Conjunctions: Definition, Types, and Examples

A grammar teacher pointing at a chart with examples of conjunctions like “and,” “but,” “because,” and “although” grouped by type
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses. They help sentences flow logically and smoothly. There are three main types: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.

Conjunctions

A conjunction is a part of speech used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Conjunctions are essential for creating cohesive and logical connections between ideas, allowing sentences to flow smoothly.

Example:

  • I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.

In this sentence, "but" is the conjunction that links two contrasting ideas.

Types of Conjunctions

Conjunctions are categorized into three main types:

  1. Coordinating Conjunctions
  2. Subordinating Conjunctions
  3. Correlative Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses that are grammatically equal. They give equal emphasis to the elements they connect.

The most common coordinating conjunctions can be remembered using the acronym FANBOYS:

  • For
  • And
  • Nor
  • But
  • Or
  • Yet
  • So

Examples:

  1. I want to go to the beach, but it's too cold.
  2. She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
  3. He doesn’t like apples, nor does he like bananas.
  4. We can go to the movie, or we can stay home.
  5. She was tired, yet she kept working.
  6. I didn’t eat breakfast, so I’m very hungry.
  7. He is both smart and kind.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence). These conjunctions show a relationship between the two clauses, such as cause and effect, time, contrast, or condition.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions: because, although, since, while, if, when, unless, before, after

Examples:

  1. She stayed home because she was sick.
  2. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
  3. I will call you when I arrive.
  4. We can go hiking if the weather is good.
  5. She didn’t go to the party since she was tired.
  6. After he finished his homework, he went to bed.
  7. You can’t succeed unless you try hard.
  8. While she was cooking, the phone rang.
  9. Before we leave, let’s pack our bags.
  10. If I had known, I would have called you.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Definition: Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link equal elements in a sentence. They connect two grammatically similar words, phrases, or clauses, ensuring that the sentence maintains parallel structure.

Common Correlative Conjunctions:

  • Both ... and
  • Either ... or
  • Neither ... nor
  • Not only ... but also
  • Whether ... or

Examples:

  1. Both the teacher and the students enjoyed the field trip.
  2. You can either stay here or come with us.
  3. Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.
  4. Not only did she win the race, but also she broke a record.
  5. Whether you like it or not, we have to leave now.
  6. Either you can help me or I’ll do it myself.
  7. Both the coffee and the dessert were delicious.
  8. Neither the rain nor the wind could stop the event.
  9. Not only is he talented, but also he is very hardworking.
  10. Whether we succeed or fail, we will give it our best.

Examples of Conjunctions in Sentences

  1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
    • I want pizza, but I also like pasta.
    • She can sing, and she can dance.
    • We can go to the beach, or we can stay home.
  2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
    • I’ll call you after the meeting ends.
    • Although it was late, they continued working.
    • If you study hard, you will pass the test.
  3. Correlative Conjunctions:
    • Either we leave now, or we miss the train.
    • Not only did she finish her work, but also she helped her colleague.
    • Both the movie and the book were amazing.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions: 100 Examples

Coordinating conjunctions join elements that are grammatically equal, such as two independent clauses, words, or phrases. The acronym FANBOYS helps to remember them: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Examples:

