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Conjunction Words: The Complete List by Type

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Learn how to ramp up your penning and create complex sentences, often joined by conjunction words . Here is a list of conjunction words for your writing. What Are Conjunction Words? Conjunction words are linking words that connect phrases, clauses, and sentences to create complex or compound structures. Key categories include coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, a English has four types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), correlative conjunctions used in pairs (either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also), subordinating conjunctions that open dependent clauses (because, although, since, unless, while), and conjunctive adverbs that link independent clauses (however, therefore, nevertheless, meanwhile).

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Conjunction words join clauses, phrases, and single words so a sentence reads as one connected thought instead of a string of fragments. English relies on three main families: coordinating conjunctions link equal parts, subordinating conjunctions attach a dependent clause to a main one, and correlative conjunctions work in matched pairs. Choose based on the relationship you want to signal, whether that is addition, contrast, cause, condition, or time.

Coordinating conjunctions

The seven coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS, join words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal grammatical weight.

Subordinating conjunctions of time, place, and cause

These conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that tells when, where, or why the action in the main clause happens.

Subordinating conjunctions of condition and concession

These conjunctions set a condition for the main clause or concede a point that runs against it.

Correlative conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions come in matched pairs, such as either with or and not only with but also, and both halves must frame grammatically parallel elements.

Conjunctive adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs such as however and therefore link two independent clauses or sentences, usually after a semicolon or a period, and signal contrast, result, or continuation.

Additive and comparative phrases

These connecting phrases add information or compare quantities, and they often behave like conjunctions even though several are technically prepositional phrases.

Curated word bank

Sparklines show each word's usage in published books since 1800 (Google Books Ngram data). The dot marks the peak decade.

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Frequently asked questions

What are conjunction words?

Conjunction words are connecting words that join two or more words, phrases, or clauses into a single sentence. They tell the reader how the joined ideas relate, such as addition with and, contrast with but, choice with or, or cause with because. Without them, writing breaks into short, disconnected statements.

What are the three main types of conjunctions?

The three main types are coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, and or join elements of equal weight. Subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, and until attach a dependent clause to a main clause, while correlative conjunctions such as either and or work in matched pairs.

How many coordinating conjunctions are there?

English has seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Writers often remember them with the acronym FANBOYS. When one of these joins two independent clauses, a comma normally comes before the conjunction.

Is however a conjunction?

However is a conjunctive adverb rather than a true conjunction. It links the meaning of two independent clauses but cannot join them with only a comma, which is why a sentence like the plan failed, however we tried again reads as a comma splice. Use a semicolon or start a new sentence: the plan failed; however, we tried again.

Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?

Yes, starting a sentence with and, but, or so is acceptable in modern professional writing, and skilled writers use it for emphasis and rhythm. The old classroom prohibition was a style preference, not a grammar rule. Just use the device sparingly so it keeps its punch, and make sure the sentence that follows is complete.

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