While writing, have you ever stopped yourself and thought that certain sentences belong together, instead of being separate? Sometimes it feels unnecessary to break a sentence and write two separate lines, as it also lengthens the word count. But how can we join two sentences? Shall we use a comma in between, or a semicolon? This is where conjunctions play a big role.
Conjunctions like and, although, or because connect the words that join two phrases together. This article provides a thorough breakdown of conjunctions in simple language, highlights the use behind each type of conjunction, and mentions whether it is right to start a sentence with one or not.
In this guide
- What Is a Conjunction?
- Why Conjunctions Matter in Writing
- Coordinating Conjunctions: The FANBOYS
- Correlative Conjunctions: Working in Pairs
- Subordinating Conjunctions and Dependent Clauses
- Conjunctive Adverbs: A Related but Different Category
- Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
- Fixing Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
- Quick Reference
- Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctions
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that mainly connects other words, clauses, or phrases within a sentence. It can be considered a bridge that highlights how two different pieces of information relate to each other — whether that’s addition, contrast, choice, or cause and effect.
He wanted to go out in the rain, but the rain stopped suddenly.
The word “but” here is a conjunction, and it is doing the main work: it makes the relationship between the two events explicit.
Conjunctions have three main types — coordinating, correlative, and subordinating. Each links two separate ideas in a different way, and each should be used accordingly.
Why Conjunctions Matter in Writing
Conjunctions often get overlooked because they aren’t as interesting as the nouns or verbs in a sentence. That’s probably why they are so valuable. They give you control over the flow, the rhythm, and most importantly the logic of your writing.
Without conjunctions, sentences turn uneven — just one statement after another:
I did my homework. I ate my food. I fell asleep. (incorrect)
After I did my homework, I ate my food and fell asleep.
Which one sounds right to you? Conjunctions also control the logical structure of what you write. They signal what relationship one statement has to another — contrasting, additive, causal, or conditional. Using the appropriate conjunction means your writing never sounds like run-on statements or a confusing mess.
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Coordinating Conjunctions: The FANBOYS
Coordinating conjunctions join two equal elements in a sentence: two words, two phrases, or two complete (independent) clauses. There are only seven, and the acronym FANBOYS makes them easy to remember.
| Letter | Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| F | For | He stayed home, for he was feeling unwell. |
| A | And | She wrapped up her office work and left for home. |
| N | Nor | I don’t like tea, nor do I like coffee. |
| B | But | I wanted to visit the chapel, but it was closed today. |
| O | Or | You can send an email, or you can call her. |
| Y | Yet | The candies were sour, yet she ate the entire packet. |
| S | So | It was already past midnight, so we decided to head back home. |
Comma reminder. A comma should almost always come before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses, as in the examples above. When it joins two words or phrases, no comma is needed — as in bread and butter.
Correlative Conjunctions: Working in Pairs
Correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs — which is exactly why they’re called correlatives. They join a pair of ideas in a sentence, and because they always appear together, both halves must be present and both must be correct.
| Pair | Example |
|---|---|
| either / or | You can either call or text him to finalize the reports. |
| neither / nor | He neither called nor texted. |
| both / and | Both the pillow covers and the table covers are matching. |
| not only / but also | He is not only a great filmmaker but also a genius writer. |
| whether / or | We haven’t decided whether to stay or leave this country. |
A common mistake is putting different grammatical structures on either side of the pair:
She not only enjoys swimming but also likes to snorkel. (incorrect)
Here the first half follows “not only” with a verb phrase, while the second half follows “but also” with a different one. Parallel structure means both halves take the same grammatical form:
She enjoys not only swimming but also snorkeling.
Now “swimming” and “snorkeling” match, and the shared verb “enjoys” sits outside the pair where it belongs.
Subordinating Conjunctions and Dependent Clauses
Subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause (a complete idea) to a subordinate clause (an incomplete idea that depends on the rest of the sentence to make sense). Common ones include although, because, since, unless, if, while, when, after, and before.
