Conjunctions List Rules: A Complete Guide with Types and Examples

Understanding conjunctions list rules is one of the most important and most rewarding areas of English grammar study. Conjunctions are used in every sentence, across every subject, at every level of writing. Whether a student is writing a simple compound sentence or a sophisticated multi-clause argument, they are using conjunctions. Understanding what they are, how they work, what rules govern them and how the complete all conjunction list a to z is organised makes every aspect of English more manageable.

This page provides the most comprehensive guide to conjunctions list rules available. It covers the complete definition of conjunctions, all types with their own rules and list of conjunctions, the basic conjunctions list every learner needs, the all conjunction list a to z for complete reference, detailed conjunction rules and examples for every category, common errors and comprehensive practice exercises.

 

Table of Contents

• What is a Conjunction?
• What is a List of Conjunctions? An Overview of Types
• Basic Conjunctions List
• Coordinating Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples
• Correlative Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples
• Conjunctive Adverbs: Rules, List and Examples
• All Conjunction List A to Z
• Conjunctions Rules and Examples: Key Grammar Rules
• Common Errors with Conjunctions
• Practice Exercises on Conjunctions List Rules
• Frequently Asked Questions about Conjunctions List Rules

 

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses or sentences. It shows the relationship between the elements it joins, indicating whether the relationship is one of addition, contrast, cause, condition, time, concession, choice or purpose.

What Conjunctions Join

• Words: ‘bread and butter’, ‘slow but steady’, ‘tea or coffee’

• Phrases: ‘over the river and through the woods’

• Independent clauses: ‘She studied hard and she passed the examination.’

• A dependent clause to an independent clause: ‘She passed the examination because she had studied hard.’

Parts of Speech

Conjunctions are one of the eight traditional parts of speech in English, alongside nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and interjections.

 

What is a List of Conjunctions? An Overview of Types

What is a list of conjunctions? The answer depends on how they are categorised. There are several ways to classify conjunctions, but the most widely used system recognises four main types: coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs. Each type has its own set of words, its own rules and its own function.

The Four Main Types of Conjunctions

 

Type	Function	Key Examples
Coordinating conjunctions	Join grammatically equal elements	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Subordinating conjunctions	Join a dependent clause to an independent clause	because, although, if, when, since
Correlative conjunctions	Work in pairs to join equal elements	either…or, both…and, neither…nor
Conjunctive adverbs	Connect independent clauses; show logical relationship	however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless

 

Understanding the Distinction

The most important distinction in conjunctions list rules is between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions:

• Coordinating conjunctions join elements of equal grammatical status: two nouns, two verbs, two independent clauses.
• Subordinating conjunctions join a dependent (subordinate) clause to an independent (main) clause, creating a relationship of dependence between the two.

This distinction affects punctuation, word order and sentence structure, making it one of the most important in all of English grammar.

 

Basic Conjunctions List

The basic conjunctions list includes the most frequently used conjunctions in everyday English. Every student of English at every level needs to know these words, their meanings and the rules governing their use.

Basic Conjunctions List: Coordinating

The seven coordinating conjunctions are remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

 

Letter	Conjunction	Primary Meaning
F	for	because; giving a reason
A	and	in addition; also
N	nor	and not; neither
B	but	however; in contrast
O	or	alternatively; either
Y	yet	however; nevertheless
S	so	therefore; as a result

 

Basic Conjunctions List: Common Subordinating Conjunctions

 

Conjunction	Relationship
because	reason/cause
although	concession
if	condition
when	time
since	time or cause
while	time or contrast
before	time
after	time
unless	condition (negative)
until	time
as	time, cause or manner
though	concession
even though	concession
so that	purpose
in order that	purpose

 

Basic Conjunctions List: Common Correlative Conjunctions

 

Pair	Meaning
either…or	one or the other
neither…nor	not one and not the other
both…and	the two together
not only…but also	adds emphasis to two elements
whether…or	introducing alternatives

 

Coordinating Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples

Coordinating conjunctions are the most fundamental category in conjunctions list rules. They join elements of equal grammatical rank.

What Coordinating Conjunctions Do

A coordinating conjunction joins two or more words, phrases or independent clauses that are grammatically equal: that is, that have the same grammatical status.

• Two nouns: ‘bread and butter’

• Two adjectives: ‘slow but steady’

• Two verbs: ‘sing or dance’

• Two independent clauses: ‘She was tired, but she continued.’

