Conjunctions RULES

What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Conjunctions are considered to be invariable grammar particle, and they may or may not stand
between items they conjoin.

Types of Conjunctions
There are several different types of conjunctions that do various jobs within sentence structures.
These include:

 Subordinating conjunctions – Also known as subordinators, these conjunctions join dependent

clauses to independent clauses.
 Coordinating conjunction – Also known as coordinators, these conjunctions coordinate or join two or
more sentences, main clauses, words, or other parts of speech which are of the same syntactic
importance.
 Correlative conjunction – These conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or words that
carry equal importance within a sentence.
 Conjunctive adverbs – While some instructors do not teach conjunctive adverbs alongside
conjunctions, these important parts of speech are worth a mention here. These adverbs always
connect one clause to another, and are used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and
other relationships.
When people first learn to write, they usually begin with short, basic sentences like these: “My name
is Ted. I am a boy. I like dogs.” One of the most important jobs conjunctions do is to connect these
short sentences so they sound more like this: “I am a boy named Ted, and I like dogs.”

Conjunction Rules
There are a few important rules for using conjunctions. Remember them and you will find that your
writing flows better:

 Conjunctions are for connecting thoughts, actions, and ideas as well as nouns, clauses, and other
parts of speech. For example: Mary went to the supermarket and bought oranges.
 Conjunctions are useful for making lists. For example: We made pancakes, eggs, and coffee for
breakfast.
 When using conjunctions, make sure that all the parts of your sentences agree. For example: “I work
busily yet am careful” does not agree. “I work busily yet carefully” shows agreement.

Conjunctions List
There are only a few common conjunctions, yet these words perform many functions: They present
explanations, ideas, exceptions, consequences, and contrasts. Here is a list of conjunctions
commonly used in American English:

 And
 As
 Because
 But
 For
 Just as
 Or
 Neither
 Nor
 Not only
 So
 Whether
 Yet

Examples of Conjunctions
In the following examples, the conjunctions are in bold for easy recognition:

 I tried to hit the nail but hit my thumb instead.

 I have two goldfish and a cat.
 I’d like a bike for commuting to work.
 You can have peach ice cream or a brownie sundae.
 Neither the black dress northe gray one looks right on me.
 My dad always worked hard so we could afford the things we wanted.
 I try very hard in school yet I am not receiving good grades.

Conjunction Exercises
The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctions work.
Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.
8. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy __________ a kitten home with him.
1. But
2. Or
3. Yet
4. And
Answer: 4. My brother loves animals. He just brought a puppy and a kitten home with him.

9. I’d like to thank you ______ the lovely gift.

1. Or
2. For
3. And
4. Yet
Answer: 2. I’d like to thank you for the lovely gift.

10. I want to go for a hike _____ I have to go to work today.

1. But
2. Yet
3. Or
4. For
Answer: 1. I want to go for a hike but I have to go to work today.

11. They do not smoke, _____ do they play cards.

1. And
2. Or
3. Nor
4. Yet
Answer: 3. They do not smoke, nor do they play cards.

12. I’m getting good grades _________ I study every day.

1. Or
2. Yet
3. But
4. Because
Answer: 4. I’m getting good grades because I study every day.
Subordinating Conjunctions
What is a Subordinating Conjunction?
Subordinating conjunctions are parts of speech that join dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Sometimes referred to as subordinators or subordinate conjunctions, these important words and
phrases may also introduce adverb clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions are essential parts of complex sentences with include at least two
clauses, with one of the clauses being main (independent) and the other being subordinate
(dependent).
There is only one rule to remember about using subordinate conjunctions:

A subordinate conjunction performs two functions within a sentence. First, it illustrates the
importance of the independent clause. Second, it provides a transition between two ideas in the
same sentence. The transition always indicates a place, time, or cause and effectrelationship. For
example: We looked in the metal canister, where Ginger often hides her candy.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

In the following examples, the subordinating conjunctions are in bold for easy identification:

1. As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake, she caught her hair on fire.
2. Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to get a breath of fresh air.
3. When the doorbell rang, my dog Skeeter barked loudly.