  1. I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.
  2. She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
  3. He doesn’t like coffee, nor does he like tea.
  4. We could go to the beach, or we could stay home.
  5. She was hungry, so she made a sandwich.
  6. He worked all day, yet he wasn’t tired.
  7. She reads novels, and she also enjoys writing stories.
  8. They can go swimming, or they can go hiking.
  9. I don’t like cats, but I love dogs.
  10. He went to the store, and he bought some groceries.
  11. We wanted to go to the concert, but the tickets were sold out.
  12. You can have coffee or tea with your breakfast.
  13. She was late to the meeting, yet no one seemed to mind.
  14. I forgot my wallet, so I had to borrow money from my friend.
  15. We could watch a movie, or we could play a board game.
  16. She speaks French, and she also knows Spanish.
  17. He didn’t study for the exam, but he passed it anyway.
  18. I need to finish my homework, so I’ll stay in tonight.
  19. She wanted to buy the dress, but it was too expensive.
  20. You can stay here, or you can come with us.
  21. I love pizza, and I also enjoy pasta.
  22. They can travel by train, or they can drive.
  23. He didn’t like the movie, nor did his friends.
  24. She wanted to go hiking, but the weather was bad.
  25. He worked hard all week, so he decided to take a break.
  26. She wanted to go shopping, and she also wanted to eat out.
  27. He enjoys swimming, yet he rarely goes to the pool.
  28. We were excited to travel, but our flight was delayed.
  29. You can either take the bus, or you can walk.
  30. I wanted to stay home, but my friends convinced me to go out.
  31. He studied hard, so he passed the exam with flying colors.
  32. She was tired, but she still went to the gym.
  33. They wanted to go out for dinner, and they also wanted to see a movie.
  34. I like both coffee and tea.
  35. He is a good writer, but he struggles with grammar.
  36. She wanted to bake a cake, so she went to the store for ingredients.
  37. I tried to call her, but her phone was off.
  38. He plays soccer and basketball.
  39. You can have either ice cream or cake for dessert.
  40. She was feeling sick, so she stayed home from work.
  41. He enjoys hiking, but he’s afraid of heights.
  42. She wanted to travel, yet she didn’t have enough money.
  43. We wanted to buy the house, but someone else made a better offer.
  44. I was late to the meeting, so I missed the introduction.
  45. They can either go to the park, or they can visit the zoo.
  46. She likes reading, and she also enjoys painting.
  47. He worked late last night, but he finished the project.
  48. You can either come with us, or you can stay home.
  49. She was feeling tired, but she still went to the gym.
  50. They wanted to visit the museum, so they planned a day trip.
  51. He enjoys playing chess, and he also likes solving puzzles.
  52. She was going to cook dinner, but she ordered takeout instead.
  53. He wanted to join the team, so he practiced every day.
  54. We were planning to go on vacation, but our flight was canceled.
  55. They love traveling, and they also enjoy photography.
  56. You can have either water or juice.
  57. She worked hard all day, yet she still had energy for a run.
  58. He didn’t want to go out, so he stayed home and watched a movie.
  59. We wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.
  60. She loves to bake, and she’s great at it.
  61. He studied all night, but he didn’t pass the test.
  62. They were excited to travel, yet they were nervous about the flight.
  63. She wanted to buy the dress, so she saved up her money.
  64. You can either take the bus, or you can walk.
  65. I wanted to eat pizza, but the restaurant was closed.
  66. He was late to the meeting, so he missed the important discussion.
  67. They were planning to go hiking, but the weather didn’t cooperate.
  68. She enjoys reading, and she’s also a talented writer.
  69. He likes football, but he’s not very good at it.
  70. I love sushi, and I also enjoy ramen.
  71. You can either join us, or you can stay here.
  72. She wanted to go shopping, so she called her friend to come along.
  73. He was feeling tired, but he still went to the party.
  74. They were excited about the trip, yet they were anxious about the long flight.
  75. She was planning to cook dinner, but she decided to order takeout.
  76. He wanted to stay up late, so he made coffee.
  77. We were going to the park, but it started raining.
  78. She enjoys running, and she also loves cycling.
  79. He plays the guitar, but he’s not very good at it.
  80. You can either drive or take the train.
  81. She was going to go out, but she decided to stay home.
  82. They were excited about the concert, yet they were worried about the weather.
  83. He wanted to bake a cake, so he went to the store for ingredients.
  84. She loves coffee, and she drinks it every morning.
  85. He was feeling sick, but he still went to work.
  86. They wanted to go hiking, so they packed their backpacks.
  87. She likes both pizza and pasta.
  88. He didn’t like the movie, but his friends loved it.
  89. You can either come with us or stay here.
  90. She was feeling tired, so she went to bed early.
  91. He enjoys watching movies, and he’s also a big reader.
  92. They were planning to go to the beach, but it started raining.
  93. She was going to buy the dress, but it was too expensive.
  94. He worked hard all day, yet he didn’t feel tired.
  95. We can either stay home, or we can go out for dinner.
  96. She loves cooking, and she’s great at it.
  97. He wanted to go hiking, but the weather wasn’t good.
  98. They were excited about the vacation, so they packed their bags early.
  99. She likes reading, and she also enjoys writing.
  100. You can either go to the gym or take a walk outside.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions: 100 Examples

Subordinating conjunctions join an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone). These conjunctions show relationships such as cause and effect, time, contrast, or condition.

