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Conjunctions in English IELTS

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. There are four main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or connect equal elements; correlating conjunctions like both...and or either...or require parallel structure; subordinating conjunctions like although or because make one clause dependent on another; and adverbial conjunctions like however or therefore act as conjunctions between independent clauses. Understanding the different types of conjunctions helps writers properly structure sentences and connect ideas.

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179 views

Conjunctions in English IELTS

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. There are four main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or connect equal elements; correlating conjunctions like both...and or either...or require parallel structure; subordinating conjunctions like although or because make one clause dependent on another; and adverbial conjunctions like however or therefore act as conjunctions between independent clauses. Understanding the different types of conjunctions helps writers properly structure sentences and connect ideas.

Uploaded by

John Clamp
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Conjunctions in English

1. What is a conjunction?

A conjunction connects two identifiable word groupings in English. Thus they may connect two
sentences, two clauses, two phrases, or even two individual words (as in the case of a list or a
pairing, for example). Be aware that conjunctions can appear at the start of sentences in two
cases: first, where the main and subordinate clauses have been transposed in a complex
sentence; and second, where the conjunction indicates a relationship between the previous
sentence and the current one.

Here is a conjunction connecting two sentences:

He has no legs. Thus he cannot drive a car.

Here is a conjunction connecting two main clauses. Note that since these are main clauses
which can in themselves be sentences, they are separated by a semicolon:

I shall not be going to the concert; therefore someone else can have my ticket.

Here is a conjunction connecting a main clause and a subordinate clause:

We all groaned when Donald Trump came on television.

Here is a conjunction connecting a main clause and a subordinate clause, with the main clause
first and the subordinate (meaning: less important) clause comes second. Note that if a
subordinate clause appears first in a sentence, it must be followed by a comma:

When Donald Trump came on television, we all groaned.

Here is a conjunction connecting a clause and a phrase:

I bought a green book and a really nice purple dress.

Here is a conjunction connecting two equally weighted clauses, to make a compound sentence:
I went to the shop so I bought some extra toothpaste.

Here, a conjunction connects two single words:

We’re meeting Peter and Mary.

2. Are there different types of conjunction?

Yes. In fact, there are four types. All are useful for connecting either ideas or identifiable
syntactical units.

a) Coordinating conjunctions

These connect language segments of equal rank (which can be either clauses, phrases or
individual words).
The seven coordinating conjunctions can go between words, phrases, and clauses.
Using the mnemonic FANBOYS makes it easy to remember which conjunctions are
coordinating:

For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

However, the ones you’re likely to use the most are and, but, so, and or. When they are used
between clauses they create a compound sentence.

Examples:

Arthur likes hockey but not baseball.

Would you rather go hiking on the coast or in the mountains?

Yolanda went to the midnight premier of the movie, so she was tired the next morning

b) Correlating conjunctions

Correlating, or correlative conjunctions link parts of a sentence together. Correlative


conjunctions include:

 as…as
 both…and
 either…or
 not only…but also

When using them, you need to follow parallel construction, for example using the conjunctions
immediately before nouns, or before participles (V3):

Wrong: I’ve both been to Paris and London.

Right: I’ve been to both Paris and London.

Right: I’ve both been to Paris and been to London.

Wrong: Felix loves not only Chinese food, but also loves Thai food.

Right: Felix not only loves Chinese food, but also loves Thai food.

Right: Felix loves not only Chinese food, but also Thai food. (This is the best form as it
avoids repeating the verb.)
c) Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions make clauses dependent, so an independent clause is needed as


well.

The list of subordinating conjunctions includes:

 Although
 Because
 Since
 Unless
 When
 While

Unless I get over my nausea, I will never be an astronaut.

Marina is excited because it’s her birthday.

You can find lists of subordinating conjunctions on the internet and I’ve already posted a set on
your Classroom feed. Use them.

d) Adverbial conjunctions

As their name indicates, conjunctive adverbs are actually adverbs, but they act as conjunctions,
so they’re included here. If you’re going to use them, make sure you get it right. Conjunctive
adverbs include:

 after all
 besides
 finally
 however
 nevertheless
 then
 therefore

Conjunctive adverbs need a semicolon or period before them and a comma after them.

Examples:

Walter is an excellent pianist; however, he rarely practices.


Caroline loves the sweater; after all, purple is her favourite colour.
The experiment’s findings were groundbreaking. Therefore, the scientists published a paper.
I never take any vitamins. Nevertheless, I force my kids to take them.

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