Subordinating Conjunction Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how subordinating
conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. _________ the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.

1. After
2. Although
3. Before
4. Even if
 Answer: 1. After the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning up.

2. I don’t want to go to the movies _____________ I hate the smell of popcorn.

1. Although
2. Because
3. Whenever
4. So that
Answer: 2. I don’t want to go to the movies because I hate the smell of popcorn.

3. I paid Larry, ___________ garden design work is top-notch.

1. Whenever
2. Whose
3. After
4. If
Answer: 2. I paid Larry, whose garden design work is top-notch.

4. ___________ spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.

1. Because
2. Until
3. Although
4. Now that
Answer: 2. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more snow.

5. _____________ the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.

1. As soon as
2. Because
3. Before
4. Now that
Answer: As soon as the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.

Subordinating Conjunctions List

There are many subordinating conjunctions. This list contains 25 of those most commonly used.

After

Although

As

As soon as

Because

Before

By the time

Even if

Even though

Every time

If

In case

Now that

Once

Since

So that

Than

The first time

Unless

Until
 When

Whenever

Whether or not

While

Why

Correlative Conjunctions
What is a correlative conjunction?
As suggested by their name, correlative conjunctions correlate, working in pairs to join phrases or
words that carry equal importance within a sentence. Like many of the most interesting parts of
speech, correlative conjunctions are fun to use. At the same time, there are some important rules to
remember for using them correctly.

 When using correlative conjunctions, ensure verbs agree so your sentences make sense. For
example: Every night, either loud music orfighting neighbors wake John from his sleep.
 When you use a correlative conjunction, you must be sure that pronouns agree. For
example: Neither Debra nor Sally expressed her annoyance when the cat broke the antique lamp.
 When using correlative conjunctions, be sure to keep parallel structure intact. Equal grammatical
units need to be incorporated into the entire sentence. For example: Not only did Mary grill burgers
for Michael, but she also fixed a steak for her dog, Vinny.

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

In the following examples, the correlative conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification.

1. She is both intelligent and beautiful.

2. I will either go for a hike or stay home and watch TV.
3. Jerry is neither rich nor famous.
4. He is not only intelligent, but also very funny.
5. Would you rather go shopping or spend the day at the beach?

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how correlative conjunctions
work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. She is neither polite _______ funny.

1. Or
2. Nor
3. Not
4. Yet
Answer: B. She is neither polite nor funny.

2. _______ that is the case, _______ I’m not surprised about what’s happening.

1. If / then
2. No sooner / than
3. Scarcely / when
4. Whether / or
Answer: A. If that is the case, then I’m not surprised about what’s happening.

3. Have you made a decision about _______ to go to the movies _______ not?

1. If / then
2. Either / or
3. Whether / or
4. What with / and
Answer: C. Have you made a decision about whether to go to the movies or not?

4. _______ had I put my umbrella away, _______ it started raining.

1. No sooner / than
2. If / then
 3. What with / and
4. Neither / nor
Answer: A. No sooner had I put my umbrella away, than it started raining.

5. This salad is _______ delicious _______ healthy.

1. Whether / or
2. Both / and
3. Scarcely / when
4. Rather / than
Answer: B. This salad is both delicious and healthy.

Correlative Conjunctions List

There are many pairs of correlative conjunctions. This list contains many of the most commonly used
pairs.

As / as

Both / and

Either / or

Hardly / when

If / then

Just as / so

Neither / nor

Not only / but also

No sooner / than

Not / but

Rather / than
Scarcely / when

What with / and

Whether / or

Correlative Conjunctions Exercises

1. I like __________ to sing opera, _______________ to spend my spare time practicing ballroom
dances.
A. not only / but also
B. whether / or
C. neither / nor
D. not / but

2. The test was ____________ very short __________ quite easy.

A. not / but
B. both / and
C. whether / or
D. scarcely / when

3. ______________ Joe _______ his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when
they spoke French.
A. Whether / or
B. No sooner / than
C. Rather / than
D. Neither / nor

Answer Key:

1 – A. I like not only to sing opera, but also to spend my spare time practicing ballroom dances.
2 – B. The test was both very short and quite easy.
3 – D. Neither Joe nor his sisters could understand what their parents were saying when they spoke
French.
Coordinating Conjunctions
What is a coordinating conjunction?
Coordinating conjunctions coordinate or join two or more sentences, main clauses, words, or other
parts of speech which are of the same syntactic importance. Also known as coordinators,
coordinating conjunctions are used to give equal emphasis to a pair of main clauses.

