Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases or clauses together.
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A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases or clauses together.
- Coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
- Subordinating conjunctions include because and although
- They create compound and complex sentences
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Conjunctions?
Within English, which covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, poetry, drama and the skills for clear communication, this topic explains Conjunctions. English topics help you read closely and write with purpose, so each one here explains a skill and shows how it works in a model text.
Check that you can explain Conjunctions in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Conjunctions helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
Conjunctions in detail
Conjunctions join words, phrases or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect items of equal importance, such as "I wanted to go, but it rained". Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, if, since, while) introduce a clause that depends on the main clause.
Correlative pairs like either/or and neither/nor work together. Starting a sentence with a conjunction is acceptable if used carefully. Good use of conjunctions allows you to show relationships such as cause, contrast and time, and to build more complex, varied sentences instead of a string of short ones.
How the interactive helps you understand Conjunctions
Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Conjunctions.
Real-life uses and examples
- Use Conjunctions to make your own writing more precise and vivid.
- Support a point about Conjunctions with a short, accurate quotation.
- Plan an essay paragraph by linking the technique to the reader’s response.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Quoting a long passage instead of picking a short, precise phrase.
- Naming a technique without explaining its effect on the reader.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Conjunctions
What is Conjunctions?
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases or clauses together.
What are the most important points about Conjunctions?
The main points are: Coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so; Subordinating conjunctions include because and although; They create compound and complex sentences.
Why is Conjunctions useful?
Understanding Conjunctions helps you read texts more closely and write with more control, which earns marks in both reading and writing papers.
How can I practise Conjunctions?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Conjunctions?
Related topics in English include Subjects and Predicates, Statements, Questions, Commands and Exclamations, Subject-Verb Agreement.