Learn English Conjunctions: An Introduction for English Language Learners

This course is designed to be simple to learn English for Chinese students.

Used to join parts of sentences, conjunctions are common in English with words such as ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘so’ and ‘because’.

We introduce conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word used to join words, parts of a sentence, or sentences.

I sat at home and felt good.
I was alone but felt happy.

and
but
so
or
nor
for
yet

either…or
neither…nor
not only…but also
both…and
whether…or
as well as

because
although
since
unless
while
after
before
until
if

when
as
so that
in order that
as if
even though
provided that
in case
whereas

And = links two related things

I drink tea and coffee.
I work in computing and education.

But = links a positive (+) and negative (-) idea, or links a negative (-) and positive (+) idea

I like tea, but I don’t like cola
I don’t like doing exercise, but I like swimming

So = gives a result

I’m tired so I’m going to bed
I was cold so I wore my coat

Because = gives a reason

I went to bed because I was tired
I wore my coat because I was cold

Coordinating Conjunctions

FANBOYS =

for
and
nor
but
or
yet
so

as
not only…but also
either…or
neither…nor

I like ice cream, and I like cake.
She wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
He studied hard, so he did well on the test.
Do you want rice or noodles for dinner?
Neither my brother nor my sister likes beans.
She went to the store for some bread.
He studied the night before, yet he still failed the exam.

I’m going to the store, as we need some shopping.
She’s not only funny, but also kind.
You can either have chocolate ice cream or vanilla.
Neither my dad nor my mom likes going shopping.

Correlative Conjunctions

When you use two conjunctions together, they are sometimes called correlative conjunctions

either…or
neither…nor
both…and
not only…but also
whether…or

as…as
scarcely…when
no sooner…than
the more…the more
the less…the less

Either you finish your homework, or you can’t go out.
Neither the teacher nor the students knew the answer.
Both the cat and the dog are in the garden.
Not only does she play the piano, but also sings beautifully.
I don’t know whether I should take the bus or walk.

He is as strong as an ox.
Scarcely had he left the room when the phone rang.
No sooner had they arrived than it started raining.
The more you practice, the more you play better.
The less you study, the less you succeed.

Either…or: a choice between two options.
Neither…nor: that both options are not happening.
Both…and: that two things are true.
Not only…but also: additional information.
Whether…or: a choice or alternative.
As…as: an equal degree or comparison.
Scarcely…when: one event happens immediately after another.
No sooner…than: one action happened immediately after another.
The more…the more: as one grows so does another
The less…the less: as one gets less so does the other

Subordinating Conjunctions

because
although
since
after
before
until
as
if
as if

unless
when
while
whereas
so that
in order that
provided that
even though
in case

I stayed home because it was raining outside.
Although it was cold, he went for a run.
Since it’s your birthday, we bought you a present.
After I finished my homework, I went to the park.
Please finish your vegetables before you have dessert.
I can play with my toys until bedtime.
She works as a nurse in the local hospital.
If you study hard, you’ll get good grades.
He looked at me as if I had just told a joke.

I won’t go to the party unless my friend can come with me.
When the sun sets, it gets darker outside.
I can read a book while waiting for the bus.
She enjoys hiking, whereas her brother prefers fishing.
I turned off the lights so that we could save energy.
We packed our bags in order that we could leave for the trip early.
You can use the computer, provided that you do your homework first.
Even though it rained, we still had a great time at the picnic.
We brought an umbrella in case it starts raining.

More practice? Return to the main page of parts of speech to find out about other exercises ans worksheets.