Conjunctions are words that connect parts of sentences, or clauses, together. They can fall into four categories: Coordinating, Subordinating, Correlative, and Conditional.
She stayed late, for the project deadline was approaching.
And
Adds information.
John finished the report and emailed it to the manager.
Nor
Expresses a negative condition; used with neither.
The intern didn’t finish the task, nor did he ask for help.
But
Contrasts ideas.
The presentation was ready, but the projector wasn’t working.
Or
Shows an alternative or choice.
We can hold the meeting at 10 a.m. or after lunch.
Yet
Introduces a contrasting idea, often surprising.
The system is outdated, yet it still performs well.
So
Indicates result or consequence.
The client was satisfied, so we secured the contract.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses.
After
Indicates time following an event.
We’ll start the training after the new hires arrive.
Although
Introduces a contrast.
Although she had less experience, she got the promotion.
As
Expresses cause or time.
The manager spoke softly as the team discussed their ideas.
Because
Shows reason or cause.
He took the day off because he felt unwell.
Before
Indicates time prior to an event.
Submit your timesheet before leaving the office.
Once
Indicates time after an event happens.
Once the CEO arrives, the meeting will begin.
Since
Expresses time or reason.
We’ve been busy since the product launch.
So that
Indicates purpose or result.
I explained the process again so that everyone understands.
Than
Shows comparison.
Her presentation was clearer than his.
That
Introduces a clause indicating a fact or statement.
The manager requested that we submit our reports early.
Though
Introduces a concession.
Though the workload increased, morale stayed high.
Unless
Expresses a condition that prevents something.
You can’t access the files unless you log in.
Until
Indicates continuation up to a point in time.
The team will work late until the issue is resolved.
When
Shows time.
Let me know when the shipment arrives.
Whenever
Indicates any time.
We can reschedule the call whenever you’re available.
Where
Indicates place.
Let’s meet where we held the last conference.
Whereas
Shows contrast between two situations.
Mark prefers remote work, whereas Emma likes the office.
Wherever
Indicates any place.
The system updates wherever there’s an internet connection.
Whether
Introduces alternatives or uncertainty.
We must proceed whether the client agrees or not.
While
Indicates time during an action or contrast.
While the team was brainstorming, she took notes.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs.
Both / And
Joins two positive elements.
Both the marketing and sales teams collaborated on the campaign.
Either / Or
Presents alternatives.
You can either attend the conference or join virtually.
Neither / Nor
Joins two negative elements.
Neither the printer nor the scanner was working.
Whether / Or
Presents two possible situations.
I don’t know whether we should call someone for help or try and fix it ourselves.
Conditional Conjunctions
Conditional conjunctions connect clauses that express conditions necessary for an event to occur. For more information on Conditional Conjunctions, see Topic 5.2.
Even if
Indicates a hypothetical situation.
Even if the client changes their mind, we’ll be prepared.
Only if
Shows a necessary condition.
The policy can change only if the board approves it.
Unless
Presents an exception.
The team won’t proceed unless we get final approval.
Provided that
Expresses a stipulation.
You’ll receive the bonus provided that the goals are met.
As long as
Indicates a condition that must continue.
We can leave early as long as all tasks are completed.
So long as
Alternative to as long as.
Employees can work remotely so long as productivity stays high.
On the condition that
Expresses a formal condition.
You can take on the new role on the condition that you finish the current project.
In case
Indicates preparation for a possibility.
Bring your laptop in case the desktop isn’t working.
In the event of
Describes a possible occurrence.
In the event of a power outage, use the backup generator.
Assuming that
Introduces an assumption.
Assuming that the prototype works, we’ll move to production.
Supposing that
Suggests a possibility.
Supposing that the client cancels, we’ll reschedule the project.
Whether or not
Shows no impact from either possibility.
We’ll implement the changes whether or not there are objections.
