Learn how conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses to form better sentences. Master the basic connectors: and (addition), but (contrast), or (choice), so (result), because (reason).
✅ Recommended for: Class 3-5 (Foundation) | Class 6-8 (Core)
1. What are Conjunctions?
| Term | Definition | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunction | A word that joins words, phrases, or clauses. | Tea and coffee Slow but steady |
Connector or joiner |
| Coordinating Conjunction | Joins equal elements (words, phrases, independent clauses). | I like tea and coffee. He tried but failed. |
FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So |
| Subordinating Conjunction | Joins a dependent clause to an independent clause. | I stayed because it rained. Although tired, she worked. |
Shows relationship (time, cause, condition) |
2. Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS
| Conjunction | Function | Example Sentence | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Reason (similar to 'because') | She stayed home, for she was ill. | Formal; usually with comma before. |
| And | Addition | I like tea and coffee. | Joins similar ideas. |
| Nor | Negative addition | He doesn't sing, nor does he dance. | Used with negative statements. |
| But | Contrast | She is small but strong. | Shows opposite ideas. |
| Or | Choice/Alternative | Tea or coffee? | Offers options. |
| Yet | Contrast (like 'but') | He is rich, yet unhappy. | Emphasizes surprise at contrast. |
| So | Result/Effect | It rained, so we stayed home. | Shows consequence. |
3. Common Subordinating Conjunctions
| Type | Conjunctions | Example | Shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | when, while, after, before, since, until | When she arrives, we'll start. Wait here until I return. |
When something happens |
| Cause/Reason | because, since, as | I'm happy because you're here. Since you ask, I'll tell you. |
Why something happens |
| Condition | if, unless, provided that | If it rains, we'll cancel. You won't pass unless you study. |
Under what condition |
| Contrast | although, though, even though | Although tired, she continued. I'll go even though it's far. |
Unexpected result |
4. Punctuation Rules with Conjunctions
| Rule | When to Use Comma | Example | No Comma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joining 2 Independent Clauses | Comma BEFORE conjunction | I like tea, and she likes coffee. | I like tea and coffee. (words only) |
| Subordinating Conjunction at Start | Comma AFTER dependent clause | Because it rained, we stayed home. | We stayed home because it rained. (no comma) |
| Series of 3+ Items | Commas between items, conjunction before last | I bought apples, oranges, and bananas. | Apples and oranges (2 items only) |
5. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| I like tea, coffee. | I like tea and coffee. | Use conjunction, not comma, to join words. |
| She is poor but honest. | She is poor but honest. | Actually correct! No comma needed for two adjectives. |
| Because I was late so I missed the bus. | Because I was late, I missed the bus. I was late, so I missed the bus. |
Don't use "because" and "so" together. |
| Although he tried but he failed. | Although he tried, he failed. He tried but failed. |
Don't use "although" and "but" together. |
| I want pizza or burger. | I want pizza or a burger. | Use article "a" before singular noun. |
🎯 Conjunction Challenge (8 Questions)
Choose the correct conjunction for each sentence.
1. I like tea ______ coffee. (and/but)
2. She was tired, ______ she continued working. (so/but)
3. Work hard ______ you will succeed. (and/or)
4. ______ it was raining, we went out. (Although/Because)
5. She must hurry ______ she will miss the bus. (or/so)
6. He was angry, ______ he didn't show it. (but/yet)
7. ______ you study hard, you will pass. (If/Unless)
8. I waited ______ the bus arrived. (since/until)
7. Memory Aids & Tips
FANBOYS Acronym:
For And Nor But Or Yet So
Remember: "For And Nor But Or Yet So" = All coordinating conjunctions.
Comma Rule (The Comma + FANBOYS Rule):
When joining two complete sentences (independent clauses) with FANBOYS, use a comma before the conjunction.
I like tea, and she likes coffee. (Two sentences = comma)
I like tea and coffee. (Two words = no comma)
Common Error Pairs:
• Because + so = ❌ Wrong! Use one or the other.
• Although + but = ❌ Wrong! Use one or the other.
• Since + so = ❌ Wrong! They mean the same thing.
Choosing AND vs. BUT:
• Use AND to connect similar/adding ideas.
• Use BUT to connect contrasting/opposite ideas.
She is rich AND happy. (Both positive)
She is rich BUT unhappy. (Contrast)
Exam Tip:
1. Identify what you're joining: words, phrases, or complete sentences?
2. For complete sentences, check if you need comma + FANBOYS.
3. Avoid double conjunctions (because...so, although...but).
4. Remember FANBOYS for all coordinating conjunctions.
5. Subordinating conjunctions make clauses dependent.
📝 Practice Basic Conjunctions
Test your understanding with our 25-question worksheet on FANBOYS and common conjunctions!
Go to Basic Conjunctions WorksheetIncludes answer key • FANBOYS • Subordinating conjunctions • Punctuation • Error correction
