Key Ideas
What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a joining word that connects two words, phrases, or clauses. Without conjunctions, sentences would be short and choppy. Common conjunctions: and, but, or, so, because, when, if, although.
Co-ordinating Conjunctions
These join two equal parts: and (adds information), but (shows contrast or surprise), or (shows a choice), so (shows a result). Example: I was tired but I kept reading.
Subordinating Conjunctions
These introduce a reason, time, or condition: because (reason), when/after/before (time), if/unless (condition), although (contrast). Example: We went inside because it started raining.
Expanding Your Writing
Using conjunctions makes your writing more interesting. Compare: It was hot. I drank water. vs I drank water because it was hot. The second sentence explains the reason and flows much better.
Conjunction Reference Table
| Conjunction | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | Adds information | I have a cat and a dog. |
| but | Shows contrast | I wanted to go but it was raining. |
| or | Gives a choice | Would you like juice or water? |
| so | Shows a result | It was cold, so I wore a jumper. |
| because | Gives a reason | She smiled because she was happy. |
| when | Shows time | I clap when the music starts. |
| if | Shows condition | If it rains, we will stay inside. |
| although | Shows surprise contrast | Although it was late, she kept reading. |
Key Vocabulary
A joining word that connects two words, phrases, or clauses (e.g. and, but, because).
A group of words that includes a subject and a verb — the building block that conjunctions join together.
Joining two equal clauses (and, but, or, so). Either part could stand alone as a sentence.
Introducing a less important clause that depends on the main one (because, when, if, although).
Knowledge Check
1. Which conjunction best completes this sentence?
"I love swimming _____ the pool is very cold today."
2. In the sentence "We went home early because it was getting dark" — what does "because" do?
3. Which of these is NOT a conjunction?
4. Combine these two sentences using the best conjunction:
"Bella studied hard." + "She passed the test."
Lesson Summary
- • Conjunctions are joining words that connect clauses and ideas.
- • Co-ordinating conjunctions join equal parts: and, but, or, so.
- • Subordinating conjunctions add a reason, time, or condition: because, when, if, although.
- • Using conjunctions makes your writing flow better and shows the relationship between ideas.