What Are Examples Of A Conjunction?

Conjunction examples include and, but, or, so, because, and since; they link words, phrases, and clauses.

A conjunction is a small word that does a big job: it joins pieces of a sentence so your ideas don’t sit in separate piles.

If you’ve ever wondered why one line sounds smooth and another sounds choppy, the conjunction choice is often the reason.

This guide gives clear examples, shows how each type works, and points out punctuation patterns that keep your writing clean.

Type	Common Conjunctions	What They Link
Coordinating	and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet	Equal words, phrases, or independent clauses
Subordinating: Time	when, while, before, after, until, once	Main clause + time detail clause
Subordinating: Cause	because, since, as	Main clause + reason clause
Subordinating: Condition	if, unless, provided that, as long as	Main clause + condition clause
Subordinating: Purpose	so that, in order that	Main clause + purpose clause
Subordinating: Choice	whether, instead of	Main clause + choice clause or phrase
Correlative Pair	either…or, neither…nor, both…and	Balanced pairs inside one sentence
Correlative Emphasis	not only…but also, whether…or	Paired structure with parallel grammar

What Are Examples Of A Conjunction? In Real Writing

People type “what are examples of a conjunction?” when they want quick proof: real words they can drop into a sentence right now.

Before the lists, it helps to pin down what counts as a conjunction. A conjunction links parts of a sentence; it doesn’t name a thing, show an action, or describe a noun.

Most English conjunctions fall into three families: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative pairs. Each family has its own feel, and each solves a different sentence problem.

Coordinating Conjunction Examples

Coordinating conjunctions connect items of equal rank. Think word to word, phrase to phrase, or one complete clause to another complete clause.

The classic set is remembered as FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You don’t have to memorize the acronym, but you should know the seven words.

Examples That Link Single Words

I packed pens and pencils.
Tea or coffee works.
The room felt calm yet busy.

Examples That Link Phrases

She spoke in a steady voiceandwith a clear plan.
They met after classbutbefore the bus arrived.
He wrote the note for the teacherandfor the group leader.

Examples That Link Two Independent Clauses

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, a comma usually comes right before the conjunction.

You can check the full rule on Purdue OWL’s comma rules for coordinating conjunctions.

The quiz looked hard, but I finished on time.
I wanted to call, so I sent a text first.
We can leave now, or we can wait for the rain to slow.

Quick Comma Check

Try this: split the sentence at the conjunction. If both sides can stand alone as complete sentences, the comma likely belongs there. If one side can’t stand alone, skip the comma.

Subordinating Conjunction Examples

Subordinating conjunctions link an independent clause with a dependent clause. The dependent clause adds context like time, reason, condition, or purpose.

These conjunctions are longer as a group, and many are two-word or three-word phrases.

Time Conjunctions With Sample Sentences

When the bell rang, we closed our books.
We stayed quiet while the speaker explained the steps.
Wash your hands before you start cooking.
Call me after you land.
I’ll wait here until you’re ready.
Once the file uploads, you can share the link.

Reason Conjunctions With Sample Sentences

I wore a jacket because the air felt cool.
Since you’re free, we can meet at three.
As the sun set, the street lights flickered on.

Condition Conjunctions With Sample Sentences

If you finish early, check your answers.
We’ll go outside unless it starts to pour.
You may borrow the book as long as you return it tomorrow.
I’ll sign the form provided that the details match.

Purpose Conjunctions With Sample Sentences

Speak slowly so that everyone can follow.
She saved the file twice in order that she wouldn’t lose it.

Where The Comma Goes

If the dependent clause comes first, a comma often follows it: “When the bell rang, we closed our books.”

If the dependent clause comes last, you often don’t need a comma: “We closed our books when the bell rang.”

Correlative Conjunction Examples

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs. They set up a balance, so your sentence reads like two matching rails.

The trick is parallel structure: the grammar after each half of the pair should match.

Either…Or And Neither…Nor

Either the teacher or the assistant will reply.
Neither the notes nor the slides were posted.
We can meet either on Friday or on Saturday.

Both…And

Both the title and the first paragraph need edits.
She’s both patient and direct.

Not Only…But Also

He is not only fast but also careful.
That rule affects not only essays but also emails.

Parallel Structure Fix

If you write “both reading and to write,” your sentence limps. Match forms: “both reading and writing,” or “to read and to write.”

Conjunctions That People Mix Up

Some words look like conjunctions, but they don’t always act like one. Context decides their job.

Then Vs. Than

Then usually marks time or order. It’s often an adverb: “Finish your draft, then proofread.”

Than is used in comparisons: “This draft is clearer than the last one.” Neither is a standard conjunction.

