What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that joins words, phrases or clauses together. The most common are and, but, or, so, because, although and if.
Coordinating conjunctions join items of equal importance. The seven are often remembered with the word FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so. For example, in I like tea and coffee, and joins two nouns, and in She was tired, but she kept working, but joins two clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause that cannot stand alone, linking it to a main clause. Examples include because, although, since, unless, when, while and if, as in We stayed inside because it was raining. Correlative conjunctions work in pairs, like either...or, neither...nor and both...and.
Starting with and
Many students were taught not to begin a sentence with and or but. Grammar experts say this is acceptable, and good writers have done it for centuries. It can add emphasis or create a natural, conversational rhythm.
Did You Know?
The word conjunction comes from the Latin conjungere, meaning to join together.