Conjunction Examples: The Ultimate Guide to Connecting Your Words

Conjunctions are the vital glue that holds our sentences together, transforming broken ideas into fluid, complex thoughts. Understanding conjunction examples is fundamental to mastering English grammar, enhancing clarity in writing, and excelling in competitive examinations. This definitive guide provides everything you need, from basic definitions to 100 practical conjunction examples and expert tips.

Introduction to Conjunction Examples

In the intricate tapestry of the English language, conjunctions play a pivotal role as the connectors and coordinators of our thoughts. Without conjunction examples to guide us, our speech and writing would be a series of simple, choppy sentences. By learning various conjunction examples, you can significantly improve the flow, sophistication, and coherence of your communication. This article delves deep into the world of conjunctions, providing a clear classification and a vast collection of conjunction examples to solidify your understanding.

What are Conjunctions?

A conjunction is a part of speech that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. They are fundamental for constructing complex and compound sentences, allowing you to express relationships between ideas such as addition, contrast, cause, and effect.

Types of Conjunctions with Examples

Conjunctions are primarily categorized into three types.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

These join elements of equal grammatical rank (words, phrases, or independent clauses). The acronym FANBOYS can help you remember them: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Conjunction Examples (Coordinating):

1. I like tea and coffee.
2. She was tired, but she finished her work.
3. You can pay now, or you can pay later.
4. He is small yet strong.
5. It was raining, so we stayed home.
6. I cannot sing, nor can I dance.
7. He was late, for his car broke down.

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

These join an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause, showing a relationship like time, reason, condition, or contrast.

Conjunction Examples (Subordinating):
8. After the movie ended, we went home.
9. I called you because I was worried.
10. If it rains, the match will be canceled.
11. She read the book although she had seen the film.
12. Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
13. He waited until the sun set.
14. Since you are here, let’s begin.
15. While I was cooking, he was setting the table.
16. I’ll be there whenever you need me.
17. Even though it was expensive, he bought it.

3. Correlative Conjunctions

These work in pairs to connect sentence elements of equal importance.

Conjunction Examples (Correlative):
18. Both my brother and my sister are doctors.
19. Either you apologize or you will be punished.
20. Neither the teacher nor the students were present.
21. Not only did she win the race, but she also broke the record.
22. I can’t decide whether to go or to stay.

100 Conjunction Examples in Sentences

Here is a comprehensive list of 100 conjunction examples used in context.