The Complete List: All Seven Coordinating Conjunctions with Meanings and Examples

 

Coordinating Conjunction	Meaning	Rule	Examples
For	because; gives a reason for the main clause. Similar to ‘because’ but more formal.	‘For’ as a coordinating conjunction is always used between two independent clauses. It cannot begin a sentence in this use.	‘She stayed at home, for she was feeling unwell.’ ‘He studied late, for the examination was the following morning.’ ‘They were worried, for no word had arrived from the expedition.’
And	in addition; also; as well as. The most commonly used coordinating conjunction.	Joins two or more elements of the same type. Used for addition.	‘She bought bread and milk.’ ‘He is tall and strong.’ ‘She studied, and he watched television.’ ‘They sang, danced and laughed all evening.’
Nor	and not; also not. Used to continue a negative statement.	‘Nor’ typically follows ‘neither’ or another negative statement. When ‘nor’ joins two independent clauses without ‘neither’, the subject and verb of the second clause are inverted.	‘She does not like tea nor coffee.’ ‘He has no money, nor does he have any prospects.’ ‘Neither the teacher nor the students were prepared.’
But	however; in contrast; except. Shows opposition or exception.	Joins two contrasting elements. When joining two independent clauses, a comma precedes ‘but’.	‘She is clever but lazy.’ ‘He wanted to come, but he was too tired.’ ‘All the students passed but one.’ ‘The plan was good but difficult to implement.’
Or	alternatively; either; otherwise. Presents a choice or alternative.	Joins two alternatives. When joining two independent clauses, a comma precedes ‘or’.	‘Would you like tea or coffee?’ ‘You can study now, or you can study later.’ ‘She must improve her work, or she will fail the course.’ ‘Is it raining or snowing?’
Yet	however; nevertheless; but. Shows contrast, similar to ‘but’ but slightly more emphatic.	Joins two contrasting elements. When joining independent clauses, a comma precedes ‘yet’.	‘He worked hard, yet he failed the examination.’ ‘She is young yet wise.’ ‘The task was simple, yet he could not complete it.’ ‘They had little money, yet they were happy.’
So	therefore; as a result; for that reason. Shows result or consequence.	Joins an independent clause to a result clause. The clause following ‘so’ is the consequence of the clause before it. A comma usually precedes ‘so’.	‘She was hungry, so she made some food.’ ‘He missed the bus, so he walked to school.’ ‘The window was open, so the room was cold.’ ‘It was raining, so they cancelled the match.’

 

Subordinating Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples

Subordinating conjunctions are the largest and most varied category in all conjunction rules. They introduce dependent (subordinate) clauses and connect them to main (independent) clauses.

What Subordinating Conjunctions Do

A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause: a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and that depends on the main clause for its complete meaning.

• Main clause: ‘She passed the examination.’

• Subordinate clause introduced by ‘because’: ‘because she had studied hard’

• Complete sentence: ‘She passed the examination because she had studied hard.’

• The subordinate clause answers a question about the main clause: why? when? under what condition? in spite of what?

The Complete List: Subordinating Conjunctions by Relationship

 

Relationship	Subordinating Conjunctions	Examples
Cause and reason	because, since, as, for, seeing that, now that, inasmuch as	‘She stayed at home because she was ill.’ ‘Since you have finished, you may leave.’ ‘As he was the eldest, he spoke first.’
Condition	if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case, on condition that, supposing, whether	‘If you study hard, you will pass.’ ‘She will come unless she is busy.’ ‘Provided that the weather is good, the match will go ahead.’ ‘Take an umbrella in case it rains.’
Concession	although, though, even though, even if, while, whereas, despite the fact that, notwithstanding that	‘Although she was tired, she continued working.’ ‘Even though he knew the answer, he did not speak.’ ‘While I understand your point, I cannot agree.’ ‘Whereas some students found it difficult, others found it straightforward.’
Time	when, whenever, while, as, before, after, since, until, till, as soon as, once, by the time, no sooner…than	‘When the teacher arrived, the class stood up.’ ‘She will call you as soon as she arrives.’ ‘They had finished before the bell rang.’ ‘Once she starts, she cannot stop.’ ‘I have been here since nine o’clock.’ ‘Wait here until I return.’
Purpose	so that, in order that, in order to (technically an infinitive phrase), lest	‘She revised thoroughly so that she would not forget the key points.’ ‘He spoke quietly so that he would not wake the baby.’ ‘Study hard in order that you may succeed.’ ‘Be careful lest you make a mistake.’
Result	so…that, such…that	‘She was so tired that she fell asleep immediately.’ ‘It was such a difficult question that no one answered it.’
Comparison	as…as, than, as though, as if, just as	‘She is as tall as her brother.’ ‘He worked harder than anyone expected.’ ‘She spoke as if she already knew the answer.’ ‘Just as the sun set, they arrived.’
Manner	as, as if, as though, however, wherever	‘She spoke as the teacher had instructed.’ ‘He behaved as though nothing had happened.’ ‘Wherever she went, she brought her notebook.’
Place	where, wherever	‘Where there is a will, there is a way.’ ‘She sat where she could see the board clearly.’

