Conjunction facts for kids

Conjunctions are special words that act like glue! They connect words, phrases, or even whole sentences together. Think of them as bridges that link different parts of your writing.

Conjunctions help make your sentences flow smoothly and clearly. They let you combine ideas without having to write many short, choppy sentences.

What Are the Different Kinds of Conjunctions?

Conjunctions come in a few different forms, like single words, pairs of words, or even groups of words.

Single Word Conjunctions

These are the most common type. They are just one word long.

• and
• but
• or
• because
• although

Examples of Single Word Conjunctions

• Do you want chips or cake? (or connects two choices)
• I like to read and write. (and connects two actions)
• She was tired, but she kept working. (but connects two contrasting ideas)

Compound Conjunctions

These are made up of two or more words that work together as one conjunction.

• provided that
• as long as
• in order that
• in order to

Examples of Compound Conjunctions

• You need to exercise in order to lose weight. (in order to explains the purpose)
• We can play outside as long as it doesn't rain. (as long as sets a condition)

Correlative Conjunctions

These are pairs of conjunctions that always go together. They connect two equal parts of a sentence.

• both/and
• either/or
• neither/nor
• not only/but also

Examples of Correlative Conjunctions

• Either Monday or Tuesday is fine. (either/or connects two choices)
• Not only should you eat fruit, but also vegetables. (not only/but also adds emphasis to two things)
• She likes both cats and dogs. (both/and connects two things she likes)

How Do Conjunctions Work in Sentences?

Conjunctions also have different jobs depending on how they connect parts of a sentence. There are two main types: coordinating and subordinating.

Coordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions join parts of a sentence that are equally important. Think of them as connecting two main ideas or two similar items.

• They always come between the words or clauses they join.
• Common coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (you can remember them with the acronym FANBOYS).

Examples of Coordinating Conjunctions

• Jack and Jill went up the hill. (and joins two names)
• The water was warm, but I didn't go swimming. (but joins two independent clauses)
• Do you want to play games or watch a movie? (or joins two choices)

Subordinating Conjunctions

These conjunctions connect a less important part of a sentence (called a subordinate clause) to the main part of the sentence (called a main clause). The subordinate clause can't stand alone as a complete thought.

• They usually come at the beginning of the subordinate clause.
• Examples include: although, because, since, while, if, when, unless, until.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

• I went swimming although it was cold. (although connects the reason for swimming to the main action)
• Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (because explains why they stayed inside)
• We will start the game when everyone arrives. (when tells us the time the game will start)

Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?

Sometimes, people are told not to start a sentence with a conjunction like "And" or "But." However, many famous writers and good grammar guides say it's perfectly fine! It can be a useful way to make your writing flow better or to emphasize a point. Just make sure it sounds natural and clear.

Images for kids

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  A robot thinking about words.