Conjunctions
Conjunctions are connecting words in English. They help join words, phrases, or sentences together so our ideas flow better and make more sense.
There are two main types: coordinating conjunctions & subordinating conjunctions
#1. Coordinating Conjunctions
These connect things that are equal in importance. They usually join two similar parts — like two words, two phrases, or two full sentences (called independent clauses — each could stand alone as its own sentence).
There are only 3 main ones
And, but, or
A couple more formal ones are ‘nor’ (negative version of ‘or’) and ‘for’ (meaning ‘because’, but that’s old-fashioned).
Example
“Parents and children”. (Joins two equal nouns)
“Pretty expensive but good quality”. (Joins two equal descriptions)
“Take it or leave it”. (Joins two equal choices)
“They don’t like winter sports, nor do they like football”. (Formal negative)
“I avoid chillies for they make me ill”. (Very formal, shows reason, means ‘because’)
These keep everything balanced — neither part is more important.
#2. Subordinating Conjunctions
These connect things that are not equal. They start a dependent clause (a part that can't stand alone as a complete sentence — it feels incomplete without the main part). They join this dependent clause to a main (independent) clause to make a bigger, more complex sentence.
There are lots of them! Common ones include:
After, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, where, while, provided (that), as soon as, in case, even though, whereas...
Example
“Although it was raining, Deb decided to take the dog for a walk”. (The ‘although it was raining’ part depends on the main idea — it can't stand alone.)
“Simon agreed to go to London, provided he could find somewhere to stay”. (The ‘provided...’ part is extra info that depends on the main clause.)
The subordinating conjunction makes one part ‘subordinate’ (less independent / like a helper) to the main idea.
Quick Comparison
Coordinating = equal sentence + equal sentence (and, but, or...) → often makes compound sentences.
Subordinating = main idea + dependent idea (because, although, when...) → makes complex sentences.
Some words can act in different ways depending on the sentence. For example, ‘since’ can be:
A preposition: I haven’t eaten since lunchtime. (followed by a noun)
An adverb: I ate at lunchtime and haven’t eaten since. (stands alone)
A subordinating conjunction: I haven’t eaten since Sue arrived. (starts a clause — shows time)
Or for reason: Since the cupboard is bare, I haven’t eaten. (shows why)
In short
And/but/or - when ideas are buddies on the same level.
Because/although/when - when one idea explains, contrasts, or depends on the other. This helps make your sentences clearer and more interesting!