 

Correlative Conjunctions: Rules, List and Examples

Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that work in pairs. Each half of the pair appears at a different point in the sentence, and together they link two grammatically equal elements.

Complete List: Correlative Conjunctions with Rules and Examples

 

Correlative Conjunctions	Meaning	Rule	Examples
Either…or	one or the other of two alternatives; presents a choice.	Both halves must be followed by grammatically parallel elements.	‘Either you study or you fail.’ ‘She will travel by either train or bus.’ ‘Either the teacher or the students are wrong.’
Neither…nor	not one and not the other of two; both are excluded.	Creates a negative statement about two elements. The verb agrees with the nearer subject.	‘Neither she nor he was present.’ ‘Neither the students nor the teacher knew the answer.’ ‘He could speak neither French nor German.’
Both…and	the two together; emphasises inclusion of both elements.	Joins two parallel elements that are both included.	‘She speaks both English and French.’ ‘Both the teacher and the students were surprised.’ ‘He is both talented and hardworking.’
Not only…but also	adds emphasis; both things are true, and the second is particularly notable.	Joins two parallel elements. ‘Also’ can be omitted but is usually retained for emphasis.	‘She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.’ ‘He not only passed the examination but also achieved the highest score.’ ‘The book is not only informative but also entertaining.’
Whether…or	introducing alternatives; expressing doubt between two options.	Joins two alternatives, often used in indirect questions and conditions.	‘She did not know whether to stay or to leave.’ ‘Whether it rains or shines, the match will go ahead.’ ‘Tell me whether you agree or disagree.’
As…as	comparison of equality.	The first ‘as’ introduces the comparison; the second ‘as’ completes it.	‘She is as tall as her sister.’ ‘The test was as difficult as last year’s.’
So…as	used in negative comparisons.	Particularly used after ‘not’ to indicate that two things are not equal.	‘The result was not so impressive as we had hoped.’ ‘She is not so confident as she appears.’
Scarcely…when / Hardly…when / No sooner…than	one event follows another almost immediately.	These correlative pairs indicate immediate sequence. The first clause typically uses past perfect; the second uses simple past. Inversion occurs in the first clause when it begins the sentence.	‘Scarcely had she sat down when the telephone rang.’ ‘Hardly had he arrived when it started to rain.’ ‘No sooner had she spoken than he replied.’

 

Conjunctive Adverbs: Rules, List and Examples

Conjunctive adverbs (also called adverbial conjunctions or transitional adverbs) are words that connect two independent clauses and show the logical relationship between them. They look like conjunctions but function differently.

What Makes Conjunctive Adverbs Different

A coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) can join two independent clauses on its own: ‘She studied, and she passed.’

A conjunctive adverb cannot join two clauses on its own. It requires either a semicolon before it or a period (starting a new sentence), and it is typically followed by a comma.

• Correct: She studied; however, she still found the examination difficult.

• Correct: She studied. However, she still found the examination difficult.

• Incorrect: She studied, however, she still found the examination difficult.

Complete List: Conjunctive Adverbs by Relationship

 

Relationship	Conjunctive Adverbs	Examples
Addition	moreover, furthermore, in addition, additionally, also, besides, likewise, similarly	‘The project was completed on time. Moreover, it was delivered under budget.’ ‘She is an excellent teacher; furthermore, she is deeply committed to her students.’
Contrast	however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, conversely, in contrast, still, yet	‘He studied hard. However, he did not pass the examination.’ ‘The task was difficult. Nevertheless, she completed it successfully.’
Cause and result	therefore, thus, hence, consequently, as a result, accordingly	‘She had not slept for twenty-four hours. Therefore, she was exhausted.’ ‘The evidence was insufficient. Consequently, the case was dismissed.’
Sequence and time	then, next, subsequently, meanwhile, finally, eventually, in the meantime	‘She completed the first draft. Then, she revised it.’ ‘The players warmed up. Meanwhile, the coach reviewed the strategy.’
Example and illustration	for example, for instance, namely, that is, in other words	‘Several factors contributed to the outcome. For example, the weather played a significant role.’ ‘She excels in languages; namely, French, Spanish and German.’
Concession	admittedly, granted, certainly, of course, to be sure	‘Admittedly, the plan was not perfect, but it was the best available option.’

