟦although⟧ (contrast), ⟦when⟧, ⟦before⟧, ⟦after⟧, ⟦until⟧, ⟦while⟧ (time), ⟦if⟧ and ⟦unless⟧ (condition).
• A subordinate clause can come first: then put a comma after it. ⟦Although it was cold, we went swimming.⟧
• Use a comma before ⟦but⟧ and ⟦so⟧ when they join two full sentences: ⟦It rained, so we stayed inside.⟧
• ⟦unless⟧ means ⟦if not⟧: ⟦You'll be late unless you hurry.⟧

Worked examples