Coordinating conjunctions
The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. Many learners remember them as FANBOYS. They join two parts of the same kind, such as two nouns or two independent clauses.
When one joins two independent clauses, put a comma before it: "The bus was late, so we took a taxi." With two short clauses, the comma is often left out.
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Adds information | She sings and plays the guitar. |
| but | Shows contrast | It was cheap, but it worked well. |
| or | Gives a choice | Would you like tea or coffee? |
| so | Shows a result | I was hungry, so I made a sandwich. |
| yet | Shows a surprising contrast | He trained hard, yet he lost. |
| for | Gives a reason (formal) | She stayed silent, for she had nothing to add. |
| nor | Adds a negative idea | He doesn't eat meat, nor does he eat fish. |
Subordinating conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction starts a dependent clause and shows how it relates to the main clause.
If the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it: "Although it was late, we kept talking." If the main clause comes first, you usually don't need a comma: "We kept talking although it was late."
| Meaning | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | because, since, as | We stayed in because it was raining. |
| Contrast | although, though, even though, whereas, while | Although he was tired, he kept working. |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that, as long as | You won't improve unless you practise. |
| Time | when, while, before, after, until, as soon as | Call me as soon as you arrive. |
| Purpose | so that, in order that | She saved money so that she could travel. |
Correlative conjunctions
These come in pairs: both ... and, either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also, and whether ... or.
Keep the two parts in the same form: "She is not only clever but also kind" joins two adjectives. With either ... or and neither ... nor, the verb agrees with the nearer subject: "Neither the teacher nor the students were ready."
Conjunctions and linking adverbs
However, therefore, moreover and furthermore are linking adverbs, not conjunctions, so a comma alone can't join two clauses with them. Write "The test was hard; however, I passed" or "The test was hard. However, I passed."
Common mistakes
Wrong: Although it was raining, but we played.
Right: Although it was raining, we played.
Use although or but, not both.
Wrong: Because I was ill. I missed the class.
Right: Because I was ill, I missed the class.
A clause starting with because can't stand alone as a sentence.
Wrong: The data is limited, however it is useful.
Right: The data is limited; however, it is useful.
However isn't a conjunction, so a comma alone can't join the clauses.
Wrong: Neither the manager or the staff knew.
Right: Neither the manager nor the staff knew.
Neither pairs with nor.
Using this in IELTS and PTE
IELTS Coherence and Cohesion rewards clear links between ideas, and conjunctions are the simplest way to show them. Use subordinating conjunctions such as although, whereas and because to build complex sentences in IELTS Task 2 and PTE Write Essay. Whereas is especially useful for Task 1 comparisons: "Sales rose in Asia, whereas they fell in Europe." Don't start every sentence with a linking word, because it can read as mechanical.
5 questions
Exercise
Try each one, then open it to check your answer.
1. Join with a coordinating conjunction: "She was hungry. She ate."
She was hungry, so she ate.
So shows a result.
2. Choose: "I'll wait (until / unless) you finish."
until
It means up to the time you finish.
3. Name the type: either ... or
Correlative.
It is a pair that works together.
4. Correct this: "Even though he studied, but he failed."
Even though he studied, he failed.
Use one conjunction for one link.
5. Complete this: "You can't enter ___ you have a ticket." (meaning if you don't)
unless
Unless means if not.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start a sentence with and or but?+
Yes. It is grammatically correct and common in good writing. In formal essays, do it only now and then.
Is because of a conjunction?+
No. Because of is a preposition and takes a noun: "because of the rain". Because is a conjunction and takes a clause: "because it rained".
What does FANBOYS stand for?+
For, and, nor, but, or, yet and so: the seven coordinating conjunctions.
Keep going
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