 

All Conjunction List A to Z

The following is the most complete all conjunction list a to z in standard English, covering coordinating, subordinating, correlative and conjunctive adverbs across all categories.

• A: after, although, and, as, as if, as long as, as soon as, as though, as well as

• B: because, before, besides, both…and, but, by the time

• C: considering that

• D: despite the fact that

• E: either…or, even if, even though, except that

• F: for, for example, for instance, furthermore

• G: granted that

• H: hardly…when, hence, however

• I: if, if only, inasmuch as, in addition, in case, in contrast, in order that, in spite of the fact that, in the event that

• J: just as

• L: lest, likewise

• M: meanwhile, moreover

• N: neither…nor, nevertheless, no sooner…than, nonetheless, nor, not only…but also, now that

• O: once, on condition that, on the other hand, or

• P: provided that

• R: rather than

• S: scarcely…when, since, so, so that, so…that, still, such…that, supposing

• T: than, that, then, therefore, though, thus, till

• U: unless, until

• W: when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, whether, whether…or, while

• Y: yet

 

Conjunctions Rules and Examples: Key Grammar Rules

The following section covers the most important all conjunction rules that govern the use of conjunctions across all categories.

Rule 1: Coordinating Conjunctions Join Grammatically Equal Elements

The elements on btoh sides of a coordinating conjunction must be the same type: noun + noun, verb + verb, clause + clause.

• Correct: She is clever and hardworking. (adjective + adjective)

• Incorrect: she is clever and works hard. (adjective + verb phrase: not parallel)

Rule 2: A Comma before a Coordinating Conjunction Joining Two Independent Clauses

When a coordinating conjunction joins two full independent clauses, a comma is placed before it.

• Correct: She studied hard, and she passed.

• No comma needed: She studied and passed. (one subject, two verbs: no comma)

Rule 3: Subordinating Conjunctions Create Dependent Clauses

A clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand alone as a sentence.

• Incomplete: Because she was tired. (subordinate clause only; needs a main clause)

• Complete: She went to bed early because she was tired.

Rule 4: Comma after Introductory Subordinate Clause

When a subordinate clause comes before the main clause, it is followed by a comma.

• Although she was nervous, she performed brilliantly.

• She performed brilliantly although she was nervous. (no comma when main clause is first)

Rule 5: Correlative Conjunctions Require Parallel Structure

Both parts of a correlative conjunction must be followed by grammatically equivalent structures.

• Incorrect: She is not only a teacher but also writes books. (adjective vs verb phrase)

• Correct: She is not only a teacher but also a writer. (noun + noun)

Rule 6: ‘Neither…Nor’ and ‘Either…Or’: Subject-Verb Agreement

When these correlative pairs join two subjects, the verb agrees with the nearer subject.

• Neither the teacher nor the students were informed. (verb agrees with ‘students’, plural)

• Neither the students nor the teacher was informed. (verb agrees with ‘teacher’, singular)

Rule 7: Conjunctive Adverbs Require a Semicolon (or Full Stop), Not a Comma

Joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb and only a comma creates a comma splice, one of the most common errors in English writing.

• Incorrect: She studied, however, she did not pass. (comma splice)

• Correct: She studied; however, she did not pass.

• Correct: She studied. However, she did not pass.

Rule 8: Do Not Confuse ‘for’ (Conjunction) with ‘for’ (Preposition)

‘For’ as a coordinating conjunction means ‘because’ and joins two independent clauses.

‘For’ as a preposition shows relationship and is followed by a noun phrase.

• Conjunction: She stayed indoors, for it was raining. (= because)

• Preposition: She stayed indoors for two hours. (= during)

Rule 9: ‘So’ vs ‘So That’

‘So’ as a coordinating conjunction means 'therefore' and shows result.

‘So that’ as a subordinating conjunction shows purpose.

