Conjunctions: Coordinating, Subordinating, and Correlative

Conjunctions are the glue that connects words, phrases, and clauses in English. Without them, our sentences would be short and choppy. There are three main types of conjunctions, each with specific rules and uses.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical rank. The seven coordinating conjunctions can be remembered with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

For explains reason: I stayed home, for it was raining.

And adds information: She reads and writes daily.

Nor adds a negative idea: He didn't call, nor did he write.

But shows contrast: It's small but comfortable.

Or presents alternatives: Tea or coffee?

Yet shows contrast (like but): She's tired yet happy.

So shows result: It was late, so we left.

When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, use a comma before the conjunction: I wanted to go, but I was too busy.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and connect them to independent clauses. They show the relationship between the two clauses, such as time, cause, condition, or contrast.

Time: after, before, when, while, as, until, since, once, as soon as

Call me when you arrive.

Cause/Reason: because, since, as, now that

I stayed home because I was sick.

Condition: if, unless, provided that, as long as, even if

You will pass if you study.

Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, while, whereas

Although it rained, we enjoyed the trip.

Purpose: so that, in order that

She saved money so that she could travel.

Place: where, wherever

Sit wherever you like.

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, the dependent clause is followed by a comma: Because it was raining, we stayed inside. When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed: We stayed inside because it was raining.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect balanced elements. The paired elements must be parallel in structure.

Both...and: Both the teacher and the student agreed.

Either...or: Either you apologize or you leave.

Neither...nor: Neither John nor Mary was present.

Not only...but also: She not only speaks French but also writes it.

Whether...or: I'm unsure whether to go or stay.

Such...that: It was such a hot day that we stayed inside.

As...as: (for comparisons) She is as tall as her brother.

With either/or and neither/nor, ensure subject-verb agreement. When both subjects are singular, use a singular verb. When the second subject is plural, use a plural verb: Neither the manager nor the employees were informed.

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs are not technically conjunctions, but they connect clauses. Common ones include: however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, furthermore, meanwhile, otherwise, besides, indeed, instead, likewise, still.

It was raining; however, we went outside.

She studied hard; therefore, she passed.

When used to connect two independent clauses, conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon before and a comma after: He was late; consequently, he missed the announcement.

Common Conjunction Mistakes

One common error is using a comma splice — joining two independent clauses with only a comma and no conjunction: I went home, I was tired is incorrect. Add a conjunction: I went home because I was tired or use a semicolon. Another error is starting a sentence with and or but in formal writing, though this is acceptable in informal contexts. Also ensure parallelism with correlative conjunctions: She not only sings but also dances (not not only sings but also she dances).

Enhance Your Sentence Structure

Using a variety of conjunctions makes your writing flow more naturally. Use our free word counter to analyze your sentence length and structure for better readability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of conjunctions?

Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when), and correlative conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor).

What is the difference between a coordinating and subordinating conjunction?

Coordinating conjunctions join equal grammatical elements. Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone.

Can I start a sentence with a conjunction?

In informal writing, yes. In formal writing, it is traditionally discouraged, though many style guides now accept it.

How do I use correlative conjunctions correctly?

Place each part of the pair before the parallel element: "not only A but also B." Ensure A and B have the same grammatical structure.

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma without a conjunction. Fix it by adding a conjunction or using a semicolon.