If you want to understand the nitty-gritty of how to use conjunctions in English, it is important to know that there are three kinds of conjunctions with different functions. When you put them together, you have the ultimate conjunctions list in English!
Conjunctions may not get a lot of attention, but they are a vital part of the English language. Without conjunctions, every sentence would be boring and repetitive. Thankfully, conjunctions help turn simple sentences into more complex and nuanced statements.
That being said, there is often a lot of confusion surrounding English conjunctions. It is easy to see a conjunctions list and memorize the words, but this strategy is not very helpful.
What are the three types of conjunctions?
English conjunctions are divided into the following types: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative. These terms will help you understand the function of a conjunction in a sentence.
To make things even more complicated, English sometimes employs a different part of speech—a conjunctive adverb—to act as a transition between ideas. We will talk about that later in the article.
First, let’s have a look at coordinating conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are used to join two parts of a sentence. These can join two independent clauses (by using a comma and coordinating conjunction). They can also join individual phrases or words. Finally, coordinating conjunctions can complete a list.
Here are a few example sentences:
- I’d like to go to the party, but I’m feeling under the weather.
- The food arrived, and everyone started eating.
- We brought a beach towel, sunglasses, and suntan lotion.
- They should either go to dinner or a movie.
Coordinating Conjunctions List
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So
*Useful Tip: You can remember all of the coordinating conjunctions using this mnemonic device: FANBOYS.
Subordinating Conjunctions
If a subordinating conjunction gets attached to a clause, it turns it into a dependent clause. These conjunctions are used to signify different kinds of relationships between independent and dependent clauses. Some of these conjunctions show a contrast between two statements or ideas, while others indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.
Here are a few example sentences:
- While you’re here, could you help me with something?
- Though she loves to play basketball, she didn’t try out for the team.
- They don’t want to swim because it is too cold.
Subordinating Conjunctions List
*Useful Tip: You can remember all of the subordinating conjunctions using this mnemonic device: ON A WHITE BUS.
- O = only if, once
- N = now that
- A = although, after, as
- W = while, when, whereas, whenever, wherever, whether
- H = how
- I = if, in case, in order that
- T = though
- E = even though, even if
- B = because, before
- U = until, unless
- S = since, so, so that
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that must be used together to denote a specific connection between two ideas. These relationships can either signify contrasting or matching ideas.
Here are a few example sentences:
- I want either the ice cream or the apple pie.
- There aren’t as many people as I expected.
- My dog would rather play in the dirt than swim.
- Not only can I sing, but I can also dance.
Correlative Conjunctions List
- Not only/but also
- As/as
- Both/and
- Either/or
- Whether/or
- Neither/nor
- Not/but
- Such/that
- Scarcely/when
- As many/as
- Rather/than
- No sooner/than
Conjunctive Adverbs
Conjunctive adverbs are adverbs that can help you connect ideas. Often times, adverbial conjunctions “interrupt” the flow of a sentence. Since conjunctive adverbs are not conjunctions, you need to use appropriate punctuation to connect clauses: usually, a semicolon.
Here are a few example sentences:
- The girl enjoys playing strategy games; hence, she loves chess.
- The food arrived late; consequently, it was cold.
- The death left him heartbroken; nonetheless, he persevered.
- The boy heard a loud crash; then, there was a knock at the door.
Conjunctive Adverbs List
- Accordingly
- After
- Also
- Before
- Besides
- Consequently
- Conversely
- Finally
- Furthermore
- Hence
- However
- Indeed
- Instead
- Likewise
- Meanwhile
- Moreover
- Nevertheless
- Next
- Nonetheless
- Otherwise
- Similarly
- Still
- Subsequently
- Then
- Therefore
- Thus
Conclusion
Like most grammar rules, using conjunctions in English (and using them correctly) requires practice. In any case, we hope you found this conjunctions list helpful!
For more English tips and study guides, check out the Magoosh homepage today!