Because Vs. So

Because introduces a reason clause. So can connect two independent clauses and often points to a result.

A common slip is stacking both: “Because I was late, so I ran.” Pick one: “Because I was late, I ran,” or “I was late, so I ran.”

Like Vs. As

Like is usually a preposition: “She sings like her sister.”

As can work as a subordinating conjunction: “She sang as the music started.”

Punctuation Patterns With Conjunctions

Conjunctions and punctuation are teammates. Get the pairing right and your sentences feel clear without extra words.

When you’re stuck, check the structure first: are you linking equals, or adding a dependent clause?

Pattern	Sample Sentence	What To Watch
Independent clause, + FANBOYS + independent clause	I wanted to join, but the meeting was full.	Comma goes before the conjunction
Two words or phrases + and/or/but	We packed snacks and water.	No comma in most short joins
Dependent clause first, then main clause	When the timer beeped, I checked the oven.	Comma after the opening clause
Main clause first, then dependent clause	I checked the oven when the timer beeped.	Comma often not needed
Either…or with parallel items	Either call now or message later.	Keep the grammar after each half matched
Not only…but also with balance	She not only read the post but also shared it.	Match verb forms and sentence rhythm
Subordinator inside the sentence	I stayed quiet because the speaker asked us to.	Avoid comma before the subordinator
Long lists with and	We brought notebooks, chargers, and headphones.	Decide on Oxford comma style and stick to it

How To Pick The Right Conjunction

Choosing a conjunction is less about memorizing lists and more about naming the link between ideas.

Ask what you mean: addition, choice, reason, time, condition, or a paired balance. Then pick the word that fits that meaning.

When You Want Addition Or Contrast

Use and to add. Use but to mark a turn. Use yet when you want a similar turn with a slightly sharper tone.

When You Want A Choice

Or handles the simple fork in the road. If you want a balanced, symmetrical feel, try either…or.

When You Want A Reason Or A Result

Because, since, and as can introduce reasons. So often signals a result in a second clause.

For a clean definition of conjunction and its main types, see the Cambridge Grammar page on conjunctions.

When You Want A Condition

If is the everyday choice. Unless flips the condition and often reads as “if not.” Watch the meaning so you don’t accidentally reverse your point.

Conjunction Choice And Tone

Two sentences can share the same facts and still land differently, just by swapping the conjunction.

And stacks ideas. But signals a turn. Yet feels a bit sharper than but. So points to a result. Because points to a reason.

Small Swaps To Try

“I studied, so I felt ready.” (result)
“I studied because I wanted to feel ready.” (reason)
“I studied, but I still felt nervous.” (turn)

Pick one that matches your meaning, and the sentence will read clean.

When you edit, ask what link you mean, then pick the conjunction that says that link out loud. Your reader will follow without effort.

Common Conjunction Mistakes And Fast Fixes

Most errors come from sentence structure, not from the conjunction list. The fix is usually a quick edit.

Comma Splice With A Coordinating Conjunction Missing

Wrong: “I finished the draft, I sent it.” Two complete clauses are jammed together with only a comma.

Fix: Add a coordinating conjunction: “I finished the draft, and I sent it.” Or split it into two sentences.

Run-On Sentence With Too Many Ands

Using and again and again can make a sentence drag.

Fix: Group related actions, then use a subordinator for time or reason: “I drafted the intro after I outlined the headings.”

Misplaced Correlative Pair

Wrong: “Either you can email me on Monday, or Tuesday.” The pair is not balanced.

Fix: “You can email me either on Monday or on Tuesday.”

Mini Practice Set With Answers

Use the lines below as a quick drill. Fill in a conjunction that makes the sentence meaning clear.

I stayed inside ___ it was raining.
We can meet now, ___ we can meet after lunch.
___ you finish the worksheet, check your work.
She brought snacks ___ water.
He will reply ___ he sees the message.
___ the class was loud, the teacher kept a calm tone.
___ Sam ___ Lina will lead the group.
We’ll go ___ you’re ready.
She is ___ patient ___ direct.
He is not only early ___ also prepared.

Answer List And Notes

Possible answers: 1) because 2) or 3) when 4) and 5) when 6) while 7) either…or 8) when 9) both…and 10) but.

More than one answer can work in some lines. Read the sentence out loud; the meaning you hear should match the meaning you want.

Quick Review Of Conjunction Examples

If you came here asking “what are examples of a conjunction?”, keep this short set in mind: and, but, or, so, because, if, when, while, either…or, both…and.

Use coordinating conjunctions to link equals, subordinators to add a dependent clause, and correlative pairs to balance two matched parts.

Once you start spotting these links, you’ll feel your sentences click into place.