Conjunctions | Types, Definitions & Examples
Conjunctions are words that connect clauses, phrases, and single words. Traditional grammars classify three types of conjunctions.
- Coordinating conjunctions—which connect independent clauses and other grammatical units of the same type and importance
- Subordinating conjunctions—which connect dependent clauses to independent clauses
- Correlative conjunctions—pairs of words (or multiple words) that connect grammatical units of the same type and importance
| Coordinating conjunctions in a sentence | Subordinating conjunctions in a sentence | Correlative conjunctions in a sentence |
| The hotel was really nice, and the weather was great. | We went swimming every day because the weather was great. | Not only was the hotel fantastic, but the weather was great. |
| It had a pool and a gym. | Do you know if there’s a gym? | It had both a pool and a gym. |
| The hotel was fine, but it was a long way from the conference venue. | There’s time for a quick coffee before we leave for the conference. | I don’t know whether to book a hotel near the venue or in the downtown area. |
| The hotel was OK but fairly expensive. | I don’t mind where we stay as long as it’s not too far from the venue. | Neither the gym nor the pool was open this morning. |
| We can take a taxi into town, or there’s a bus that goes every 10 minutes. | She said that we can catch a bus into town from the stop outside the hotel. | Either we can take a taxi or we can walk. |
| Do you want to fly or drive? | Rather than fly, why don’t we drive? | I’d rather fly than drive. |
What are conjunctions?
Conjunctions are words like “and” and “but” (coordinating conjunctions) or “because” and “unless” (subordinating conjunctions) that can be used to connect clauses, phrases, or words. Pairs of words (or multiple words), such as “either … or” and “not only … but also,” that perform this function are called correlative conjunctions.
Correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions (aka coordinating correlatives) are pairs of words (or multiple words) like “both … and,” “rather … than,” and “not only … but also” that connect words, phrases, and clauses of the same grammatical type and importance.
I’d rather pay a bit extra than get something that’s going to break in a couple of weeks. [Connecting verb phrases]
It’s not only cheaper, but it’s also going to last you a lot longer. [Linking two independent clauses]
Coordinating conjunctions
Words like “and,” “but,” and “or” are called coordinating conjunctions (aka coordinators). They link words, phrases, or clauses of the same grammatical type and importance, such as two independent clauses.
They sprang to their feet and ran to the window. [Linking two verb phrases that share the same subject]
Adis and Selma sprang to their feet. [Linking two nouns to form a compound subject]
I’ll drive you there, but I’m not coming in. [Linking two independent clauses]
The key slid into the lock but wouldn’t open the door. [Linking two verb phrases that share the same subject]
I can try to explain it to you, or you can ask your teacher about it tomorrow. [Linking two independent clauses]
I’m going to have a pizza or a burger. [Linking two direct objects]
FANBOYS conjunctions
The mnemonic FANBOYS stands for the seven words “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so,” which are classified as the only coordinating conjunctions in English in many traditional grammars.
I had a look at the forecast, and it’s going to be nice all day.
You can get a bus to the airport, but it’s not very reliable.
“I crave no more than what your highness offer’d,
Nor will you tender less.”
(Shakespeare, William. King Lear)
It costs a bit more, but it’s worth it.
Is that Kate’s phone, or is it yours?
Climate change is starting to affect almost every area of our lives, yet it’s still presented as a purely ecological problem.
I’ve almost finished the report, so I can email it to you on Monday.
Nor is much more commonly used as part of the correlative conjunction “neither… nor” rather than as a standalone conjunction in modern English (e.g., “Billed as a romantic comedy, this movie is neither romantic nor funny”).
So is also frequently used as an adverb (e.g., “She was so happy,” or “Yes, so did I”).
Yet is more commonly used as an adverb in modern English (“Have you finished yet?).
Subordinating conjunctions
Words like “if,” “when,” and “after” are called subordinating conjunctions (aka subordinators) when they’re used to introduce a dependent clause (aka subordinate clause).
If you need help, you can give me a call anytime.
He said he’d give me a call when he arrived.
When I arrive, I’ll give you a call.
The house felt eerily quiet after everyone had left.
After you’ve finished your ice cream, why don’t you all play hide-and-seek in the garden?
Multiword subordinating conjunctions are called complex subordinating conjunctions (aka phrasal conjunctions).
I enjoyed the walk even though it rained.
We bought the tickets in advance so that we didn’t have to wait in line.
SWABI conjunctions
The mnemonic SWABI stands for the subordinating conjunctions “since,” “when,” “after” (or “although”), “because,” and “if.” It is used in schools to teach complex sentences and punctuation rules (e.g., that you need a comma after a dependent clause if it comes before the independent clause).
We’ll start when everyone is here.
After we’d finished playing soccer, we went to the 7-Eleven to get popsicles.
