Conjunctions

In a nutshell

Conjunctions are words that introduce a clause or "glue" two clauses together in a sentence.

Coordinating conjunctions 

Coordinating conjunctions are words that join two or more (main) clauses together. The simplest example of this is the word and, but there are some more that you should know.

Examples

• and
  
• but
• for
• nor
• or
• so
• yet

Compound sentences

You might already know that a complex sentence is one that contains at least one main clause and one subordinate clause. A compound sentence contains two or more main clauses, glued together using coordinating conjunctions like the ones listed above.

You can tell if a sentence is a compound sentence by taking away the coordinating conjunction and putting a full stop. If both sentences would make sense on their own, you've got yourself a compound sentence.

Examples

	Main clause 1		Main clause 2
Mum got angry and Jack heard her.		and
I wanted to buy some new trainers but they were too expensive.		but

Subordinating conjunctions

A subordinating conjunction begins a subordinate clause, e.g. The dog ate the cake since he was hungry. 

Examples

In these examples, notice which type of clause makes sense on its own, and which one does not. Which one contains the subordinating conjunction?

Examples

Main clause	Subordinate clause
I won't buy any new trainers	​unless I can afford them.​
Before she rides her bike,	the girl will test her brakes.

Relative subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions might also begin a subordinate clause in order to add more information about a subject, e.g. The woman whose dog ate the cake, 

Examples

• that
  
• which
• who
• whom
• whichever
• whoever
• whomever
• whose

In the following examples, notice the commas that separate the different clauses.

Examples

	Main clause (part A)...	Subordinate clause	...Main clause (part B)
1.	The man,	who had his birthday last week,	got on the bus.
2.	The cheese,	which was French,	was eaten by the dog!