Conjunctions

Conjunctions are connecting words. They connect words, phrases, and clauses. There are three types of conjunctions: coordinating, correlative, and subordinating.

Coordinating Conjunctions

One of the three types of conjunctions is the coordinating conjunction. We use a coordinating conjunction to join parts of a sentence that are equal in form, or parallel. Parts of sentences, such as words, phrases, and clauses, are called elements. A coordinating conjunction connects a word to a word, a phrase to a phrase, or a clause to a clause. When joined by a conjunction, they are called compound elements.

Here are the common coordinating conjunctions:

and     but     or     nor     for     yet     so

They may join a word to another word:

aunt and uncle
better or worse
walk and run

Rachel or Leah
firm yet kind
slowly but surely

They may join a phrase to another phrase:

  • singing loudly or humming softly
  • over the meadow and through the woods
  • languishing in the dark but thriving in the light

They may connect a clause to another clause:

  • Anna rushes to the car, for she is late.
  • Quan searches for his python, but he can't find it.
  • Clara Barton established the American Red Cross, and she served as its first president in 1881.

Correlative Conjunctions

Another of the three types of conjunctions is the correlative conjunction. Correlative conjunctions are similar to coordinating conjunctions in that they connect parts of a sentence that are equal, or parallel. Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. Here, we list the most common ones:

both—and
neither—nor

either—or
not only—but also

The parts they join must be equal in form, or parallel. In the sentences below, the parallel elements are italicized.

  • Both the girls and the boys will participate in the soccer tournament.
  • Either Patti or Liz will finish the task.
  • Neither Ms. Grantsky nor Mr. Minnick can chaperone the dance.
  • Not only jeans but also sweatshirts are on sale at the mall.

Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause. We can turn an independent clause into a dependent clause by adding a subordinating conjunction. In the dependent clauses below, though, because, and when are subordinating conjunctions.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE 

I like Texas.
He looks silly.
He was successful.

DEPENDENT CLAUSE

Though I like Texas,...
Because he looks silly,...
When he was successful,...

Below are some common subordinating conjunctions. There are many more.

after
although
as
as if
as soon as
as though

because
before
even though
if
in order that
since

so that
than
that
though
unless
until

when
whenever
where
wherever
while

Many of these words also function as prepositions. Sometimes phrases begin with prepositions such as after, before, since, or until. In this case, these words are not subordinating conjunctions but prepositions.