Coordinating Conjunction Rules

As there are only seven of these words, there are just a few rules for using coordinating conjunctions
correctly:

1. It’s a good idea to use the mnemonic “FANBOYS” to memorize coordinating conjunctions so
you’ll never forget them. They are:
 F = for
 A = and
 N = nor
 B = but
 O = or
 Y = yet
 S = so
2. Coordinating conjunctions always connect phrases, words, and clauses. For example: This
batch of mushroom stew is savory anddelicious.
3. Some instructors warn that starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is incorrect.
Mostly, this is because they are attempting to help prevent you from writing fragments rather
than complete sentences; sometimes though, it’s just a personal preference. The fact is, you can
begin sentences with coordinating conjunctions as long as you follow these three rules for doing
so:
 Ensure that the coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a main clause
 Don’t use coordinating conjunctions to begin all of your sentences. Do so only when it makes
your writing more effective.
 Although commas typically follow coordinating conjunctions used in areas other than the
beginning of a sentence, they should not be used after coordinating conjunctions used to open
sentences unless an interrupter immediately follows.
Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions
In the following examples, the coordinating conjunctions have been italicized for easy identification.

1. You can eat your cake with a spoon or fork.

2. My dog enjoys being bathed but hates getting his nails trimmed.
3. Bill refuses to eat peas, nor will he touch carrots.
4. I hate to waste a drop of gas, for it is very expensive these days.

Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how coordinating
conjunctions work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. Would you rather have cheese _____ bologna on your sandwich?

1. For
2. Nor
3. Or
4. So
Answer: 3. Would you rather have cheese or bologna on your sandwich?

2. His two favorite sports are football ______ tennis.

1. Or
2. And
3. Nor
4. For
Answer: 2. His two favorite sports are football and tennis.

3. I wanted to go to the beach, _______ Mary refused.

1. But
2. Or
3. So
4. For
Answer: 1. I wanted to go to the beach, but Mary refused.

4. I am allergic to cats, ______ I have three of them.

 1. Or
2. For
3. Yet
4. So
Answer: 3. I am allergic to cats, yet I have three of them.

5. I am a vegetarian, _______ I don’t eat any meat.

1. So
2. Yet
3. Nor
4. But
Answer: 1. I am a vegetarian, so I don’t eat any meat.

Coordinating Conjunctions List

Remember, there are only seven coordinating conjunctions. This list contains all of them.

 For
 And
 Nor
 But
 Or
 Yet
 So

Coordinating Conjunctions Exercises

1. Thomas will be late to work, _____ he has a dental appointment.
A. but
B. or
C. for
D. nor

2. Jennifer does not like to swim, ____ does she enjoy cycling.
A. and
B. or
C. but
D. nor
 3. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, ____ he was on a diet.
A. for
B. but
C. yet
D. so

Answer Key:
1 – C. Thomas will be late to work, for he has a dental appointment
2 – D. Jennifer does not like to swim, nor does she enjoy cycling.
3 – B. Jackson wanted to eat another piece of cake, but he was on a diet.

Conjunctive adverbs
What is a conjunctive adverb?
Conjunctive adverbs are parts of speech that are used to connect one clause to another. They are
also used to show sequence, contrast, cause and effect, and other relationships.

Like other adverbs, conjunctive adverbs may be moved around in the sentence or clause in which
they appear. This is just one of the things you’ll need to remember; additional rules for using
conjunctive adverbs follow:

 Always use a period or semicolon before the conjunctive adverb when separating two independent
clauses. Conjunctive adverbs are not strong enough to join independent clauses without supporting
punctuation.
 Use a comma if a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so appears between the conjunctive adverb
and the first clause.
 Use a comma behind conjunctive adverbs when they appear at the beginning of a sentence’s
second clause. The only exception to this rule is that no comma is necessary if the adverb is a single
syllable.
 If a conjunctive adverb appears in the middle of a clause, it should be enclosed in commas most of
the time. This is not an absolute rule and does not normally apply to short clauses.
Examples of Conjunctive adverbs
The conjunctive adverbs in the following examples are in bold for easy identification.

