Conjunctions · Grade 4
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.