Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word that joins parts of a sentence together. The most common conjunctions are and, but, and or. They help you combine ideas and make your writing smoother. Without conjunctions, your sentences would be short and choppy.

Types of Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts, like and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so. You can remember them with the word FANBOYS. Subordinating conjunctions start dependent clauses, like because, although, and when. Correlative conjunctions come in pairs, like either/or and both/and.

Using Conjunctions Well

Use and to add ideas together. Use but to show a contrast. Use or to give a choice. Use because to show a reason. Conjunctions make your writing flow better. Instead of writing I like dogs and I like cats, you can write I like dogs and cats.

Fun Facts

• FANBOYS is a popular way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• The word conjunction comes from Latin words meaning joining together.
• Starting a sentence with and or but used to be considered wrong, but many modern writers do it.

Did You Know?

In the famous title of a Dr. Seuss book, Green Eggs and Ham, the word and is a conjunction joining two foods together.