Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS
Coordinating conjunctions connect equal parts — words with words, phrases with phrases, clauses with clauses. Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Common ones: because, although, while, when, if, since, unless, until.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs: either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, whether…or.
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Conjunctions join words, phrases, and clauses so your speech flows instead of arriving in isolated sentences. Coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions each have a job.
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So join equal ideas: 'I studied but I failed.' 'And' adds, 'but' contrasts, 'or' offers a choice, 'so' shows result. Keeping ideas equal with these makes your speaking clear and balanced.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Because, although, if, when, since, after introduce dependent clauses that explain reason, time, or condition: 'I left because it was late.' The subordinating word tells the listener how the clause connects, which is vital for complex thoughts.
Correlative Pairs
Either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also link matched parts: 'Either you go or I go.' These add emphasis and rhythm. Using them correctly marks you as an advanced speaker, and saying them aloud trains the pairing automatically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Two errors dominate: the comma splice (joining two full sentences with just 'and' and no comma, or with nothing at all) and mixing up 'because' and 'although'. Learners also forget the comma before a FANBOYS word when it links two complete sentences, and create run-ons by stacking 'and' endlessly. Another slip is using 'but' where 'although' is smoother. Mastering a few joiners with correct punctuation makes speech and writing flow instead of arriving in choppy fragments.
Try This: A Quick Practice
Take two simple sentences and join them three ways: 'I studied' + 'I passed' becomes 'I studied and I passed', 'I studied but I was tired', 'I passed because I studied'. Hear how the conjunction changes the relationship. Try the same with 'although'. SpeakNow's conjunctions practice has you say these aloud so the right linker appears naturally when you speak, not just when you write.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 coordinating conjunctions?▼
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So — remembered as FANBOYS. They join two equal clauses with a comma before the conjunction.
What is the difference between 'because' and 'although'?▼
'Because' gives a reason ('late because tired'); 'although' contrasts ('although tired, I went'). One explains, the other concedes.
Do I need a comma before a conjunction?▼
Use a comma before FANBOYS when joining two full sentences ('I came, but he left'). No comma for a simple list or short join.