1️⃣ What are Conjunctions?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Conjunctions are essential because they help create clear and more complex sentences by linking ideas together.
Examples:
- and
- but
- or
- because
- so
2️⃣ Types of Conjunctions
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect two equal parts of a sentence (words, phrases, or independent clauses). There are 7 main coordinating conjunctions:
FANBOYS is a helpful acronym to remember them:
- For (reason)
- And (addition)
- Nor (negative choice)
- But (contrast)
- Or (alternative)
- Yet (contrast)
- So (result)
✅ Examples:
- I like coffee and tea. ☕
- He wanted to go swimming, but it was raining. 🌧️
- Would you like tea or coffee? 🍵
- She couldn’t study, so she went to bed early. 😴
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
These conjunctions connect an independent clause (a complete thought) to a dependent clause (an incomplete thought).
✅ Examples:
- Because: I stayed home because it was raining. 🌧️
- Although: Although he was tired, he went to work. 💼
- If: I will go if you come with me. 👫
- While: He listened to music while studying. 🎶📚
📌 Note: The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. For example, “Because it was raining” is incomplete. It needs the independent clause to make sense: “Because it was raining, I stayed home.”
3. Correlative Conjunctions
These conjunctions work in pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses.
✅ Examples:
- Either… or: You can either call me or send me a message. 📞✉️
- Neither… nor: Neither John nor Mike attended the party. 🎉
- Not only… but also: She is not only a talented singer, but also a skilled dancer. 💃🎤
- Both… and: Both Sarah and Emma are coming to the concert. 🎶
3️⃣ When to Use Conjunctions
1. Using “And” (Addition)
We use and to add information or ideas together.
- I like apples and oranges. 🍎🍊
- She enjoys reading and writing. ✍️📖
2. Using “But” (Contrast)
We use but to show contrast or opposition between two ideas.
- I want to go to the beach, but it’s raining. 🌧️
- He is very tall, but she is short. 👦👧
3. Using “Or” (Alternative)
We use or to present a choice or an alternative between two things.
- Do you want tea or coffee? 🍵☕
- You can eat the cake now, or you can save it for later. 🍰
4. Using “Because” (Reason)
We use because to explain the reason behind something.
- I stayed home because I was feeling sick. 🤒
- She passed the exam because she studied hard. 📚
5. Using “So” (Result)
We use so to show the result or effect of an action.
- He studied hard, so he passed the test. 📝
- It was raining, so we stayed inside. 🌧️
4️⃣ Common Mistakes with Conjunctions
❌ Wrong: I want to go to the park and it is raining.
✅ Correct: I want to go to the park, but it is raining.
❌ Wrong: He eats vegetables, because he wants to stay healthy.
✅ Correct: He eats vegetables because he wants to stay healthy.
❌ Wrong: Neither she wants to go, or he wants to go.
✅ Correct: Neither she nor he wants to go.
5️⃣ Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunction:
- I want to visit Paris, __ I don’t have enough money. (but/so)
- He likes swimming __ he doesn’t like running. (and/but)
- We can go to the beach __ go hiking. (or/so)
- She couldn’t come to the party __ she was feeling unwell. (because/so)
- __ he was tired, he kept working. (Although/And)
Here are the answers! ✅
- I want to visit Paris, but I don’t have enough money. 💸
- He likes swimming but he doesn’t like running. 🏊♂️🏃♂️
- We can go to the beach or go hiking. 🏖️🥾
- She couldn’t come to the party because she was feeling unwell. 🤒
- Although he was tired, he kept working. 💼