General English

Conjunctions: Joining Ideas Correctly

A conjunction connects words, phrases or clauses. The source notes divide conjunctions into three broad groups and provide several fixed pairs that are important for exam questions.

1. Three types

Type	Core idea	Examples
Coordinate	Joins units of equal rank	for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Subordinate	Connects a dependent clause to an independent clause	because, though, before, unless, until
Correlative	Works in pairs	either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also

2. FANBOYS

The source uses FANBOYS to remember the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. A coordinate conjunction joins clauses or sentences of equal rank.

Examples

She was late, so she took a shortcut. / He is poor but honest.

The conjunction connects ideas at the same grammatical level.

3. Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinate conjunction introduces a dependent clause and links it to an independent clause. The source examples include before, though, because.

Examples

We cancelled the trip because it was raining. / Though she was busy, she helped me.

The highlighted clause depends on the main clause for complete meaning.

4. Correlative pairs

either … or
neither … nor
both … and
not only … but also
whether … or
rather … than
no sooner … than
scarcely … when
barely … before

5. Keep the pair and structure parallel

The source notes state that correlative conjunctions should follow the same part of speech. In other words, the two linked elements should be grammatically parallel.

Correct

He is good neither at games nor at studies.

The two “at” phrases have the same structure.

Correct

She is both pretty and intelligent.

Both linked items are adjectives.

6. Unless versus until

The source distinguishes unless as condition-oriented and until as time-oriented.

Condition

Unless you work hard, you will not progress.

The meaning is “if not”.

Time

Wait until he returns.

The meaning is linked to a point in time.

7. Inversion patterns

The supplied conjunction material also tests inversion after expressions such as no sooner, scarcely and barely. The common exam structure places the helping verb before the subject.

Example

Scarcely had he asked the question when the response came.

Helping verb + subject + main verb is the tested inversion pattern.

8. High-frequency pair traps

No sooner

No sooner had he finished than the audience applauded.

The source notes pair “no sooner” with “than”.

Though/Although

Though she was tired, she helped me.

The source notes associate the structure with “yet” or punctuation rather than an extra “but” in the same construction.

Study note: This lesson is an expanded teaching version of the supplied resource topic. Examples and explanations are written for learning and exam preparation; the brief source notes are not reproduced verbatim.