It’s funny because it’s true.
If it rains, you’re going to get very wet without a coat.
Conjunctions vs conjunctive adverbs
A special class of adverbs called conjunctive adverbs (aka conjuncts, connectors, or linking adjuncts) can express similar meanings to conjunctions. However, because they have different grammatical characteristics, they need to be punctuated differently.
For example, you can connect independent clauses by putting a comma before the coordinating conjunctions “and,” “but,” and “so,” but you can’t do this with conjunctive adverbs (e.g., “moreover,” “additionally,” and “furthermore”)—you need to start a new sentence or use a semicolon to avoid creating a comma splice.
| Independent clauses linked with a conjunction examples | Independent clauses linked with a conjunctive adverb examples |
| The new swimming pool cost much more than expected, and it is not being used by the local community. | The new swimming pool cost much more than expected; moreover/additionally/furthermore, it is not being used by the local community. |
| The new swimming pool cost much more than expected. Moreover/Additionally/Furthermore, it is not being used by the local community. | |
| The new swimming pool was expensive to build, but it will start turning a profit next year. | The new swimming pool was expensive to build; however/nevertheless, it will start turning a profit next year. |
| The new swimming pool was expensive to build. However/Nevertheless, it will start turning a profit next year. | |
| The construction work is behind schedule, so the pool is not expected to open this summer. | The construction work is behind schedule; therefore/consequently, the pool is not expected to open this summer. |
| The construction work is behind schedule. Therefore/consequently, the pool is not expected to open this summer. |
THAMO conjunctions
The mnemonic THAMO stands for the conjunctive adverbs “therefore,” “however,” “also,” “meanwhile,” and “otherwise.” It is used in schools to teach students to recognize and use conjunctive adverbs, including their corresponding punctuation rules (e.g., that you put a comma after conjunctive adverbs when they’re used at the beginning of an independent clause).
Although the THAMO words can express similar meanings to conjunctions, they play a different grammatical role and are therefore classified as conjunctive adverbs (aka conjuncts, connectors, or linking adjuncts).
It’s quite an easy hike. However, it’s going to be very hot, so take plenty to drink.
This route is much nicer; also, some bears have been spotted near the other route recently.
Mom and I looked for the backpacks and water bottles in the garage. Meanwhile, Dad made the sandwiches in the kitchen.
Wear your proper hiking boots; otherwise, you’ll get blisters.
Frequently asked questions about conjunctions?
- What is the difference between coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions?
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Coordinating conjunctions are single words that are used to link grammatically equal elements (e.g., “cheese and crackers”). There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English: “for,” “and,” “nor,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”
Subordinating conjunctions are words or phrases that are used at the beginning of a dependent clause (e.g., “until,” “if,” “even though”). They show the relationship between a dependent clause and an independent clause.
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of words that show the relationship between two grammatically equal elements (e.g., “either pizza or pasta”). The most common correlative conjunctions are “either … or,” “neither … nor,” “both … and,” and “not only … but also.”
A QuillBot grammar check can ensure you’re using the different types of conjunctions correctly.
- Does “not only but also” require a comma?
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Like all correlative conjunctions, “not only … but also” does not typically require a comma (e.g., “The weather forecast calls for not only rain but also hail”).
The one exception to this is when it is used to join two independent clauses, which each have a subject and a verb (e.g., “Ava not only speaks Spanish, but she also is learning French”). This sentence could also be rephrased to not require a comma (e.g., “Ava not only speaks Spanish but also is learning French”).
A QuillBot grammar check can help ensure you’re using correlative conjunctions correctly.
- Is “which” a subordinating conjunction?
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No, which is classified as a relative pronoun. Although a relative clause is a type of dependent clause, a relative pronoun is not the same as a subordinating conjunction because it acts as a subject/object or refers back to a noun, whereas a subordinating conjunction is a linking device.
It is also used as an interrogative word (e.g., “Which shirt looks best?”).
Sometimes people confuse wich or which, but the correct spelling is always which.
The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help ensure you’re using relative pronouns and interrogative words correctly.
- Is “since” a coordinating conjunction?
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No, “since” is not a coordinating conjunction. It functions as a subordinating conjunction in sentences like these:
- “Since you’re here, why don’t we talk about your assignment.”
- “I haven’t been for a run since we got back from vacation.”
- Is “when” a subordinating conjunction?
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Yes, when is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a dependent clause that gives information about time (e.g., “They continued when the storm was over”).
It is also used as an interrogative adverb in questions about time (e.g., “When do you want to eat?”). And it can function as a relative adverb to specify a time (e.g., “I remember the day when I was given my first cell phone”).
The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help ensure you’re using subordinating conjunctions, interrogative adverbs, and relative adverbs correctly.
