Grammar · Conjunctions
The joining words
A conjunction joins words, phrases or clauses together. There are two main families: coordinating conjunctions (the FANBOYS words) that join two equal parts, and subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when...) that start a clause depending on the rest of the sentence. Learn each below.
1 What a conjunction does
A conjunction is a joining word. It links words, phrases or whole clauses together.
tea and toast · slow but steady · We waited because it was late. ✓
2 Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
These join two equal parts — two words, or two main clauses that could each be a sentence.
FANBOYSfor, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
I like tea and she likes coffee. · It rained, so we stayed in. ✓
3 Subordinating conjunctions
These start a subordinate clause — an extra part that depends on the main clause.
Common onesbecause, although, when, if, while, since, until, after, before, unless
We went inside because it was raining. · Although she was tired, she finished. ✓
4 Comma when the clause comes first
If a subordinate clause starts the sentence, put a comma after it.
When the bell rang, we lined up. · Because it was late, we left. ✓
If it comes second, you usually don't need the comma: "We left because it was late."
Watch out Choose the conjunction that fits the meaning
The right conjunction depends on the link: reason (because), contrast (but/although), choice (or), time (when/after).
It was sunny but cold. (contrast) · We'll play if it stays dry. (condition) ✓
10 worked examples
Read the question, then the answer with the rule that solves it.
1. Which is the conjunction? — I ran and jumped.
and — it joins two verbs (Rule 1).
2. Coordinating or subordinating? — It was late, so we left.
Coordinating — 'so' is a FANBOYS word (Rule 2).
3. Coordinating or subordinating? — We left because it was late.
Subordinating — 'because' starts a dependent clause (Rule 3).
4. Which fits (contrast)? — She is small ___ strong.
but — it shows contrast (Watch out).
5. Which fits (reason)? — He smiled ___ he was happy.
because — it gives the reason (Rule 3).
6. Which fits (choice)? — Tea ___ coffee?
or — it offers a choice (Rule 2).
7. Add a comma: When the rain stopped we went out.
When the rain stopped, we went out. — clause first (Rule 4).
8. Which fits (time)? — Brush your teeth ___ you go to bed.
before — it shows time order (Rule 3).
9. Which fits (condition)? — We'll go out ___ it is sunny.
if — it sets a condition (Rule 3).
10. Name the FANBOYS in: hot yet bright.
yet — a coordinating conjunction (Rule 2).