Examples:

  1. I stayed home because I was feeling sick.
  2. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
  3. We will leave when the movie ends.
  4. If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
  5. She didn’t attend the meeting since she had other plans.
  6. I’ll call you after I finish work.
  7. Before we go, let’s check the weather.
  8. Even though he was tired, he continued working.
  9. We stayed inside until the storm passed.
  10. While she was cooking, the phone rang.
  11. He can’t go out unless he finishes his chores.
  12. As soon as she heard the news, she called her mom.
  13. We’ll wait here until you arrive.
  14. He didn’t go to the gym because he was too busy.
  15. Although the movie was long, it was entertaining.
  16. I’ll come over when I have time.
  17. She stayed up late even though she was tired.
  18. Since it was raining, we stayed inside.
  19. I’ll start the project after I get the materials.
  20. While you were sleeping, I made breakfast.
  21. He won’t succeed unless he works harder.
  22. As the sun set, the sky turned orange.
  23. We’ll wait here until the bus arrives.
  24. She didn’t go to the party because she wasn’t feeling well.
  25. Although the weather was cold, we went hiking.
  26. I’ll call you when I get home.
  27. If you don’t hurry, you’ll be late.
  28. We stayed inside since it was snowing.
  29. I’ll visit you after I finish my work.
  30. Even though it was dark, they continued their journey.
  31. She didn’t attend the concert because she had to work.
  32. While he was waiting, he read a book.
  33. He won’t succeed unless he changes his attitude.
  34. As the night fell, the city lights came on.
  35. They’ll be here until the meeting ends.
  36. She didn’t go out because she was studying.
  37. Although the task was difficult, she completed it.
  38. I’ll call you when I’m done with the meeting.
  39. If it rains tomorrow, we’ll stay home.
  40. We stayed at the hotel since it was too late to travel.
  41. I’ll meet you after the movie ends.
  42. Even though it was late, they continued the game.
  43. She didn’t join the group because she was too shy.
  44. While they were hiking, they saw a deer.
  45. He won’t pass the exam unless he studies harder.
  46. As the years passed, they grew closer.
  47. We waited until the show started.
  48. He didn’t go to the gym because he was tired.
  49. Although the weather was bad, they went on the trip.
  50. I’ll call you when I have more information.
  51. If you’re feeling hungry, we can grab a snack.
  52. We stayed home since the weather was bad.
  53. I’ll see you after the concert.
  54. Even though the car was old, it ran well.
  55. She didn’t attend the wedding because she was sick.
  56. While they were cooking, the power went out.
  57. He can’t leave unless he gets permission.
  58. As the sun rose, the birds began to sing.
  59. They stayed at the hotel until the storm passed.
  60. He didn’t go out because he was feeling lazy.
  61. Although the journey was long, it was worth it.
  62. I’ll text you when I arrive.
  63. If you’re not busy, let’s grab lunch.
  64. We stayed indoors since it was raining.
  65. I’ll help you after I finish my work.
  66. Even though it was a holiday, they had to work.
  67. She didn’t attend the event because she had other plans.
  68. While he was talking, the phone rang.
  69. He won’t win unless he practices more.
  70. As the story progressed, it became more interesting.
  71. We waited until the bus came.
  72. He didn’t attend the meeting because he was sick.
  73. Although it was a busy day, she managed to finish her work.
  74. I’ll contact you when I have more details.
  75. If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the park.
  76. They stayed in the cabin since the weather was bad.
  77. I’ll see you after the meeting.
  78. Even though the hike was tough, they enjoyed it.
  79. She didn’t go to the party because she was feeling unwell.
  80. While they were watching TV, the power went out.
  81. He won’t be able to join us unless he finishes his work.
  82. As the weeks went by, they became friends.
  83. We waited until the storm passed.
  84. She didn’t go to the gym because she was tired.
  85. Although the movie was long, it was interesting.
  86. I’ll visit you when I’m free.
  87. If you don’t hurry, we’ll miss the bus.
  88. They stayed inside since it was snowing heavily.
  89. I’ll finish my project after lunch.
  90. Even though it was a long trip, they had fun.
  91. She didn’t go out because she wasn’t feeling well.
  92. While he was jogging, he saw a deer.
  93. He won’t get the promotion unless he works harder.
  94. As the night went on, the party got louder.
  95. We’ll stay here until the rain stops.
  96. He didn’t join the group because he was too busy.
  97. Although it was cold, they went skiing.
  98. I’ll meet you when the class ends.
  99. If it’s too cold, we’ll stay indoors.
  100. We stayed at the cabin since it was too late to drive home.

3. Correlative Conjunctions: 100 Examples

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to join grammatically equal elements in a sentence. These include words like either... or, neither... nor, not only... but also, and more.

