Parts of Speech: Conjunctions
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses, showing how the ideas relate to each other. Words like and, but, because, and although are all conjunctions. This guide covers the three main types, the comma rules that go with each one, and the transition words that quietly do the same job in longer writing.
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction joins two or more parts of a sentence, whether that's single words, phrases, or entire clauses.
"We stayed inside because it was raining."
Types of Conjunctions
Conjunctions come in three main categories, each connecting ideas in a different way.
| Type | What It Does | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinating | Joins equal, independent elements | and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so |
| Subordinating | Joins a dependent clause to a main clause | because, although, since, unless, while |
| Correlative | Works in matched pairs | either/or, neither/nor, both/and |
Coordinating Conjunctions
There are exactly seven coordinating conjunctions in English: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that carry equal grammatical weight.
"Work quickly but carefully." (joining adverbs)
Comma rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction only when it joins two independent clauses (each one could stand alone as a sentence).
- "I ran fast, but I missed the bus." (comma needed, two independent clauses)
- "Cats and dogs." (no comma, just two words)
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to a main clause, showing a relationship in time, cause, condition, or contrast. Common ones include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, while.
Comma rule: If the dependent clause comes first, follow it with a comma. If the main clause comes first, no comma is needed.
- "Because it is raining, we brought an umbrella." (comma needed)
- "We brought an umbrella because it is raining." (no comma needed)
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs, each one appearing before the same type of word or phrase to keep the sentence balanced (a rule called parallel structure).
"The film was both loved by the public and panned by critics." (both followed by verb phrases)
Common pairs: either/or, neither/nor, both/and, not only/but also, whether/or.
Conjunctive Adverbs: The Transition Words That Connect Ideas
A conjunctive adverb links two independent clauses while also adding meaning, like contrast or cause and effect. These are often called transition words, especially in essay writing.
| Function | Transition Words |
|---|---|
| Addition | also, furthermore, moreover, in addition |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand |
| Cause & Effect | therefore, consequently, as a result, thus |
| Sequence | then, next, finally, meanwhile |
Punctuation rule: Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it, when it connects two independent clauses.
Conjunctive adverbs create weaker, more optional connections than coordinating or subordinating conjunctions. They can usually be removed entirely without losing the sentence's core meaning.
Conjunction vs. Preposition
Several words can function as either a conjunction or a preposition, and the test is simple: check what follows it.
- If the word is followed by a noun or pronoun, it's a preposition.
- If it's followed by a subject and a verb (a full clause), it's a conjunction.
"They drove until they ran out of gas." (conjunction, followed by a clause)
How to Identify a Conjunction
If you're unsure whether a word is a conjunction, check these signals:
- Does it connect two words, phrases, or clauses? That's the core job of every conjunction.
- Is it followed by a full clause (subject + verb)? If yes, it's likely a subordinating conjunction rather than a preposition.
- Does it come in a matched pair? Words like either and neither signal a correlative conjunction.
- Would removing it still leave two grammatically complete sentences? If so, you may be looking at a conjunctive adverb rather than a true conjunction.
Is ___ a Conjunction? Quick Answers
Several common words shift categories depending on what follows them.
| Word | Answer |
|---|---|
| for | A coordinating conjunction when it means "because" ("She left, for it was late"), but usually a preposition ("a gift for you"). |
| as | A subordinating conjunction ("as they arrived") or a preposition ("dressed as a pirate"). |
| since | A conjunction of time or reason ("since you asked") or a preposition ("since 2005"). |
| so | A coordinating conjunction ("It rained, so we stayed in") or an adverb of degree ("so tired"). |
| that | A subordinating conjunction introducing a noun clause ("I heard that you left"), or a pronoun ("I like that"). |
How Learna AI Teaches Conjunctions?
Choosing the right conjunction and getting the comma placement right are two different skills, and most learners only practice the first one. Learna AI listens for both as you speak, correcting misused conjunctions and explaining the punctuation pattern that goes with them. Learners practicing with Learna report an 87% improvement in sentence-combining accuracy, since hearing the correction in a real sentence builds the habit faster than a worksheet rule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses, showing how the ideas relate to each other.
What are the 3 main types of conjunctions?
The three main types are coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
What is the difference between a conjunction and a preposition?
A conjunction connects to a full clause with its own subject and verb. A preposition connects to a noun or pronoun. Words like since and before can be either, depending on what follows.
What is a conjunctive adverb?
A conjunctive adverb, like however or therefore, connects two independent clauses while adding meaning such as contrast or cause and effect. These are often called transition words.
When do you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?
Use a comma only when the conjunction joins two independent clauses that could each stand alone as a sentence. Don't use one for a simple pair of words or
What is a comma splice?
A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma and no conjunction, which is a punctuation error. Adding a coordinating conjunction or changing the comma to a semicolon fixes it.
What are correlative conjunctions?
Correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs, like either/or or not only/but also, and require parallel structure in the words or phrases that follow each one.
Is "with" a conjunction?
No. "With" is a preposition, not a conjunction, and shouldn't be used to join two independent clauses in formal writing.
Can a word be both a conjunction and another part of speech?
Yes. Words like since, before, for, and that function differently depending on context, sometimes acting as conjunctions and other times as prepositions, adverbs, or pronouns.
Does Learna help with comma placement around conjunctions?
Yes. Learna flags issues like a missing comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses, and explains the rule.
Can Learna help me use transition words more effectively?
Yes. Learna suggests and corrects conjunctive adverbs like however or therefore, helping you connect ideas more naturally as you speak.