• Result: It was raining, so they cancelled the match. (therefore)

• Purpose: They trained hard so that they would be ready. (in order that)

Rule 10: Starting a Sentence with a Coordinating Conjunction

Traditionally, a sentence should not begin with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet). This rule has relaxed considerably in modern usage, and beginning a sentence with ‘and’, ‘but’ or ‘so’ is now widely accepted in informal and creative writing. In formal academic writing, however, the traditional rule is still generally observed.

• Informal/Modern: But he refused to give up.

• Formal (preferred): He refused, however, to give up.

 

Common Errors with Conjunctions

 

Error 1: The Comma Splice

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma, without a conjunction.

• Incorrect: She was tired, she went to bed early.

• Correct: She was tired, so she went to bed early.

• Correct: She was tired; therefore, she went to bed early.

Error 2: Using a Conjunctive Adverb with Only a Comma

• Incorrect: She studied hard, however, she did not pass.

• Correct: She studied hard; however, she did not pass.

Error 3: The Sentence Fragment

Creating a sentence that consists only of a subordinate clause, with no main clause.

• Incorrect: Because she was tired.

• Correct: She went to bed early because she was tired.

Error 4: Non-Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions

• Incorrect: She is not only intelligent but also works very hard.

• Correct: She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.

Error 5: Confusing ‘Although’ with ‘But’

‘Although’ introduces a subordinate clause; ‘but’ joins two independent clauses. They cannot be used together in the same sentence to express the same contrast.

• Incorrect: Although she was tired, but she continued.

• Correct: Although she was tired, she continued.

• Correct: She was tired, but she continued.

Error 6: Confusing ‘Since’ (Time) with ‘Since’ (Cause)

‘Since’ can mean ‘from the time that’ (time) or ‘because’ (cause). Both are correct but serve different functions.

• Time: I have lived here since 2015.

• Cause: Since you are ready, we can begin.

• Ambiguous: Since she left, no one has heard from her. (could be time or cause)

Error 7: ‘Neither…Nor’ with a Incorrect Verb Form

• Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students was informed. (students is the nearer subject; plural verb needed)

• Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students were informed.

Error 8: Omitting ‘That’ after Reporting Verbs

When ‘that’ serves as a subordinating conjunction after a reporting verb, it can be omitted in informal speech but should generally be included in formal writing.

• Informal: She said she was coming.

• Formal: She said that she was coming.

 

Practice Exercises on Conjunctions List Rules

A. Underline every conjunction in the following passage. After underlining, identify what type of conjunction each one is: coordinating, subordinating, correlative or conjunctive adverb.

She had studied all night, yet she felt uncertain about the examination. Although the questions were familiar, she found it difficult to concentrate because she was so tired. She completed the paper as quickly as she could, and she reviewed her answers before handing it in. The result, however, was better than she had expected. Not only had she passed, but she had also achieved the highest score in the class.

B. Complete each sentence with the correct conjunction from the bracket. Choose the word that creates the most logical and grammatically correct sentence.

1. She did not attend the meeting __________ she had another appointment. (although / because / so)
2. He was exhausted, __________ he continued working. (yet / so / for)
3. You can have __________ tea __________ coffee, but not both. (neither…nor / either…or / both…and)
4. __________ she had prepared carefully, she still felt nervous. (Because / Although / So that)
5. She will come __________ she is invited. (if / unless / after)
6. He had not slept; __________, he was in excellent spirits. (however / because / although)
7. They left early __________ they would not miss the train. (but / so that / however)
8. __________ the teacher __________ the students agreed with the proposal. (Either…or / Neither…nor / Both…and)

C. Each sentence below contains one error related to conjunction use. Identify the error, name the rule it violates and rewrite the sentence correctly.

1. She was tired, she went home early.
2. Although she was nervous, but she performed brilliantly.
3. He studied hard, however, he did not pass.
4. She is not only kind but also works hard for others.
5. Neither the students nor the teacher was informed of the change.
6. Because she had missed the class.
7. She wanted to leave, yet she stayed because she enjoyed the event.
8. Either the manager or the staff is responsible for this error.

D. Combine each pair of sentences into one, using the conjunction given in brackets. Make any necessary changes to punctuation and word order.

1. She was tired. She continued working. (although)
2. He missed the bus. He walked to school. (so)
3. She speaks French. She speaks Spanish. (both…and)
4. The examination was difficult. She passed with the highest marks. (yet)
5. She revised carefully. She would not forget the key points. (so that)
6. He arrived late. The meeting had already started. (by the time)
7. She is talented. She is hardworking. (not only…but also)
8. The weather improves. The event will be cancelled. (unless)