Conjunctions and Linking Words: Top 15 Key Points

Conjunctions and linking words are crucial for connecting clauses, sentences, and ideas in English. This guide covers the top 15 key points about conjunctions and linking words.

No.	Key Point	Explanation	Examples
1	Coordinating Conjunctions	Connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. Includes 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'yet', 'so'.	"She plays the guitar and sings." "I wanted to go, but it was too late."
2	Subordinating Conjunctions	Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Includes 'although', 'since', 'unless', 'while', 'because'.	"Although it was raining, we went out." "He left because he was tired."
3	Correlative Conjunctions	Work in pairs to join clauses or phrases. Includes 'either...or', 'neither...nor', 'not only...but also'.	"Either you start working now, or you'll miss the deadline." "She is not only intelligent but also very kind."
4	Conjunctive Adverbs	Link sentences or clauses and provide a transition. Includes 'however', 'therefore', 'moreover', 'consequently'.	"It was raining; therefore, the match was postponed." "He was late; however, we still welcomed him."
5	'Because' vs 'Since' vs 'As'	'Because' for direct cause, 'since' and 'as' for reasons already known to the listener.	"I stayed home because I was sick." "Since you're not interested, I'll go alone."
6	Contrasting with 'But' and 'Yet'	'But' and 'yet' introduce a contrast. 'Yet' is often more emphatic.	"She's small but strong." "He's very old, yet he's still active."
7	'So' and 'Therefore' for Cause and Effect	'So' and 'therefore' indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.	"It was late, so I went home." "He was ill, therefore he didn't attend."
8	'Although', 'Even Though', 'Though'	Introduce a contrast or unexpected result. 'Though' can also be used at the end of a sentence.	"Although it was cold, they went swimming." "It's expensive, though."
9	'While' and 'Whereas' for Contrast	Show contrast between two statements.	"She loves coffee, while he prefers tea." "I like to swim, whereas my brother likes to run."
10	'If' and 'Unless' for Conditions	'If' introduces a condition, 'unless' means 'if not'.	"If it rains, we will cancel the trip." "You won't succeed unless you work hard."
11	'Before', 'After', 'When' for Time	Indicate the timing of an action.	"We will leave after the show ends." "Call me when you arrive."
12	'Either...or' for Choice	Present two alternatives.	"You can either stay here or come with us."
13	'Neither...nor' for Negative Choice	Present two negative alternatives.	"He speaks neither Spanish nor French."
14	'Not only...but also' for Addition	Adds additional information.	"He is not only smart but also very friendly."
15	Using Conjunctions to Avoid Repetition	Conjunctions help in combining sentences to avoid repetition.	Without conjunction: "He is talented. He is humble." With conjunction: "He is talented and humble."