23. I need a pen and some paper.
24. She is brave but kind.
25. Would you like soup or salad?
26. He tried hard, yet he failed.
27. It’s cold outside, so wear a coat.
28. I was hungry, for I hadn’t eaten all day.
29. We did not see him, nor did we hear from him.
30. Before you leave, turn off the lights.
31. As she is my friend, I will help her.
32. Though he is rich, he is humble.
33. Wherever you go, I will follow.
34. Provided that you study, you will pass.
35. As soon as he arrived, the party started.
36. Now that you mention it, I do remember.
37. In order that we may succeed, we must plan.
38. As if he knew the answer, he raised his hand.
39. So that he could see, he turned on the light.
40. Whereas I like coffee, my wife prefers tea.
41. Where there is a will, there is a way.
42. Why he left is a mystery.
43. Whoever wins gets the prize.
44. Whatever you decide is fine with me.
45. Whichever road you take, you will reach.
46. I wonder if she will come.
47. She smiled although she was sad.
48. Because he was ill, he stayed home.
49. Since it’s your birthday, you can choose the restaurant.
50. Until you try, you don’t know.
51. When the phone rang, she answered it.
52. While I appreciate the offer, I must decline.
53. Even if it takes time, we will finish.
54. As long as you are happy, I am happy.
55. He speaks as though he is an expert.
56. Once you learn, you never forget.
57. Than is used in comparisons.
58. Rather than go out, I stayed in.
59. After he graduated, he got a job.
60. Before the storm hits, we should secure the windows.
61. I’ll help you provided that you ask nicely.
62. Supposing you win, what will you do?
63. In case of fire, break the glass.
64. Lest you forget, let me remind you.
65. He is faster than I am.
66. I would rather read than watch TV.
67. Whether he comes or not, we will proceed.
68. Both the cat and the dog are sleeping.
69. Either she is late, or she is not coming.
70. Neither the blue shirt nor the red one fits.
71. Not only is he a great singer, but he also plays the piano.
72. No sooner had I left than it started pouring.
73. Scarcely had I sat down when the doorbell rang.
74. Just as the sun was setting, we reached the peak.
75. I will find you wherever you hide.
76. He does whatever he wants.
77. Whoever said that is mistaken.
78. You can take whichever seat you like.
79. That he is honest is known to all.
80. I know that you are right.
81. She asked me if I was okay.
82. I wonder whether it will rain.
83. Tell me why you are crying.
84. This is the house where I was born.
85. I remember the day when we met.
86. He is the person who helped me.
87. The book that you gave me is fascinating.
88. She has a friend whose father is a pilot.
89. I like people who are honest.
90. The man, whom you saw, is my uncle.
91. The city where I live is very busy.
92. The reason why he failed is clear.
93. The time when birds migrate is autumn.
94. He left early so that he wouldn’t be late.
95. She worked hard in order that she might succeed.
96. He spoke slowly lest we misunderstand him.
97. As he was not there, I left a message.
98. Because of the rain, the event was canceled.
99. Due to his efforts, we succeeded.
100. On account of his age, he was excused.
101. In spite of the pain, he kept running.
102. Despite the warnings, he went ahead.

Important Tips for Mastering Conjunctions

• FANBOYS is Your Friend: Memorize FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) for coordinating conjunctions. It’s a classic for a reason.
• Comma Usage: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses. For subordinating conjunctions, use a comma if the dependent clause comes first.
• Avoid Double Conjunctions: Do not use two conjunctions together (e.g., “But although he tried…” is incorrect). Choose one.
• Competitive Exam Focus: Pay special attention to correlative conjunctions (like ‘not only…but also’, ‘either…or’) and conjunctive adverbs (like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, ‘moreover’), as they are frequently tested for error spotting and sentence improvement.
• Parallel Structure: Ensure the elements connected by a conjunction follow the same grammatical structure. For example, “She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bike” is incorrect. It should be “She likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bike.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Conjunction Examples

Q1: What is the difference between ‘because’ and ‘so’?
‘Because’ indicates a reason (cause), while ‘so’ indicates a result (effect). Using both in the same sentence is redundant. Incorrect: Because it was raining, so we canceled the trip. Correct: Because it was raining, we canceled the trip. OR It was raining, so we canceled the trip.

Q2: Can I start a sentence with a conjunction like ‘And’ or ‘But’?
While traditionally frowned upon, starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction is now widely accepted in modern writing, especially for stylistic effect in informal writing, fiction, or advertising. Use it sparingly for emphasis.

Q3: How do I know whether to use ‘and’ or a comma in a list?
In a list of three or more items, use commas to separate the items, and place a conjunction (usually ‘and’ or ‘or’) before the final item. This is called the Oxford comma, and its usage can be stylistic (e.g., “I bought apples, oranges, and bananas”).

Conclusion on Conjunction Examples

Mastering the use of conjunctions is a cornerstone of effective communication in English. By studying these numerous conjunction examples and understanding the rules that govern them, you can construct more sophisticated, clear, and impactful sentences. Whether you are a student, a professional, or a candidate preparing for competitive exams, a solid grasp of conjunction examples will undoubtedly enhance your language skills and boost your confidence.

Also Read: Progressive Tenses Explained: A Clear and Simple Guide

Master Correlative Conjunctions: The Ultimate Guide with 100+ Examples