A conjunction joins two ideas. But there are two very different kinds of joining — joining two EQUAL ideas, and joining a main idea to a dependent one. Let's meet both teams.
Study Zone is free for our students — you just need to log in with your WhatsApp number first.
Log in with WhatsApp →The first two chapters of every book are free once you're logged in. To open this one, request an unlock and we'll get back to you on WhatsApp.
These seven words join two EQUAL, complete ideas. Remember them with the word FANBOYS.
F
for
A
and
N
nor
B
but
O
or
Y
yet
S
so
"I like tea and coffee." "She is small but strong." "It rained, so we stayed home."
These words join a MAIN idea to a DEPENDENT idea that cannot stand alone — one that gives a reason, a time, or a condition.
| Word | Shows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| because | reason | He stayed home because he was sick. |
| although | contrast | Although it rained, we played outside. |
| if | condition | If you study, you will pass. |
| when | time | When the bell rings, we leave. |
| unless | exception | You will fail unless you try. |
Read both halves of the sentence. Decide: are they equal ideas, or is one giving a reason, condition or time for the other?
12 IEO-style questions on conjunctions. 🍀
