Meaning and Types of Conjunction with Examples and Sentences

WHAT IS A CONJUNCTION? 

A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, or sentences together.
It helps to connect ideas smoothly and make sentences flow better.

Examples: and, but, or, because, although, since, if, so, while, either…or, neither…nor

Example in a sentence:

John and Mary are friends.
→ “And” joins two nouns (John + Mary).

 

TYPES OF CONJUNCTIONS 

There are three main types of conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance.

They are often remembered using the acronym FANBOYS: F – For, A – And, N – Nor, B – But, O – Or, Y – Yet, S – So

Examples & Sentences:

A. And – joins similar ideas

She bought apples and oranges.

B. But – joins contrasting ideas

I am tired, but I will finish my work.

C. Or – shows choice

Do you want tea or coffee?

D. Nor – shows negative choice

He didn’t call nor send a message.

E. For – gives reason

He stayed home, for he was sick.

F. Yet – shows contrast

The road is long, yet we must travel.

G. So – shows result

It was raining, so we stayed inside.

 

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join a main clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause.
They show a relationship such as time, reason, condition, contrast, or purpose.

Common subordinating conjunctions: after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while, as, though, whereas

Examples & Sentences:

A. Because – reason

She stayed home because she was tired.

B. Although – contrast

Although it was raining, they went out.

C. If – condition

If you study hard, you will pass.

D. Since – time/reason

E. He has been here since morning.

F. When – time

Call me when you arrive.

G. While – time/contrast

While she cooked, he cleaned the house.

B. Unless – condition

Don’t go out unless it stops raining.

 

3. Correlative Conjunctions

These conjunctions work in pairs to join words or phrases.

Common correlative conjunctions: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or

Examples & Sentences:

A. Either…or – shows choice

You can have either tea or coffee.

B. Neither…nor – shows negative choice

Neither John nor Mary came.

C. Both…and – shows addition

She is both smart and kind.

D. Not only…but also – shows emphasis

He is not only tall but also strong.

E. Whether…or – shows uncertainty

I don’t know whether he will come or not.

 

SUMMARY 

Type of Conjunction	Function	Examples	Sample Sentences
Coordinating	Joins equal ideas	and, but, or, so, yet	She is tall and slim.
Subordinating	Joins dependent and main clauses	because, if, when, although	I stayed home because it rained.
Correlative	Joins ideas in pairs	either…or, both…and	Either you come or stay.

 

Extra Examples for Practice

1. I wanted to go out, but it started raining.

2. She didn’t call because her phone was dead.

3. You can either come with us or stay home.

3. Although he was tired, he kept working.

5. He is both a teacher and a writer.