The phrase “although it was raining” is not a complete sentence. It has to attach to another sentence to complete its meaning. These incomplete units are called subordinate, or dependent, clauses.
There is an easy punctuation rule here. If the subordinate clause comes first, you need a comma after it. If the independent clause comes first, you don’t need one.
We went for a bike-riding adventure although it was raining.
Although it was raining, we went for a bike-riding adventure.
Use these clauses when giving reasons or explanations, making contrasts, and stating conditions — instead of stringing separate sentences together with “and.”
Conjunctive Adverbs: A Related but Different Category
Conjunctive adverbs like however, meanwhile, therefore, moreover, and consequently are sometimes lumped in with conjunctions. They are not conjunctions — they’re adverbs, and they follow different punctuation rules.
The clearest difference is the punctuation mark. Conjunctions join independent clauses with a comma. Conjunctive adverbs need a semicolon before them — or a period, which splits the idea into two separate sentences. Joining two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunctive adverb is one of the most common punctuation errors there is:
It was late, however, we stayed a bit longer. (incorrect)
It was late; however, we stayed a bit longer.
It was late. However, we stayed a bit longer.
Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
Yes, you can. This is one of the most persistent grammar myths in English. Both coordinating conjunctions (such as and or but) and subordinating conjunctions (such as because or although) can open a sentence effectively.
But that’s not the whole story.
Because the deadline was extended, we had plenty of time to prepare.
Many skilled authors deliberately use opening conjunctions to sharpen a sentence. Just don’t overdo it — a paragraph strung together with “ands” and “buts” won’t impress anyone. Use them where they feel appropriate.
Fixing Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
A run-on sentence happens when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma, or with no punctuation at all. Joining them with just a comma is called a comma splice:
I finished my homework, I submitted it to my teacher. (incorrect)
There are three simple ways to fix it:
- Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma
I finished my homework, and I submitted it to my teacher.
A comma plus a coordinating conjunction can join two independent clauses, so each half keeps its own subject and verb. - Use a semicolon instead of a comma
I finished my homework; I submitted it to my teacher.
A semicolon works when the two ideas are closely related. - Make them two separate sentences
I finished my homework. I submitted it to my teacher.
Sometimes two short sentences are simply the clearest option.
You can also turn one clause into a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction:
After I finished my homework, I submitted it to my teacher.
All you need to do is recognize when you’re putting together two complete thoughts — ideas that could each stand alone as a sentence.
Quick Reference
Use this table as a quick check on which conjunction to reach for.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Coordinating conjunctions | for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS) |
| Correlative conjunctions | either/or, not only/but also, neither/nor, whether/or, both/and |
| Subordinating conjunctions | although, because, unless, since, if, while, when, after, before |
| Conjunctive adverbs | therefore, however, consequently, moreover, meanwhile |
Keep it bookmarked somewhere easy to reach. Even proficient writers occasionally second-guess their punctuation. Practice with this guide often, and eventually you’ll know which conjunction to use without looking.
Conclusion
Conjunctions are small words with a big impact on clarity. Once you understand the difference between coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctions, it becomes much easier to control the flow of your sentence structure — and to fix comma splices and run-ons along the way.
Next time you write something, spend a bit more time on these little connecting words. It will make a world of difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctions
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that joins words, clauses, or phrases together. It brings them together to explain ideas better and make sentences flow more smoothly.
What are the three types of conjunctions?
The three types are coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctions. They all connect words or independent clauses to one another.
What does FANBOYS stand for?
FANBOYS helps you remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So.
Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?
Yes. Starting a sentence with a conjunction is grammatically correct. It can improve readability or emphasize an idea, provided it’s used naturally and not too frequently.
How do conjunctions fix run-on sentences?
Conjunctions fix run-ons by joining independent clauses with the proper punctuation. They improve readability and sentence structure, and make sure ideas connect clearly and logically.
