Types of Conjunctions with Examples: Rohan was sitting on the floor of his room and his English class test sheet was open in front of him. The fan was running slowly over his head, but his mind was full of confusion. That day, his teacher had returned the class test sheet, and his answer sheet had many red circles. On the sheet his teacher wrote a line: “Good ideas, but poor use of conjunctions.” Rohan read his paragraph again and again. The sentences were correct, but they felt broken and stiff, as if his thoughts were not connected properly.
In the evening, his elder sister noticed his worried face and looked at his answer sheet. After reading it once, she smiled and said, “Your ideas are good, Rohan. But you don’t know how to join them.” After hearing the line he thought for a moment and for the first time, Rohan realised that small words like and, but, and because were not ordinary words. They were important links that could make his writing smooth and meaningful.
Like Rohan, if you are also weak in conjunctions, then this article is for you. In this article, we will learn the topic of conjunctions in detail. We have also provided an exercise below so that you can practice it after learning the conjunctions and clear your confusion. However, if you want to learn about clauses, you can read our article “Types of Clauses in English Grammar with Examples.”
Table of Contents
Types of Conjunctions with Examples
What Is a Conjunction?
Conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. It acts as a linker.
Think of conjunctions as bridges. Without them, your ideas stand alone. With them, your writing starts to flow.
Example:
- I was tired. I finished my homework. (wrong)
- I was tired but I finished my homework. (right)
That one word—but—changes everything.
Why Conjunctions Are Important
Conjunctions are important because without them our writing feels robotic, childish, and disconnected. When we use conjunctions properly, our sentences become smoother, clearer, and more natural. Remember, conjunctions do not just improve grammar; they also improve expression.
Types of Conjunctions
English conjunctions are mainly divided into three types:
- Coordinating Conjunctions
- Subordinating Conjunctions
- Correlative Conjunctions
Let’s understand them one by one.
1. Coordinating Conjunctions
(Equal Ideas, Equal Power)
These conjunctions join two equal parts of a sentence—two words, two phrases, or two independent clauses.
The easiest way to remember them is FANBOYS:
- F – for
- A – and
- N – nor
- B – but
- O – or
- Y – yet
- S – so
Structure:
Clause + coordinating conjunction + clause
Examples:
- Rohan studied hard and scored well.
- He wanted to play, but it started raining.
- You can revise now or regret later.
- He was tired, yet he completed his work.
Real-life tip:
If both parts of the sentence can stand alone, use a coordinating conjunction.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
(One Idea Depends on the Other)
These conjunctions join a dependent clause to an independent clause. One part of the sentence becomes more important.
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- because
- although
- since
- if
- when
- while
- after
- before
- unless
Structure:
Subordinating conjunction + dependent clause + main clause
or
Main clause + subordinating conjunction + dependent clause
Examples:
- Because Rohan was late, he missed the test.
- Rohan missed the test because he was late.
- Although he was nervous, he answered confidently.
- You will improve if you practice daily.
3. Correlative Conjunctions
(Working in Pairs)
These conjunctions always come in pairs. You cannot use one without the other.
Common pairs:
- either … or
- neither … nor
- both … and
- not only … but also
- whether … or
Structure:
Correlative conjunction + parallel words/phrases
Examples:
- Rohan is both hardworking and honest.
- Either you revise now or you struggle later.
- He is not only good at English but also confident.
- Neither the teacher nor the students were late.
Important rule:
The words after both parts should be grammatically similar.
- both reading books and to write essays (wrong)
- both reading books and writing essays (right)
Common Problems Students Face
When I was a student like Rohan, I also faced the same problem, like:
- overused of and
- avoid the using of because and although
- wrote incomplete sentences
- joined ideas without thinking about meaning
To understand the conjunctions clearly always ask a simple question:
What is the relationship between these two ideas?
— addition, contrast, reason, choice, or condition?
The answer will tell you which conjunction to use.
How to Choose the Right Conjunction
Ask yourself:
- Adding information? → and
- Showing contrast? → but / although
- Giving reason? → because / since
- Giving choice? → or / either…or
- Showing result? → so
- Showing condition? → if / unless
- Time → when / while / before / after
Grammar becomes easy when you understand the meaning.
Conclusion
Conjunctions may look small, but they carry big responsibilities. They connect ideas, emotions, and logic. If your writing feels broken then don’t blame your ideas. Maybe they just need the right bridge or linker to connect. Learn conjunctions patiently and use them thoughtfully.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
- Rohan wanted to join the cricket match ____ he had not finished his homework.
Answer: but - The classroom became silent ____ the teacher entered the room.
Answer: when - You will not improve ____ you practice regularly.
Answer: unless - She read the question carefully ____ she wrote the answer.
Answer: before - Rohan was nervous, ____ he did not give up.
Answer: yet - We stayed inside ____ it was raining heavily outside.
Answer: because - The student was ____ hardworking ____ disciplined.
Answer: both … and - You can revise now ____ face difficulty in the exam later.
Answer: or - ____ Rohan was tired, he completed his school assignment.
Answer: Although - The bell rang ____ the students were writing quietly.
Answer: while - He did not attend school ____ he was suffering from fever.
Answer: because - She studied well, ____ her results improved greatly.
Answer: so - ____ you follow the instructions, you may lose marks.
Answer: Unless - Rohan enjoys reading ____ he wants to improve his vocabulary.
Answer: because - ____ the rain stopped, the children went outside to play.
Answer: After
Exercise 2: Join The Sentences Using Conjunctions
- Rohan studied hard. He scored good marks in English.
Answer: Rohan studied hard and he scored good marks in English. - She was feeling unwell. She went to school.
Answer: Although she was feeling unwell, she went to school. - The bell rang. The students became quiet.
Answer: When the bell rang, the students became quiet. - He did not revise his lessons. He failed the test.
Answer: He failed the test because he did not revise his lessons. - You must hurry. You will miss the bus.
Answer: If you do not hurry, you will miss the bus. - Rohan wanted to play cricket. It started raining.
Answer: Rohan wanted to play cricket but it started raining. - The teacher explained again. The students did not understand.
Answer: Although the teacher explained again, the students did not understand. - She can choose tea. She can choose coffee.
Answer: She can choose either tea or coffee. - Rohan was tired. He completed his homework.
Answer: Rohan was tired yet he completed his homework. - The match was cancelled. It was raining heavily.
Answer: The match was cancelled because it was raining heavily. - The students waited quietly. The teacher arrived.
Answer: The students waited quietly until the teacher arrived. - He is intelligent. He is hardworking.
Answer: He is both intelligent and hardworking. - Rohan reads storybooks. He wants to improve his English.
Answer: Rohan reads storybooks because he wants to improve his English. - You study regularly. You will improve your writing.
Answer: If you study regularly, you will improve your writing. - The rain stopped. The children went out to play.
Answer: After the rain stopped, the children went out to play.