1. Jeremy kept talking in class; therefore, he got in trouble.

2. She went into the store; however, she didn’t find anything she wanted to buy.
3. I like you a lot; in fact, I think we should be best friends.
4. Your dog got into my yard; in addition, he dug up my petunias.
5. You’re my friend; nonetheless, I feel like you’re taking advantage of me.
6. My car payments are high; on the other hand, I really enjoy driving such a nice vehicle.

Conjunctive Adverb Exercise

The following exercises will help you gain greater understanding about how conjunctive adverbs
work. Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

1. You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.
1. Moreover
2. Otherwise
3. Unless
4. Instead
Answer: 2. You need to put more effort into your work; otherwise, you won’t get a passing
grade.

2. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; ______________________, it rained so we stayed

home.
1. Moreover
2. Unless
3. However
4. Additionally
Answer: 3. We wanted to spend the day at the beach; however, it rained so we stayed home.

3. She is a very smart girl; __________________, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good
grades.
1. Again
2. Besides
 3. Contrarily
4. Therefore
Answer: 4. She is a very smart girl; therefore, it’s not at all surprising that she gets such good
grades.

4. Jared is a millionaire; __________________, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

1. In contrast
2. Accordingly
3. Again
4. Likewise
Answer: 1. Jared is a millionaire; in contrast, his brother Jeremy is always flat broke.

5. He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; ___________________, he lied.
1. In contrast
2. Likewise
3. Undoubtedly
4. Instead
Answer: 4. He felt he couldn’t tell the truth about what happened; instead, he lied.

Conjunctive adverbs List

There are many conjunctive adverbs – in fact, there are many more of these than there are common
conjunctions. Here is a comprehensive list of conjunctive adverbs.

Would you like to learn more? Click here to learn how to use colons correctlyin a sentence
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o Additionally
o Again
o Almost
o Anyway
o As a result
o In addition
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o Besides
o Certainly
o Comparatively
o Consequently
o Contrarily
o Comparatively

o Consequently
o Conversely
o Elsewhere
o Equally
o Eventually
o Finally

o Further
o Furthermore
o Elsewhere
o Hence
o Henceforth
o However

Exercises Part 2
You need to put more effort into your work; ________________, you won’t get a passing grade.

1. I love to eat toffees; _____________, people often give them to me at holidays.

A. nevertheless B. accordingly C. however D. also
2. The tree has developed a large crack over the years; ____________, it will have to be cut down
for safety’s sake.
A. for example B. however C. eventually D. likewise
3. It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica: ________________, it would be
fun to hike the Swiss alps.
A. on the other hand B. as a result C. indeed D. therefore
4. Instead
Answer Key:
1 – B. I love to eat toffees; accordingly, people often give them to me at holidays.
2 – C. The tree has developed a large crack over the years; eventually, it will have to be cut down for
safety’s sake.
3 – x. It would be nice to spend our vacation on the beach in Jamaica;on the other hand, it would be
fun to hike the Swiss alps.

Conjunction Exercises
Subordinating Conjunction Exercises
Complete each sentence using the subordinating conjunction from the parenthesis:

1. I visit the Grand Canyon _________ I go to Arizona. (once, whenever, wherever)

2. This is the place _________ we stayed last time we visited. (where, when, how)
3. _________ you win first place, you will receive a prize. (wherever, if, unless)
4. You won’t pass the test _________ you study. (when, if, unless)
5. I could not get a seat, _________ I came early. (as, though, when)
6. We are leaving Wednesday _________ or not it rains. (if, whether, though)
7. Pay attention to your work _________ you will not make mistakes. (so that, unless, or)
8. The musicians delivered a rousing performance _________ they had rehearsed often. (though,
as, once)
9. She’s honest _________ everyone trusts her. (if, so, when)
10. Write this down _________ you forget. (or, when, lest)
Answers: 1 – whenever, 2 – where, 3 – if, 4 – unless, 5 – though, 6 – whether, 7- so that, 8 – as,
9 – so, 10 – lest

