Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. They express relationships such as addition, alternation, contrast, cause, and condition, enabling the construction of more complex statements. Conjunctions belong to a small, closed class of function words that signal logical links between units of syntax.

Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical status. The best-known set, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS, comprises for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Examples: “She bought apples and oranges.” “It rained, so we stayed indoors.” They can connect words, phrases, or independent clauses.

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone. They show relationships such as cause, time, condition, or contrast. Common examples include because, since, although, while, if, when, after, before, unless, until, and whereas. Examples: “I will go if you come.” “Although tired, she finished the work.”

Correlative conjunctions come in pairs to link balanced elements. Typical pairs include either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, and whether…or. Example: “Not only did she win, but she also set a record.” These require parallel structure in the connected elements.

Usage notes: when joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is usually placed before the conjunction. If the dependent clause starts the sentence, it is often followed by a comma. Correlative conjunctions demand parallel phrasing and consistent linkage of the paired elements.