Learning conjunctions in English

What are conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses, phrases, or words within a sentence, enabling coherent and fluid communication. For example, in the sentence "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining" the conjunction but links two contrasting ideas. Similarly, "She bought apples and oranges" uses and to combine items. These words act as linguistic bridges, ensuring ideas flow logically and relationships between them (contrast, cause, addition) are clear.

Conjunctions are categorized by their function. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) join grammatically equal elements. Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if) introduce dependent clauses, showing cause, condition, or contrast. Correlative conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor) work in pairs to link balanced ideas. Additionally, conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore) connect independent clauses but require semicolons or periods. Conjunctions vary in complexity: basic ones (and) are foundational, while advanced ones (provided that) add nuance to formal writing.

Some most common uses of conjunctions in English

Below are some most frequent used English conjunctions.

1. And - adds information.

2. But - shows contrast.

3. Or - presents alternatives.

4. Because - indicates cause.

5. If - introduces a condition.

6. Although - expresses contrast.

7. So - shows result.

8. When - refers to time.

9. Nor - negates alternatives.

10. While - contrasts or indicates time.

Formal conjunctions like however (contrast), furthermore (addition), and therefore (result) are common in academic writing. Informal conjunctions such as so (result), 'cause (because), and though (contrast) appear in casual speech. Regional variations exist: British English uses whilst and till ("Wait here whilst I check"), whereas American English prefers while and until. In Australian English, but often ends sentences informally ("It's hot, but"), which can confuse non-native speakers.

When to use conjunctions

Conjunctions are essential for connecting ideas in narratives, arguments, or instructions. For example, expressing cause ("He left early because he was tired"), contrast ("She loves jazz, although her brother prefers rock"), or conditions ("If it rains, we'll stay indoors"). They clarify relationships in complex sentences: "The team celebrated after they won the match, and the coach praised their effort." In dialogue, conjunctions mimic natural speech: "I'd help you, but I'm busy right now."

Misusing conjunctions creates confusion. Using and instead of but ("She was tired and she went to the party") contradicts logic. Overusing so or and results in run-on sentences: "I woke up late so I missed the bus and I was late and my boss was angry." Avoid starting formal sentences with because ("Because he was ill, he stayed home" is correct; "He stayed home. Because he was ill" is fragmented). Redundant pairs like "although...but" ("Although it's expensive, but I'll buy it") are grammatically incorrect.

How to evaluate my knowledge on conjunctions

English has around 100 conjunctions, split into coordinating, subordinating, correlative, and conjunctive adverbs. To self-assess, identify conjunctions in texts and categorize them. Practice combining sentences using different conjunctions ("It was cold. We stayed inside" -> "We stayed inside because it was cold"). Test understanding of punctuation rules (commas with coordinating conjunctions, semicolons with conjunctive adverbs). Rewrite sentences with incorrect conjunctions ("I like tea but coffee" -> "I like tea and coffee"). Peer reviews of essays can highlight overuse or incorrect pairing.

One simple way to check your current knowledge level of conjunctions is by testing your skills. Try out to guess what are the expressions on the sentences gaps below:

1. I wanted to go swimming, ______ it was too cold.

2. She likes tea ______ coffee.

3. You can stay here ______ go home.

4. He failed the test ______ he didn't study.

5. ______ it was raining, we canceled the picnic.

6. I'll call you ______ I arrive.

7. ______ you finish your homework, you can't watch TV.

8. She neither apologized ______ explained her actions.

9. The project was challenging; ______, we completed it on time.

Sentences from 1 to 3 uses beginner level conjunctions. Their answers are: 1. but, 2. and, 3. or. Sentences 4 to 6 are intermediate level, their answers are: 4. because, 5. Although, 6. when. Sentence 7 to 9 are advanced level, their answers are: 7. Unless, 8. nor, 9. however. Check how much you guessed right on each level and you will have a clue on how much you know and which is your current knowledge level on conjunctions. Of course this is a very simple test and it is very high biased. You should take a longer test, using a wide range of conjunctions to have a more accurate score.

Ways to improve my knowledge on conjunctions

Enhance conjunction skills by reading varied texts (novels, news articles) and noting how conjunctions structure arguments or narratives. Practice combining short sentences into complex ones using different conjunctions. Write essays focusing on specific types (e.g., only subordinating conjunctions). Create flashcards with conjunction pairs (either/or) and their uses. Engage in "sentence repair" exercises, correcting misused conjunctions in sample texts. Discuss sentence structures with peers to identify natural vs. forced usage. Regularly test yourself by converting simple sentences ("I was late. I missed the bus") into complex ones ("I was late because I missed the bus").

You could learn them by listening to podcasts, watching videos on youtube or reading online news focused on the audience you are looking to be part of. Focusing situations and audience will shrink the amount of common used conjunctions you have to learn. Don't be afraid on not kowing all of things you hear or read. Don't be afraid to ask or search online the meaning of new expressions. Ask natives: Clarify new words you hear in conversations. Stay curious: Note down unfamiliar words in a "expression diary." Finally, embrace mistakes: Misusing it can become a funny learning moment!"

Learninn is a great way to get in touch with English conjunctions. Articles and videos hosted on our platform include most common conjunctions, if not all existent ones. Every content consumed on our platform is recorded and used in the future for your learning.