Alongside vocabulary and basic tenses, conjunctions are an essential grammar point frequently tested in exams, including the IELTS Writing test. Let’s explore the definition, categories, and usage of conjunctions in English with IDP.
1. What Is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is a word used to connect two words, phrases, or clauses to form a logical and coherent sentence. Writers can use conjunctions to emphasize contrast, comparison, or cause and effect relationships, making their writing more engaging.
Examples of conjunctions in English:
She watched a movie and lost track of time.
Neither the teacher nor the students felt the earthquake.
Both Alice and I are going to Wonderland.
2. Types of Conjunctions in English
English conjunctions fall into three main categories: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions.
2.1 Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions are used to link words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. These conjunctions can connect nouns with nouns, adjectives with adjectives, or clause with clause.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions in English, which you can remember using the acronym FANBOYS:
F – For, A – And, N – Nor, B – But, O – Or, Y – Yet, S – So
Conjunction | Usage | Example |
For | Expresses reason or purpose | I go to a fitness center every day, for I want to keep fit |
And | Adds or links information | Slow and steady wins the race |
Nor | Adds a second negative | Trust not a new friend nor an old enemy |
But | Expresses contrast | I wanted to go out, but it started raining heavily |
Or | Offers an alternative | Respect yourself, or no one else will respect you |
Yet | Expresses unexpected contrast | The weather was terrible, yet we decided to go camping |
So | Indicates a result | As we sow, so shall we reap |
Comma rules for coordinating conjunctions:
Use a comma when joining two independent clauses: I took a comic with me, yet I didn’t read a single page.
Do not use a comma when joining words or phrases: She exercises every day to keep fit and relax.
When listing three or more items, place commas between them. The final comma before “and” is optional. Many fruits are good for your eyes: carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and mango.
2.2 Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are conjunction pairs that work together to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical weight.
Correlative Conjunction | Usage | Example |
Not only… but also | Double emphasis | Love is not only a sentiment but also an art |
Both… and | Emphasizes two elements | The company deals in both hardware and software |
As… as | Expresses equality | Jack is as good as his master |
Either… or | Offers two options | Either win the horse or lose the saddle |
Neither… nor | Negates both options | I am neither interested in art nor sports |
Whether… or | Presents a choice | Whether you fail or fly, at least you tried |
Hardly/Scarcely… when | Time relationship | Scarcely had Gemi arrived when the trouble started |
Rather… than | Expresses preference | I prefer starting early rather than leaving things to the last minute |
So/Such… that | Cause and effect | It was such nice weather that we went sightseeing |
Verb agreement rule:
With neither… nor or either… or, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it: My girlfriend likes neither coffee nor tea.
With both… and or not only… but also, use a plural verb: She wants to buy both this shirt and dress.
2.3 Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions begin a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause. The dependent clause can come before or after the main clause but must start with a subordinating conjunction.
Time and Place Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
After | Fish and guests smell after three days |
Before | Do not try to walk before you can crawl |
Since | The rain has been continuous since this morning |
Until/Till | Do not whistle until you are out of the woods |
By the time | By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin |
Wherever | Wherever you go, I will be waiting for you |
Once | Once on shore, we pray no more |
As soon as | As soon as the bristles wear, replace your toothbrush |
Manner Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
As | Harry is as good as his master |
As if / as though | They look as though they're heading for divorce |
Like | There is no place like home |
By (means of) | The machine operates by means of a lever |
Result Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
So that | I stepped aside so that she might come in |
Therefore | He was busy, therefore he could not come |
As a result | Her reputation suffered as a result of the scandal |
Consequently | Consequently, many countries adopted alternative policies |
Condition Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
If | If it rains, we will stay indoors |
Unless | Unless a check is signed, it is invalid |
Provided that | The agreement provided that both parties meet monthly |
As long as | As long as they read, they learn |
Comparison Conjunctions
Conjunction | Example |
|---|---|
As… as | Hatred is blind as well as love |
Than | False friends are worse than open enemies |
Like | Genius without education is like silver in the mine |
3. Conjunction Exercises with Answers
Exercise 1: Choose the correct conjunction
She was cleaning the floor ……… her father was reading the newspaper. a. when
She is not only beautiful ……… intelligent. a. but also
Everyone thought she would accept the offer ………, she turned it down. a. However
It was cloudy. ………, the photos came out very bad. b. As a result
We are buying a special ticket ……… we can go anywhere. d. so that
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with suitable conjunctions
Sally invited me to her party last weekend ……… I had to tell her I could not come. However
……… we had not eaten for over 12 hours, we were not hungry. Even though
It was not ……… 3pm that he got home. Until
Do you want a burger ……… a hot dog? Or
My father has passed out ……… his son has bad results. Because
Honda makes cars ……… motorbikes. As well as
They face many difficulties ……… their poverty. In spite of
Many people believe him ……… he often lies. Although
……… her poorness, she feels happy. In spite of
Olivia booked a babysitter ……… she could go out. So that
She will only do the job ……… you pay her more. If
How can you expect your children to be truthful ……… you yourself lie? When
Master Conjunctions in English Grammar with IDP
Understanding conjunctions in English, their types, and how to use them correctly is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Writing test. IDP provides valuable resources, including IELTS workshops and personalized IELTS courses, to help you practice effectively.
You can also join IDP’s free IELTS mock tests held weekly to become familiar with the test structure. These mock exams are aligned with the real IELTS test and assessed by Cambridge-trained experts.
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