Examples:

  1. Either you can stay here or you can come with us.
  2. She is both intelligent and hardworking.
  3. Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.
  4. Not only did he win the race, but also he set a new record.
  5. You can have either tea or coffee.
  6. She is both a talented artist and a great teacher.
  7. Neither the rain nor the wind could stop the game.
  8. He not only passed the exam, but also got the highest score.
  9. I will either call you or send a message.
  10. She enjoys both reading and writing.
  11. Neither my friend nor I knew the answer.
  12. The project is not only difficult, but also time-consuming.
  13. We can either go to the park or stay home.
  14. Both the teacher and the students were excited about the trip.
  15. Neither of the options was appealing.
  16. He is not only talented but also very humble.
  17. You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one.
  18. She excels both in academics and in sports.
  19. Neither the director nor the producer was available for comment.
  20. Not only was the food delicious, but also the service was excellent.
  21. Either we leave now, or we’ll be late.
  22. Both the book and the movie were fantastic.
  23. Neither of the solutions was practical.
  24. She is not only beautiful, but also smart.
  25. Either you finish your work or you lose points.
  26. Both the team and the coach were happy with the result.
  27. Neither the company nor the clients were satisfied with the deal.
  28. Not only did they succeed, but also they exceeded expectations.
  29. You can either stay here or go with them.
  30. Both the concert and the dinner were amazing.
  31. Neither of the cars is available for rent.
  32. He is not only a great singer, but also a talented songwriter.
  33. Either you take the bus or you walk.
  34. She enjoys both playing the piano and singing.
  35. Neither the employees nor the manager knew about the changes.
  36. Not only is he a good student, but also he’s an excellent athlete.
  37. Either you agree with the terms or you decline the offer.
  38. Both the painting and the sculpture were beautiful.
  39. Neither of the plans is feasible.
  40. She is not only smart, but also kind.
  41. Either we fix the issue or we face bigger problems.
  42. Both the house and the garden are well-maintained.
  43. Neither of the ideas is practical.
  44. He is not only famous, but also very down-to-earth.
  45. You can either attend the meeting or skip it.
  46. Both the presentation and the report were well-done.
  47. Neither the flight nor the train was available.
  48. Not only was the hotel luxurious, but also affordable.
  49. She is either at the gym or at home.
  50. Both his dedication and his hard work paid off.
  51. Neither of the answers was correct.
  52. Not only did she win the competition, but also she broke the record.
  53. Either we solve the problem now, or it will get worse.
  54. Both the movie and the soundtrack were amazing.
  55. Neither the store nor the restaurant was open.
  56. He is not only a great leader, but also a great friend.
  57. Either you accept the job offer or you keep searching.
  58. Both the food and the atmosphere were fantastic.
  59. Neither of the suggestions was accepted.
  60. Not only is she a great artist, but also a wonderful person.
  61. You can either study for the exam or risk failing.
  62. Both the manager and the team members were happy with the results.
  63. Neither of the hotels is available.
  64. Not only did he complete the project, but also he did it ahead of schedule.
  65. Either you follow the instructions or you’ll make a mistake.
  66. Both the room and the view were stunning.
  67. Neither of the options was easy.
  68. He is not only a fast learner, but also a hard worker.
  69. Either you take the lead or I will.
  70. Both the proposal and the budget were approved.
  71. Neither of the roads was clear.
  72. Not only is he successful, but also generous.
  73. Either we start now, or we won’t finish on time.
  74. Both the weather and the location were perfect for the event.
  75. Neither of the participants was prepared.
  76. She is not only an excellent teacher, but also a mentor.
  77. Either you bring your documents, or you’ll need to reschedule.
  78. Both the cake and the cookies were delicious.
  79. Neither the director nor the producer attended the meeting.
  80. Not only did they complete the project, but also they exceeded expectations.
  81. You can either email me or call me.
  82. Both the design and the layout were impressive.
  83. Neither of the flights is available at that time.
  84. He is not only an amazing chef, but also a talented artist.
  85. Either you follow the rules or you’ll face the consequences.
  86. Both the presentation and the report were excellent.
  87. Neither the meeting nor the event was scheduled properly.
  88. Not only is she a talented musician, but also a great teacher.
  89. You can either submit your assignment online or hand it in personally.
  90. Both the painting and the sculpture were created by the same artist.
  91. Neither of the ideas is practical.
  92. He is not only a skilled engineer, but also an innovative thinker.
  93. Either we leave early or we risk missing the train.
  94. Both the hotel and the restaurant were fully booked.
  95. Neither of the paths was safe to travel.
  96. Not only did she finish her work, but also she helped her colleagues.
  97. Either you explain the problem or we can’t help.
  98. Both the team and the coach were proud of their victory.
  99. Neither the weather nor the traffic could spoil their trip.
  100. She is not only a great athlete, but also a kind person.

Conclusion

These 100 examples for each type of conjunction—coordinating, subordinating, and correlative—demonstrate how to effectively use conjunctions to create complex and engaging sentences. Whether you're linking equal elements, introducing dependent clauses, or working with paired conjunctions, mastering these different types will improve the flow, clarity, and cohesiveness of your writing.