Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or groups of words in a sentence.  “Conjunction” comes from the Latin word conjungere (join together). The words or phrases being connected should be equal or similar. There are 7 conjunctions in the English language.  Conjunctions are words that join parts of a sentence together.

We went around and around the block.
We don’t do this every day but today is different.
I don’t have a dog for I am seldom at home.

 

 

There is a simple way to remember which words are conjunctions. The acronym FANBOYS gives you the first letters of each of these words which are conjunctions:

FANBOYS – the 7 conjunctions

F  –  for
A  –  and
N –  nor
B  –  but
O  –  or
Y  –  yet
S  –  so

Conjunctions are always between the phrases that they connect.

These examples show how each of the two parts of the sentence is evenly balanced when joined by a conjunction:

She did not make the flight, for she worked till late.
She teaches yoga and pilates.
Don does not drive nor does he cycle.
Hank wants to come, but he has an exam tomorrow.

Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction joins a subordinate clause to the main clause.  It implies the relationship between the dependent clause and the rest of the sentence

He spoke as though he knew the subject well.
Because she was not afraid, the snakes showed panic.

Other words that are used to create a subordinating conjunction include:

after      inasmuch             when         as long as         now that        so that   before      even if           though

Correlative conjunctions

When words work in pairs to join phrases these are called correlative conjunctions.  When you use correlative conjunctions, the pronouns must agree.

Neither Betty nor Angela played tennis very well.
Not only was it an interesting menu, but the food was good as well.

Conjunctions are words that join parts of a sentence together, and really make it possible to be creative with the English language.