Correlative Conjunction Exercises

Complete each sentence using the correct correlative conjunction pair from the parenthesis:

1. I plan to take my vacation _________ in June _________ in July. (whether / or, either / or, as / if)
2. _________ I’m feeling happy _________ sad, I try to keep a positive attitude. (either / or,
whether / or, when / I’m)
3. _________ had I taken my shoes off _________ I found out we had to leave again. (no sooner /
than, rather / than, whether / or)
4. _________ only is dark chocolate delicious, _________ it can be healthy. (whether / or, not /
but, just as / so)
5. _________ I have salad for dinner, _____________________I can have ice cream for dessert.
(if /then, when / than, whether / or)
6. _________ flowers _________ trees grow _________ during warm weather. (not only / or, both /
and, not / but)
7. _________ do we enjoy summer vacation, _________ we _________ enjoy winter break.
(whether / or, not only / but also, either / or)
8. Calculus is _________ easy _________ difficult _________ (not / but, both / and, either / or)
9. It’s _________ going to rain _________ snow tonight. (as / if, either / or, as / as)
10. Savory flavors are _________ sweet _________ sour. (often / and, neither / nor, both / and)
Answers: 1 – either / or, 2 – whether / or, 3 – no sooner / than, 4 – not / but, 5 – if /then, 6 – both
/ and, 7 – not only / but also, 8 – not / but, 9 – either / or, 10 – neither / nor

Coordinating Conjunction Exercises

Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating conjunction from the parenthesis:

1. My car has a radio _________ a CD player. (but, or, and)

2. Sharon hates to listen to rap music, _________ will she tolerate heavy metal. (but, nor, or)
3. Carol wanted to drive to Colorado, _________ Bill insisted that they fly. (and, or, but)
4. I’m afraid of heights, _________ I appreciate the view from the top of this building. (and, yet,
nor)
5. I have to be on time, _________ my boss will be annoyed if I’m late. (and, nor, for)
6. Do you like chocolate _________ vanilla ice cream better? (or, nor, and)
7. I have to go to work at six, _________ I’m waking up at four. (but, so, yet)
8. I was on time, _________ everyone else was late. (so, but, for)
9. Nadia doesn’t like to drive, _________ she takes the bus everywhere. (but, yet, so)
10. Our trip to the museum was interesting, _________ there were several new artifacts on display.
(but, for, yet)
Answers: 1 – and, 2 – nor, 3 – but, 4 – yet, 5 – for, 6 – or, 7- so, 8 – but, 9 – so, 10 – for

Conjunctive Adverb Exercises

Complete each sentence using the correct coordinating conjunctive adverb from the parenthesis:
1. Bianca wore her rain boots; _________, her feet stayed dry during the storm. (however,
therefore, on the other hand)
2. I love the color red; _________, this shade seems a little too bright. (therefore, nonetheless, in
fact)
3. You have to be on time; _________, you’ll miss the train. (nonetheless, however, otherwise)
4. Teresa likes to read; _________, her sister Julia prefers to watch TV. (however, in contrast,
again)
5. She really wanted to eat ice cream; _________, she had a salad. (however, likewise, instead)
6. We were working hard; _________, Jill and Jerry were lounging by the pool. (meanwhile,
instead, therefore)
7. He is a weak leader; _________, he has plenty of supporters. (otherwise, moreover,
nevertheless)
8. She has an incredible voice; _________, she will go far in her music career. (otherwise,
undoubtedly, similarly)
9. Natalie wanted to make pie but didn’t have apples; _________, she decided to bake a cake.
(therefore, namely, in contrast)
10. We had hoped to go to Spain; _________, we ended up in France. (otherwise, instead, again)
Answers: 1 – therefore, 2 – nonetheless, 3 – otherwise, 4 – contrast, 5 – instead, 6
– meanwhile, 7- nevertheless, 8 – undoubtedly, 9 – therefore, 10 – instead